Searching for a marketing internship can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be complicated.
As someone who’s been on both sides of the hiring table, I’ve gathered practical advice that actually works in today’s competitive job market.
In this guide, I’ll share straightforward strategies that helped me and dozens of my peers secure positions at companies both large and small.
What is a marketing internship?
A marketing internship is a temporary position that gives students and recent graduates practical experience in the marketing field.
These positions typically last 3-6 months and may be paid or unpaid depending on the company.
Marketing internships help you apply classroom knowledge to real business situations while learning how marketing teams actually function.
What do marketing interns do?
Marketing interns handle a variety of tasks depending on the company and its specific needs. You might help with social media management, create content for campaigns, assist with market research, or help organize marketing events.
Many interns also participate in team meetings, contribute ideas to projects, and learn how marketing strategies are developed and implemented.
Related article: How To Outperform Your Peers in Top Marketing Jobs
How to get a marketing internship
1. Build a Strong Resume and Portfolio
Building a strong resume and portfolio is about organizing your experiences to show your marketing potential.
Include relevant coursework, class projects, volunteer work, and any content you’ve created even if it wasn’t for a job.
Your portfolio should contain writing samples, social media content, design work, or campaign ideas you’ve developed. Keep both documents updated as you gain new skills and experiences.
What skills should I highlight for a marketing internship?
For a marketing internship, highlight your communication skills, both written and verbal. Include your experience with social media platforms, basic design tools, and any data analysis abilities you have.
Companies also value organization, attention to detail, and the ability to work with teams. Show that you’re comfortable learning new tools and adapting to changing priorities.
How do I create a marketing resume with no experience?
You can create a marketing resume with no experience by focusing on transferable skills from other areas of your life.
Include relevant coursework, class projects, volunteer work, and student club activities. Be specific about your abilities and what you’ve learned, even if it wasn’t in a formal marketing role.
2. Network and Connect
Networking and connecting with professionals is about building relationships with people in the marketing field who can help guide your career path.
Attend industry events, join marketing clubs at your school, and reach out to alumni who work in marketing roles.
Taking time to build genuine connections can lead to internship opportunities that aren’t posted publicly and gives you access to advice from people who have been in your position.
What should I put on my LinkedIn for a marketing internship?
On LinkedIn for a marketing internship, include your education, relevant coursework, and any projects that show your marketing skills.
Add volunteer work, student organizations, and other experiences that demonstrate your communication and teamwork abilities.
Complete your profile with a professional photo and a clear summary that states your interest in marketing and the types of internships you’re seeking.
3. Search and Apply for Internships
Searching and applying for internships requires organization and attention to detail. Create a spreadsheet to track application deadlines, company information, and follow-up dates.
Read each job description carefully and adjust your resume and cover letter to match what each company is looking for.
Apply to several internships at once since the process can take time and many positions are competitive.
How do I find marketing internships?
You can find marketing internships through your university’s career center, job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn, and company websites.
Industry-specific job boards like MediaBistro or MarketingHire often post entry-level positions and internships.
Related article: The Best Free Job Posting Sites in 2025: Your Ultimate Guide
4. Prepare for Interviews
Preparing for interviews involves researching the company thoroughly and understanding how your skills match their needs.
Practice answering common questions about your interest in marketing and examples of your work. Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the internship responsibilities and team culture.
How do I prepare for a marketing internship interview?
To prepare for a marketing internship interview, research the company’s recent marketing campaigns, social media presence, and overall brand strategy.
Practice explaining why you’re interested in their company specifically and how your skills can help their marketing efforts.
Before the interview, review the job description again and think about how your experiences relate to what they’re looking for.
Related article: What to Bring to an Interview to Be Fully Prepared and Ready
5. Stay Persistent and Keep Learning
Staying persistent and continuing to learn is essential when looking for marketing internships. If you face rejection, ask for feedback when possible and use it to improve your next application.
If you’re feeling down, remember that each application and interview provides valuable experience that brings you closer to securing an internship!
Is it hard to get a marketing internship?
Getting a marketing internship can be competitive, but not impossible with the right approach.
Companies receive many applications, so your success depends on preparation, persistence, and how well you present your existing skills.
Even without marketing experience, you can increase your chances by creating a strong application that shows your potential and enthusiasm for learning.
How can I stand out in a marketing internship application?
You can stand out in a marketing internship application by tailoring your materials to each specific company rather than using generic templates.
Include examples of relevant projects or work that demonstrate your skills, even if they were for classes or personal projects.
Following directions precisely and writing a thoughtful cover letter that explains why you’re interested in that particular company will set you apart from many applicants.
FAQ
Which internship is best for marketing?
The best marketing internship depends on your specific interests and career goals within the marketing field.
Large companies often offer structured programs with formal training, while smaller companies might give you more varied responsibilities and direct mentorship.
Consider what areas of marketing interest you most—digital, content, social media, or analytics—and look for internships that offer experience in those specific areas.
How do I build a marketing portfolio as a beginner?
To build a marketing portfolio as a beginner, start by creating personal projects like social media content, blog posts, or simple campaign ideas for real or imaginary products.
Include class assignments, volunteer work for campus organizations, or content you’ve created for your own social media accounts.
Do I need a degree to get a marketing internship?
You don’t necessarily need a completed degree to get a marketing internship, as many are designed for current students.
Being enrolled in a marketing, communications, business, or related program can help, but demonstrating relevant skills and knowledge through projects or self-learning can be equally valuable.
What are the big 4 internships?
The “Big 4” typically refers to internships at the major accounting firms: Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG, which all offer marketing internships within their organizations.
These companies provide structured programs with competitive pay and potential for full-time offers after graduation.
While prestigious, marketing internships at these firms focus on professional services marketing, which differs from consumer product or digital marketing roles.
