Being open to new opportunities | Alyssa, Leith Intern
Alyssa, Leith Intern
As I neared the end of my university degree, having gained some marketing experience through various projects and coursework, I was eager to learn more. I then discovered the UNLOCKED Internship Programme. Eager to develop and learn in a professional environment, I saw this as the perfect opportunity. After going through the application process, I was thrilled to be accepted into the second cohort for a 7-week placement with Leith.
The internship offered me a real chance to contribute. I wasn’t there to just shadow others – from day one I was told I was going to be treated like any other member of the team. There was a lot to learn, but the team’s constant encouragement and guidance made it easier to manage. There was always someone willing to answer questions, provide feedback, or a coffee break when needed. I never felt alone in the process – everyone, from other interns to department heads, took the time to explain their roles and gave me tasks outside of client work to expand my skills.
Throughout the internship, I worked on a variety of tasks, including updating websites, managing gifting campaigns, and conducting research for pitches and tenders. These experiences helped me refine my attention to detail, enhance my communication skills, and gain a stronger understanding of the strategic elements behind marketing and client relations.
One of the highlights for me was the agency’s sports day. Not only was it a fun break from the usual hustle and bustle, but it was a bonding experience with other staff across different teams. To top it all off, I was on the winning team! The day cemented a sense of camaraderie within the agency that carried through the rest of my internship.
Leith Agency Sports Day
Over those seven weeks, I gained invaluable insights and a clearer sense of direction for my career. What began as a general interest in marketing became a focused understanding of the areas I truly enjoyed, like working with CMS platforms and managing client relations. Seven weeks flew by, but its impact has stayed with me. I left the internship with a greater knowledge of the industry and a network of supportive professionals. If I learned one thing, it’s to be open to new opportunities – and winning a sports day doesn’t hurt, either!
I couldn’t write this blogpost without mentioning the other UNLOCKED interns. We were fortunate enough that Leith had taken on 4 UNLOCKED interns, Jamal and Anita in creative and Steph and I in client services. The four of us became close, sharing our experiences and giving insights into our different areas of work. Supporting each other when we were unsure at times, and always bringing a positive attitude.
L-R, Leith interns: Stephanie, Anita, Alyssa, Jamal
Shortly after my internship at Leith ended, I started a new role as an analyst. Although I haven’t been in this position long, I’ve already noticed numerous connections between the two roles. The skills I developed at Leith have seamlessly carried over, and I can see their impact not only in my work but also in my personal growth and confidence in this new role.