Here's how you can jumpstart your career in Digital Strategy with internships or apprenticeships.

Be clear on what you want to get out of your internship. You can't just turn up, make coffee and then try and sell your knowledge to other companies because you won't have it, and a name on a CV just doesn't cut it. Be prepared with what you want to learn. Request real responsibilities, or, go to your interview with a list of key learnings or experiences that you want to gain, areas of specialism that you want to observe, projects or programs that you want to be a part of, insights and perspectives that you want to gather.

Coffee runs won't cut it. Demand real responsibilities in your internship. Try to seel opportunities to lead projects, no matter how small. Real experience trumps theoretical knowledge every time.

Organisations have started valuing skill sets rather than only degrees. Gaining experience in internships will allow you to build that skill set and get you ready for your full time job. Remember internships are for learning and not for earning. I have seen a lot of students take really niche roles in their internships for better stipends. Be wise about the intership you choose. The more exposure you can get the better.

You need to understand analytics first as it would improve your understanding of how a strategy would flow. I did that by applying to multiple companies for internships and most of the time working without a stipend so that I may get a hands on experience.

The first step is to gain hands-on experience. I started by taking on internships that allowed me to work on real projects and learn the ropes of digital strategy. These experiences were invaluable as they gave me a practical understanding of the industry and helped me build my skills. Look for opportunities where you can be involved in various aspects of digital strategy, from SEO to social media management.

Before going into what you should attend, you need to know what type of people you would be aligning yourself with more. For me, it was freelancers and agencies. Which helps me to this day. Knowing a lot of people from different backgrounds that you may never be able to utilize basically diminishes the purpose of Networking.

Building a Professional network is crucial: 1. Attend Industry Events: Conferences, meetups, and workshops are great places to meet people in the industry 2. Join Online Communities: Participate in online forums, social media groups, and professional networks. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and connect with other professionals. 3. Reach Out to Professionals: send personalized messages to people working in digital strategy. Ask for informational interviews, express your interest in their work, & inquire about potential opportunities. 4. Offer Value: Offer your skills and expertise to help others. This creates a positive impression & build reciprocity 5. Follow Up: After meeting, send a thank-you note or email and stay in touch.

Networking can often seem like speed dating – minus the awkward name tags or free drinks. However, it’s pivotal in the digital strategy realm. Start by attending industry events or joining online communities where you can meet like-minded professionals. Don’t be shy – send that connection request, drop a friendly message, and maybe share a cat meme or two (just kidding!). Just remember, it’s all about building meaningful relationships and not just collecting business cards. Document who you meet, what you talked about, and follow up with a personalized message. This way, not only will you grow your network, but you’ll also clearly see how these connections align with your business objectives

Networking is not about collecting business cards. Build meaningful relationships by contributing value. Challenge industry leaders with fresh perspectives. Make yourself memorable through your ideas, not your small talk.

Networking is useful, but certainly not a way to start a new career, esp in something like digital strategy. You execute first. You get to develop strategy only after a solid set of years of execution. Through these execution years, networking will happen by default.

It is best to learn tools that can be integrated with various other tools. Meta and Google Marketing Tools are important to learn for Digital Strategy since you learn about the possibilities of what can be achieved and which people can be shown the ad in the most cost effective way. Same goes for other marketing tools of social media platforms, they are a must. Then comes CRM's that basically combine all marketing tools into one but the choice of CRM relies on your operations.

Don't just learn how to use tools; understand why they're used. Dive deep into the logic behind popular digital strategy platforms. Better yet, learn to code - at least the basics. Technical knowledge will set you apart in strategy discussions.

Provide Support and Resources Ensure your team has everything they need to succeed. Access to Tools: Provide the necessary tools and resources to your team. This can range from software to training materials. Remove Obstacles: Identify and eliminate any obstacles that hinder your team's progress. This shows that you are committed to their success.

Strategy isn't just about long-term planning. Cultivate the ability to think strategically in real-time. Seek opportunities to solve complex problems under pressure. That's where true strategic skills are honed.

This is where I believe that, from my experience, internships or apprenticeships may not be the right choice. The reality is that the majority of people who take internships or apprenticeships spend their time on smaller projects or even admin tasks. Those do not really develop strategic thinking. So my advice is: develop some project on the side, even if small. Create a small digital product, a website, an email marketing list and a social media presence and... sell! When you're put the responsibility to sell and make profit, that's how you develop Strategic Thinking.

A collection of school projects won't impress anyone. Create real-world impact, even if it's pro bono. Try and develop case studies that demonstrate measurable results. Quantify your contributions wherever possible.

When building your portfolio, have two things in mind: 1) Not all need to come from the internships or apprenticeships you take. They all must be real-life, but not all need to be related to "working in another company". Personal real-life projects are as valuable, if not more (because they know entrepreneurship mindset) 2) The way you present your portfolio is as important as having a large one. This means: you need to sell each experience. State the context/background, what was the challenge, what was the strategic direction you took, what actions you put in place, and what results you got.

Don't pigeonhole yourself into traditional roles. The digital landscape is constantly evolving. Position yourself at the intersection of strategy, technology, and business. Be prepared to create your own job title if necessary.

Digital Strategy is an ever-evolving field, and staying updated is crucial. During my internship, I took the initiative to enroll in an online course on SEO and digital marketing. This not only expanded my knowledge but also allowed me to apply fresh insights to real projects. By continuously learning and staying curious, you can adapt to new trends and technologies, enhancing your skillset. This proactive approach to learning demonstrates your commitment to growth and can set you apart from others in the industry.