My name is Valentina Roca-Gómez. I started studying at IE University in 2019 as a student in the Bachelor in Behavior and Social Sciences. I have really enjoyed my experience working as an intern at IE University’s marketing department.
In the future, I hope to pursue a career in consulting because I would love to make an impact with my work and help companies solve the problems that they face. Consulting is an interesting field to work in because it allows you to work with companies that span a variety of sectors. I think this would be a great fit for me because I am always looking to expand my knowledge and learn new things.
What types of projects did you work on as a marketing intern at IE University?
My responsibilities include contacting students, alumni and professors to learn about their experiences and careers from which we then make content. I conduct interviews and learn about members of the IE University community and share their stories through blog posts, videos, and social media. The marketing department communicates with many teams along with working together internally to execute campaigns and create new marketing content.
I was able to create twenty-four alumni stories for IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs website, and also created several blog posts on relevant topics for the Uncover IE blog. In addition, I covered events, including the Women in Finance conference and the Making Law for Media forum, and updated the websites of IE Law School and IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs. I also analyzed data to create reports such as the class report and career reports.
What was the recruiting process like? What were the steps and how were the interviews?
The recruiting process to enter the marketing department at IE University consisted of going through a series of interviews. I was asked to talk about myself and why I would be a good fit for the position, and was also tested on my fluency in English and Spanish. I was asked about my strengths and weaknesses and what I expected to gain from this experience.
During the second interview, I met my prospective managers and was asked to explain how my behavioral science background could benefit the marketing department. It is essential to evaluate and understand human behavior to identify their needs to offer better programs for them.
My interviewers explained the role of IE Law School and IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs in attracting people from diverse backgrounds. These two schools are among the most successful under the IE University umbrella, and the opportunity to work behind the scenes, discovering how to sell and promote their programs through different marketing channels., would give me the chance to grow into a more well-rounded professional.
What has been the highlight of your experience?
The experience has been a great opportunity to dive deeper into understanding the world of marketing in the context of academia. I have really enjoyed meeting many diverse and exciting people and learning about their stories.
I have been fortunate to work on a team made up of powerful women who through their discipline, organization and dedication have taught me to be as diligent and efficient as they are. I am especially fortunate to have Idoia Septien, Eleonora Carnaroglio and Alejandra Acedo as my mentors. Their passion for their work has made every day at the office a very exciting and comfortable experience.
All in all, my time working at IE University has allowed me to be constantly challenged. I have learned remarkable lessons that will help me in my future professional experiences.
How do you think you benefited from this experience?
I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have completed an internship while also studying part-time. This experience was my first taste of the corporate world, and I’m so glad I decided to take on this challenge instead of solely focusing on my studies. I faced constant challenges, but also learned to work more effectively under pressure and manage my tasks effectively without succumbing to stress and negative emotions.
What tips or advice would you give to other students applying for an internship?
Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity to build your skills and gain real-world experience. You have the power to build a strong profile, and it all depends on how you want to take advantage of the opportunities presented to you.
Don’t hesitate to explore new and uncharted territories with an open mind. Remember, growth and development often happen outside our comfort zones. It’s important to put aside excuses and take action.
Start by evaluating your options and applying to jobs that align with your interests and goals. Once you secure an interview, take the time to prepare yourself and develop a growth mindset that will help you learn and adapt to new situations.
