Have you ever wondered what working for TikTok is like, not as an influencer, but behind the scenes at their offices? Alexandra Martínez, a student currently pursuing a Dual Degree Bachelor in Business Administration & Laws at IE University, spent her summer interning at TikTok’s headquarters in Madrid. Here’s a look inside her experience at the tech giant’s fast-paced office.
Q: Tell us a bit about your TikTok internship. What was your role?
A: I was a summer intern at TikTok’s Madrid office, as a part of the Global E-Commerce team. My job there was really diverse, covering a range of projects across different areas. I had the privilege of working alongside a talented and supportive team on projects that aligned with my interests and areas of expertise.
A big part of my work was focused on helping TikTok strengthen its position in digital advertising and ensuring that the clients achieved their goals. This involved identifying potential partnerships for companies and content creators, supporting emerging creators’ growth, and connecting them with the right brands for strategic ad campaigns. Each project came with its own challenges, of course, but that’s exactly what made this experience so rewarding.
Q: What kinds of projects have you been involved in?
A: TikTok has become the leading entertainment platform that it is today by continuously innovating in digital content and e-commerce, and by making it easy for people to share their ideas. This dynamic environment and management style allowed me to contribute to several exciting initiatives.
For example, I had the chance to develop and implement new strategies to help promote TikTok’s advertising solutions to business clients. I spent time researching brands and creators with high potential for e-commerce, as well as identifying key opportunities to enhance our products. By analyzing market trends and customer insights, I was able to craft compelling campaigns that increase engagement and deliver value.
Q: What have you enjoyed the most about your internship?
A: I’d have to say one of my favorite parts of working for TikTok was the chance to pitch some of my favorite brands. Being able to promote products that I personally consume was particularly rewarding, since it allowed me to get to know these companies on a deeper level.
I’ve also gained valuable insights into entertainment platforms and strategic approaches for both brands and content creators. But the most enriching aspects of my experience as a TikTok intern have been the professional growth and the relationships I’ve built during this time.
Q: Can you tell us about a specific challenge you faced and how you overcame it?
A: I must confess, this internship has been both highly rewarding and significantly challenging. I think the biggest challenge I came across was pitching products and ideas to corporate clients, something that I had little experience doing.
While I had some practice managing clients and consider myself a confident speaker, the responsibility of pitching on behalf of a major company like TikTok was very intimidating.
I had to quickly become familiar with new projects and master the details to effectively present them in a convincing way. I overcame this obstacle by making a habit of thoroughly preparing for each pitch, making sure I could address any technical questions that might come up.
It was hard, sure. But I viewed it as a learning opportunity. Not only did I improve my presentation skills, but I mastered the ability to prepare and adapt in high-stakes situations.
Q: What are some key skills you have gained during your TikTok internship?
A: It’s hard to choose just a few. For starters, this internship has significantly bettered my multitasking and organizational abilities, helping me develop the ability to juggle several projects at once. I’ve also refined my communication skills, which are essential for collaborating with teammates and stakeholders. I also learned how to build a more creative mindset, particularly when it comes to imagining new strategies for content and campaign development.
Q: How have your studies helped you during this experience?
A: The skills and knowledge I acquired during my Dual Degree in Business Administration & Laws have been key to my success at TikTok. My critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, which are core skills taught at my university, have been essential in navigating TikTok’s incredibly fast-paced environment. My academic background has also given me a unique perspective, allowing me to come up with out-of-the-box solutions and contribute meaningfully to the projects I was involved in.
Q: How do your TikTok internship will impact your career?
A: Working for TikTok, a leading company in the industry, will undoubtedly have a significant impact on my future career. The skills and knowledge I’ve gained, particularly in the areas of e-commerce, digital strategy, and brand collaboration, are part of a strong foundation that, I believe, will guarantee my success in future roles.
The opportunity to work for a globally recognized company has also broadened my professional network and opened up new opportunities for growth and development in my career.
During her summer at TikTok, Alexandra gained invaluable experience and built lasting professional connections, setting herself up for future success. Her time working for TikTok has been, in no doubt, a defining chapter in her career journey, with lessons and skills that will serve her well for years to come.
If you’d like to learn more about the degree that landed Alexandra her TikTok internship, visit the IE University Dual Degree Bachelor in Business Administration & Laws official webpage.