Overall Reflection
My marketing internship at Edgar’s Inn was a mix of challenges and wins. From figuring out the finnicky Meta ad platform to setting boundaries with coworkers, each experience taught me something new and helped me feel more confident stepping into a full-time role.
Me, behind the bar at 18!
Reflection
My first challenge I faced in the role also resulted in being a win. I have worked with the company for close to 5 years, working in Event management for the past year. When I started this internship role, I found that people were consistently asking me to do jobs relating to Event Management, in my allocated Marketing hours.
I found I had to clearly lay my boundaries a few times to combat this. I was happy to find this did not affect my relationships, as I could utilise the rapport I had built over the years to effectively navigate these conversations, without sounding rude or dismissive.
One of the most challenging aspects of my role was learning to navigate Meta’s platform for paid advertisements. Setting up and managing ads on Meta (Facebook and Instagram) was daunting; the platform is well-known for its complexity, with a steep learning curve for new users. I didn’t have formal training in this area, so my team and I had to teach ourselves how to set up campaigns, target audiences, and optimize ads for better engagement. The process was not only time-consuming but also frustrating at times, as we had to learn through trial and error. Figuring out how to make the most of Meta’s features, without an experienced guide, required patience; both against the platform and tensions between the team when we couldn’t get it working.
This experience reinforced the importance of adaptability and problem-solving. I found that even when it felt too challenging, taking the time to research, experiment, and analyse each new step gave me a sense of accomplishment and allowed me to develop a new, valuable skill. Though it was difficult, I could see the impact of each successful ad campaign, which made the struggle worthwhile.
On a personal level, I also had to reevaluate my work habits and boundaries. Working in marketing, especially with social media, meant that work content frequently surfaced on my personal feeds, making it difficult to truly disconnect. I noticed that I was carrying work home with me, as the engagement counts (likes, comments, follows etc.) were notifying on my personal phone. This continuous connection created a subtle but constant mental engagement with work, which started to impact my ability to fully relax and recharge.
I realised that my tendency to stay connected stemmed from an assumption that more engagement equates to better productivity. However, upon reflection, I began to see that this mindset was more draining than beneficial. Disconnecting from work outside of office hours doesn’t reduce my commitment or effectiveness; in fact, it might enhance it by allowing me to approach tasks with a refreshed mind and renewed focus.
Despite these challenges, one of the most rewarding aspects of this internship was the freedom I had to be creative and the respect my ideas received from my team. I was encouraged to contribute ideas and participate in brainstorming sessions, and it was gratifying to see my input taken seriously. Watching my concepts evolve with team feedback and then seeing them implemented felt incredibly fulfilling. This role showed me that my contributions could make a meaningful impact, which was a significant motivator and a source of pride. The respect for creativity within the team and the collaborative environment made each day engaging and helped me grow as a marketing professional.
Moving forward, I plan to continue applying these boundary-setting practices to maintain a healthy work-life balance. This internship has taught me that being “all in” doesn’t mean being “always on.” Establishing these boundaries has not only helped me maintain my well-being but has also improved my productivity by allowing me to focus more effectively during working hours.
The Work Team
One of the most rewarding outcomes of this internship was being offered a full-time position as Marketing Manager! I was thrilled to accept the role and am genuinely excited to continue working with the team. The opportunity to transition from an intern to a full-time team member feels incredibly validating, and I’m looking forward to further contributing to our projects and continuing to grow within the company. This role aligns perfectly with my career goals, and I’m stoked to be part of a team that values creativity, collaboration, and professional development.
Conclusion
Looking back, I’m thrilled with how much I’ve learned and even more excited to have landed a full-time spot as Marketing Manager. It’s great to be part of a team that values creativity and growth, and I can’t wait to keep building on what we’ve started together.