Here's how you can gain practical experience in Content Strategy while still in school.

Gain practical experience in Content Strategy while in school by interning, volunteering for nonprofits, starting a blog, joining content-focused clubs, networking with professionals, attending workshops, freelancing, and leveraging social media to showcase your skills and build a portfolio.

To gain practical experience in content strategy while still in school, start by creating a personal blog or website where you regularly publish content on topics you’re passionate about. Join student organizations or clubs and offer to manage their social media accounts or contribute to their newsletters. Seek internships or part-time jobs with local businesses or nonprofits to help with their content needs. Additionally, take online courses and participate in relevant workshops or webinars. Network with professionals on LinkedIn and ask for informational interviews to learn more about the field.

Some ways to get started could be : 1. Volunteer for School Publications: Join the editorial team of your school newspaper, magazine, or digital publication. This hands-on experience is invaluable for learning content planning, execution, and management. 2. Participate in Student Organizations: Many organisations have websites or social media channels. Offer to help manage and create content for these platforms, developing strategies to increase engagement and reach. 3.One way to achieve this is by creating and managing a personal blog or YouTube channel focused on a specific niche or topic.

Let us add a couple of distinctions here for better understanding of the subject. Content creation = Random generation of any content, as per the generator’s emotional and intellectual needs at a point in time. Content Strategy = Deliberate creation of content to meet a specific need - for self, stakeholders, organisations etc. When you look at the above definitions, you realise that school time has a minuscule impact on content strategy, if at all. So here is the rub: Content strategy is best learned through organisation of available data, something very few schools teach. ????

It's important to closely follow the news and trends for the industry you're interested in. In the entertainment industry for example, early career potential hires will have a big leg up if they can speak from an informed place about the goings-on of the industry. Knowing what films have recently succeeded or failed theatrically, what TV series have been hits, what tech advances are affecting consumer behavior, understanding how new trends in social media, etc are spreading awareness of content - all of that is crucial. If you're plugged in, you'll develop a better understanding of potential best-practice strategies for your business/employer.

Whether you go out looking for a full time gig or write freelance, a shiny digital portfolio is a MUST. And I don’t mean shiny as in it’s packaged perfectly; all employers really wanna know is if you’re the right fit for the job so your portfolio should showcase: -what services you offer, -what writing skills you have, -and what niches you’ve worked in. In addition, make sure it’s super easy for potential clients to navigate the portfolio site and quickly find the answers to those questions. If they can’t immediately find the answers they’re looking for, they’ll likely just eliminate you from the list of candidates.

Creating a digital portfolio is a must! Elephant in the room - everyone's got one, so make yours shine. Showcase your best work with pizzazz—add writing samples, content plans, and analytics reports. Make it pop with energy and personality. Potential employers will see not just your skills but your unique flair. Make them remember you! ??????

I created a digital portfolio early in my career, which showcased my best work and the strategies behind them. Reflecting on my projects and their outcomes helped me understand my strengths and areas for improvement. This portfolio was instrumental in landing my first major consulting role, as it demonstrated my capability to think strategically and deliver results.

Start building a digital portfolio to showcase your content strategy skills. Create a personal website or blog where you can publish your work, including articles, videos, infographics, and social media campaigns. Highlight your process, from research and planning to execution and analysis. A well-curated digital portfolio not only demonstrates your capabilities but also makes you stand out to potential employers or clients.

Although this may look like a tough task initially with that first gig but there are many doors open such as freelancer or fiverr where on can find freelance opportunities. You can also go for part time internships related to this field to get more of a hands-on orientation towards this field. And instead of waiting on someone to give you work to create a portfolio you can make one yourself through hypothetical case studies or simply take an existing brand a refine its strategy to make yourself appear more credible in your portfolio.

Thank you for highlighting the value of freelancing in content strategy. I agree it's an excellent way to gain practical experience. My freelance work alongside full-time roles has significantly contributed to my professional growth, providing: Diverse industry exposure Enhanced adaptability to different brand voices Improved project management skills Sharpened strategic thinking Continuous learning of latest trends This experience, combined with my full-time roles, has given me a well-rounded perspective on content strategy. It's equipped me with the versatility and strategic thinking needed to tackle complex content challenges and deliver impactful results.

You can find a variety of freelance projects on websites like Upwork that provide opportunities to gain practical experience (and make a little money doing it.)

