Kaitlin Patt is a sophomore Marketing and Sales double specialization student from Wakefield, Massachussetts. She was a Marketing and Social Media Specialist Intern at True North Realty.
When/how did you secure your internship?
"I secured my internship by actively networking and applying for the position at a small real estate company in Reading, MA. I began my internship at the start of the summer, which allowed me to gain valuable hands-on experience in the field."
What was your position at the company? Were there any projects or aspects of the job in which you had a special interest?
"During my internship, my position at the company was Marketing and Social Media Specialist. One of the aspects of the job that particularly piqued my interest was the opportunity to rebrand and create a toolkit for enhancing their social media presence. I thoroughly enjoyed working on this project, as it allowed me to combine my creative skills with marketing strategies. Additionally, I actively participated in organizing and assisting with open houses and attending various meetings, which provided me with a well-rounded experience in the real estate industry."
Did the internship prepare you (or make you excited) for a career in that field?
"Absolutely, my internship experience in the real estate industry has greatly prepared me and fueled my excitement for a career in this field. Working as a Marketing and Social Media Specialist and actively participating in various aspects of the industry, such as open houses and meetings, has given me a comprehensive understanding of the profession. It has solidified my ambition to become a real estate agent, and I took a significant step towards that goal by completing a 40-hour training course by the end of the summer. This internship was a valuable stepping stone in my journey toward a rewarding career in real estate."
What was the most challenging aspect of your job?
"The most challenging aspect of my job as a Marketing and Social Media Specialist during my internship in the real estate industry was managing the high volume of content creation and engagement required for effective social media marketing. Real estate is a competitive field, and maintaining a consistent online presence with engaging and relevant content can be demanding. Additionally, ensuring that the content adhered to company branding and appealed to the target audience was crucial. Balancing these tasks and keeping up with the ever-changing social media landscape presented a significant challenge, but it also provided valuable learning experiences and opportunities for growth in my role."
Do you have any tips for students trying to secure an internship?
"Start Early: Begin your search well in advance to meet application deadlines. Set Clear Goals: Know what you want to achieve from the internship. Network: Leverage connections, both online and offline. Use Online Resources: Explore job boards and career websites. Customize Applications: Tailor your resume and cover letter for each position. Prepare for Interviews: Practice common questions and conduct mock interviews. Attend Career Fairs: Network at university career events. Follow Up: Send thank-you emails after applying or interviewing. Consider Virtual Internships: Expand your search to remote opportunities. Stay Persistent: Don't be discouraged by rejections; keep applying and improving. Seek Feedback: Use feedback to enhance your applications and interviews. Be Professional: Maintain a polished online presence, especially on LinkedIn. Remember that internships are mutually beneficial; focus on learning and skill-building during your experience."