For most college students, landing an internship opportunity is the first goal. Turning that into a full-time role after graduation? That would be a dream.
While I was pursuing a degree in Media Arts and Design at JMU, I wanted to explore roles in social media content creation. The creativity, the challenge of connecting with viewers in a constantly changing algorithm, and the ability to create fast-moving, relevant content seemed right in line with my background and interests.
A professor introduced me to the incredible opportunity at Red Thinking, and I was fortunate enough to secure the social media marketing internship just before my senior year—a true gift that set the stage for my career.
I was immediately thrown into the fast-paced world of a branding and digital agency — and I was hooked! I knew I would learn a lot, but I didn’t anticipate the level of hands-on experience I would get, or the inspiration from working with talented colleagues and real-world clients. It was a huge jump from simply learning about social media in a college class or my own scrolling, and I quickly realized the precise strategy and creativity that goes into social media campaigns.
When I got the chance to go full-time, I realized how much my internship shaped me—building my confidence in my work and working with clients. Here’s how I turned that internship into a full-time gig.
Make the Most of the Internship Experience
As a social media intern, I had three clients that I covered. With each client, there was a process that involved brainstorming ideas and forming the monthly outline, creating the content, and then working through feedback and revisions — this last step was one of the most formative in helping me grow as a social media writer.
Previously, when I saw a social media post, I didn’t think about everything that went into it. It was so cool to see the other side and understand how much planning goes into every post, including how using content creation tools like Sprout makes the process more automated and measurable.
During my internship, I not only learned to adapt voice and tone for each client, but I also gained a deeper understanding of the strategy behind it. I began to grasp what makes a brand truly stand out—their “why”—and how to own that in the online space. Whether through organic conversations or content, I learned how to connect a brand’s purpose with its audience, ensuring every social media post felt authentic and on point with their overall message. It wasn’t just about speaking in their voice; it was about amplifying what makes them exceptional.
I used every opportunity to learn the ins and outs of social media, and working closely with Shay was invaluable. She was a welcoming force and mentor from my very first day, and it was inspiring watching her work and seeing how she’s built this company. I never took for granted my proximity both to Shay and my other colleagues — starting as a newbie can be intimidating, but not when there’s a team eager to bring you into the fold.
The Transition from Internship to Full-Time
I jumped at the opportunity to transition from internship to full-time, and I’d recommend pursuing this route to anyone who has the chance. Not only is Red Thinking the place where I honed my skills in content strategy for social media, but it’s also a company I was already familiar with in terms of processes, workflows, tools, and systems. The learning curve was minimal, and I’d learned to be extremely efficient with time management during my internship working just 10 hours per week. I felt empowered to dive right into my new responsibilities as a full-time employee.
Now that I’m working full-time at Red Thinking, I’m able to take time to look at the bigger picture. Social media moves quickly, and, to best serve my clients, I have to stay on top of digital marketing trends. Between tracking content optimization and understanding what’s going on in the world that could be relevant for my clients, I’m always surrounding myself with information and inspiration.
I couldn’t have achieved this without the support of my colleagues. I didn’t enter Red Thinking fully grasping what it would be like to work for a boutique-sized company. Here, I find opportunities for growth, meaningful connections, and personalized guidance—qualities that can be hard to come by in a larger corporate setting. At Red Thinking, we truly support one another.
Advice for Other Interns Hoping to Transition to a Full-Time Role
For others in this position, hoping that an internship will transition to a full-time role, my advice is to be ready to seize the opportunity when it arises, but make sure it aligns with your passions. If you’re excited about the work, do everything you can to push yourself and demonstrate the value you bring to the company. You won’t be handed a full-time job automatically, but you can create your own opportunities, and you should be proud of yourself for the work that you put in.
Regardless of whether the internship turns into a role you want to pursue, take the time to prioritize building strong connections with your colleagues. You never know where you’ll find support and advice that can help you grow both personally and professionally. Ask questions, understand what you need to accomplish, and manage your time effectively.
You’ll learn quickly that staying organized and proactive will not only help you meet deadlines but also show your dedication and professionalism. By being engaged, seeking feedback, and maximizing your time, you’ll get the most out of your internship.
Looking Back and Looking Ahead
Not many college students can say they had an incredible internship that defined their career path and transitioned into a full-time job offer, so it’s amazing to look back now and see how far I’ve come. When I took the role, I saw it as an opportunity to explore where I wanted to land in the marketing world, and this experience solidified social media writing as my long-term career trajectory. I now see the impact that my skills have on my clients’ businesses. It’s a motivating feeling to know that I’m learning daily and delivering measurable success at the same time.
I know I’m lucky to say that I genuinely love my first job, and I’m so grateful every day to enjoy what I do.
