The benefits of an Internship for your small business
We welcome all professionals, whether you own the business yourself or work for someone elses or even if you are responsible for growth and brand awareness for a charity, we can help.
We want to see our members thrive. That means not just increased profit but also increased opportunities, new premises, and the scary one for many staff!
It’s a big jump going from business owner to boss and as our Founder Mandie Holgate can confirm it takes a lot of training to excel at it (and it’s the downfall of many businesses that fail to appreciate that). Here best selling fiction author Soulla Christodoulou shares her exciting news and experience of welcoming an intern to their successful writing business…
I am excited to introduce Diellza, the first intern I have ever taken on. Over the past four weeks, Diellza has been immersing herself in the world of freelance work with me, gaining a multitude of skills. After completing her first month with me, I sat down with Diellza to discuss the five key skills she feels she has gained.
During my internship with Soulla, I had the opportunity to engage deeply with a number of different tasks from editing manuscripts to marketing research for her book campaign. It has been an absolute pleasure working with Soulla and her positive mind set as she has motivated me to learn. This experience allowed me to develop skills crucial in the world of publishing and in the wider scope of business.
1. Manuscript Editing: Under Soulla’s guidance, I honed my ability to meticulously edit manuscripts, focusing on detail, structure, and clarity. Also, understanding the nuances of point of view, showing vs. telling, and identifying those pesky plot holes. The detail-oriented nature of editing is directly applicable to any business setting. Whether reviewing reports, ensuring the quality of services, or simply writing emails the ability to analyse and refine content is important to maintaining high standards.
2. Newsletter Composition: Helping Soulla craft the August newsletter taught me how to engage an audience, convey information succinctly, and maintain a consistent brand voice. Writing newsletters is similar to creating any form of internal or external communication in any business setting. Understanding your target audience and brand’s consistency helps in marketing and client communication.
3. Marketing Campaign Development: Participating in the creation of a marketing campaign for Soulla’s upcoming book introduced me to strategies for promoting a product and reaching targeted audiences effectively. Marketing skills are universally applicable. Developing campaigns involves understanding market needs and consumer behaviour, which are important for successful business growth and product launches. It is also important when looking at your business’ social media, which is an important tool when marketing yourself or your business.
4. Manuscript Vetting: Reviewing synopses and initial manuscript pages to assess their potential required critical thinking to assess whether it was the right project to take on. This experience is similar to project assessment and risk management in business. Being able to critically evaluate a project’s potential for success is crucial for any business.
5. Time Management and Multitasking: Balancing various tasks simultaneously such as editing, marketing, and writing required effective time management and prioritisation. The ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities is essential in any business. Good time management leads to increased productivity and better project outcomes.
Diellza’s journey has equipped her with transferable skills that are beneficial in any professional setting, whether it is for an independent business or a corporate environment. Overall, the past month has been an enriching experience for both of us.
Diellza sounds like a great INsider in the making and perfect for HERA – her advantage too – we look forward to hearing more about her professional career and more great news from best selling author Soulla.