Getting freelancing projects can be tough but in school you have less responsibilities. So what I used to do is, after my lectures I would come straight to home and spend 2-3 hours a day in finding clients. Initially I had a lot of rejections but over the months, I started closing some projects. The best part of being in school is that you don't have much at stake, no family responsibility, no major expenses. You can afford to invest time and return you will get projects on which you can learn to create content strategy and upgrade your skills

There are many ways this cane be done. Begin at home, ask to profile your parents on social media. Your domestic help, pet or anyone/ anything in the house can be a project. Gain experience in making content and to understand what content is working and getting most engagement. Additionally, you can also explore, with the help of an adult, opportunities in your neighbourhood. Parks, cafes, friends, parents business (if any), local activities and events can become an interesting project for content creation.

Your network is your net worth Collaborating with expert content strategists in your network can dramatically improve your content strategy skills

When you have some work to show attend events (with adults, if necessary) to meet other content creators. Prepare questions and practice your own presentation for when you meet people. You can also identify specific people you would like to meet at events to make the most out of the visit.

Networking events have been a game-changer in my career. Attending industry conferences and workshops allowed me to learn from seasoned professionals and make valuable connections. These interactions often led to mentorship opportunities and job offers, significantly boosting my career growth in content strategy.

Attend networking events, workshops, and conferences related to content marketing and digital strategy. These events provide opportunities to learn from industry experts, stay updated on trends, and make valuable connections. Engaging with professionals can lead to internships, mentorships, and job offers. Networking also enhances your understanding of the industry and its evolving demands.

Join or start student organizations focused on marketing, communications, or digital media. These groups often run campaigns, host events, and create content, offering practical experience in content strategy. Leadership roles within these organizations can further develop your project management and team collaboration skills. Participation in student organizations demonstrates your initiative and commitment to your field.

Student organizations let you work on real projects so you can begin to understand what works and what doesn't in practical application. All of the book knowledge or courses in the world won't help if you never do something. Join an organization (it doesn't have to be marketing-focused; in fact, it's better if it's something else) and offer your services to the leadership to help create content—newsletters, social, event flyers, videos, etc. Try new things and see what works.

Online courses played a significant role in my professional development. Courses that included practical assignments and feedback helped me refine my skills in content audits, style guide creation, and strategy development. This structured learning, combined with real-world projects, solidified my expertise in content strategy.

Exploring online courses can be a transformative step toward mastering content strategy. These courses not only impart theoretical knowledge but also offer hands-on experience through practical assignments. Simulated projects simulate real-world scenarios, allowing you to hone skills like content auditing, style guide creation, and strategy development in a safe environment. Seek courses that offer constructive feedback from instructors or peers, enhancing your learning process and refining your strategic capabilities. This interactive approach ensures you not only grasp theoretical concepts but also gain practical insights crucial for success in content strategy roles.

Enroll in online courses to deepen your knowledge and skills in content strategy. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer courses on SEO, content marketing, social media strategy, and analytics. These courses often include practical assignments and projects, allowing you to apply what you learn. Continuous learning through online courses ensures you stay ahead of industry trends and best practices.

As you make content remember that the results don't necessary show immediately. Stay in the game and be patient. Pay attention to what your audience is enjoying as you grow. Ask people around you to comment or feedback your content so you can learn from others and expand your thinking.

Volunteer! I have gained so much experience in the copywriting and content creation fields simply through volunteering with nonprofit organizations. Bonus: it’s a great resume booster!

Volunteer, but don't get into the trap of doing "free" work on an endless loop. Try to volunteer with world-class websites and promising start-ups.

To acquire practical Content Strategy experience during your school years, focus on developing a strong foundation in content creation, audience understanding, and digital platforms. 1) Practice writing articles, blog posts, social media content, and other relevant formats. Experiment with different content styles and tones to find your strengths. 2) Develop a keen understanding of target audiences by conducting research and surveys. Analyze their preferences, behaviors, and pain points to tailor content accordingly. 3) Explore various content management systems (CMS) and social media platforms. Learn how to optimize content for search engines (SEO) and analyze website analytics to measure performance.

It's easy to find gigs even when you are in school. Start with the school's publications / social media accounts. See if you can volunteer. Then there are the professors who likely need help - again see, if you can volunteer. And of course, take up freelance gigs on the side. There are also internships you can do during summer...