Throughout my internship so far, I have picked up quite a few skills, all of which have been a learning process. I would say I have learned just as many hard skills as I have soft skills in the office. For example, I have developed quite a strong sense of problem solving and adaptability, but I have also learned how to use different online platforms and editing tools.
To start with the hard skills, since I work for a small company, I was expected to pick up on the specific platforms and web based editing tools they use, even with zero prior knowledge. While this was a challenge at first, it has been extremely beneficial to add to my resume and for future jobs. I previously had not used Adobe before, but coming here, I have done most of my editing and design work on this platform. There was a learning curve which frustrated me at first, but once I got the hang of it I realized how useful the platform is and how much it elevated my work.
I also had to become accustomed to using WordPress as a website designing platform. Although I am currently typing this on Pitt’s Business WordPress account, posting a blog and using the application as a website designing tool are very different from each other. I am not a graphic designer, but I had not realized how hand-in-hand communications work goes with that type of creativity. So, I have had to learn how to not only use the application to mimic the original website designer’s style, also but maximize my resources and leave some of my own input on how a page is organized.
In addition to platforms and editing tools, I have also developed stronger writing skills to pair with the visuals I make. My writing progress from this internship has been quite useful for my career because of the diversity of writing I have practiced. I have had PR writing assignments, social media copies, and advertising/marketing writing practice all within the month and a half I have been here. This diversity in my portfolio will be great to have on my resume and will help me be more prepared for future jobs.
In terms of soft skills, I have also acquired quite the variety while working here in Sweden. The most valuable one has to be my time management skills. This internship has definitely given me a lot of time to work, which makes it easy to get distracted or push work off. When you have long work days it seems like you have “so much time” to get tasks done. However, I have learned how to split up work and delegate it throughout the day. I always have a goal at the beginning of each day where I write down what I am going to accomplish. And then from there, I split up my work based on how much I know I can do at a time.
Sweden has allowed me to delegate my time while incorporating little breaks. This has helped me not get lost in the weeds of work, and keep my mind sharp from the early morning until 5pm when it’s time to go home. I have talked about this a bit before in my previous blogs, but splitting up work and taking smart breaks in between really helps keep your mind present and active throughout the whole day.
Another soft skill I have learned while interning here is definitely communication, specifically among bosses and people of higher ranking in the office. Before, I was nervous and scared to talk to or request anything from my boss, as I did not want to bother him. But now I have learned to stand up for myself and how to ask for guidance and input in order to make sure that the work I am producing is actually benefitting the company, in a professional way.
This communication has also allowed me to work on my adaptability. As I mentioned a bit earlier, having to do visual design work as well as PR and social media requires quite the adaptable skillset. In larger companies, one person or even a team of people are dedicated to each of those jobs individually. So being able to work a bit on website visuals, jump to advertising graphic design, then switch over to press release writing has proved quite challenging but definitely allowed me to fine tune this skillset. Adapting in a fast paced work environment like my own is such a valuable skill which I plan on incorporating and utilizing in whatever future career path I may follow.
Finally, I have worked on my creativity. With designing advertising and social media materials, I have learned to really hone in on my creative side and allow my skillset to adapt to the new ideas and visions I have. Although not all of my visual work has been perfect, I have definitely worked and improved this aspect quite a bit.
So although I have gained both soft and hard skills, the overall picture of what I have learned here is broad. I have gained both interpersonal as well as work-specific skills which have helped me navigate a professional work environment. At times the internship is not easy, but the experience I have gained is irreplaceable.
Until next time!