Reflecting on My Time as a Marketing Intern at Far & Wild

As I look back on my time as a Travel Sales and Marketing Intern at Far & Wild, it makes me smile at how much I have learned, the contributions that I have been able to make and the unforgettable memories that I have made working with such a special team.

From the moment I stepped into the office, I was welcomed into a team of passionate and driven professionals who were eager to help me succeed. This internship gave me the opportunity to work on a range of exciting projects that has allowed me to develop practical skills in various aspects of digital marketing.

Competitor Analysis and Research

A project that I really enjoyed during this internship was taking a deep dive into how using ChatGPT impacts the environment, an intriguing task that involved collecting data on energy consumption and sustainability. I then presented my findings in a meeting in front of the marketing team which tested my public speaking skills and my ability to explain complex ideas succinctly and clearly. My research was so well-received that it was shared in a company-wide email and then added to the company playbook - an achievement I’m incredibly proud of!

Additionally, I had the task of reviewing brochures and researching how different companies were selling honeymoon packages. This allowed me to note industry trends and helped me understand how Far & Wild could differentiate itself from competitors.

Updating Lodge Information

One of the most fascinating aspects of Far & Wild is how the marketing team manages over 4,000 entries on the website, ensuring that each one is regularly updated with accurate and engaging content. I was eager to learn more about managing and contributing to the website as this was something very new for me.

I had the responsibility of uploading and updating trip information such as “trip highlights” and “what’s included” on the backend of the website for the Ugandan holidays section. I also went through all the Ugandan lodges and tagged sustainable options to make it easier for customers to find eco-friendly choices.

This task gave me a deeper understanding of how important it is to keep a website up-to-date and user-friendly. Additionally, I learned about SEO and Meta Tags and how these tools are used to optimise the website’s performance, increase traffic, and improve the customer experience.

Social Media Content Creation and Strategy

As a TikTok and Instagram enthusiast, I was excited to create content for Far & Wild's social media platforms. I was tasked with creating a TikTok video using ChatGPT to generate images of the Latin America expert, Amanda. This task allowed me to practice my video editing skills and learn how to make content that resonates with a younger audience.

In addition to TikTok, I created and scheduled Instagram and Facebook posts. Social media is a great way to connect with clients, and I also learned how the company uses Instagram and Facebook differently. While Instagram focuses on visual storytelling and quick advice, Facebook targets an older audience with more in-depth content. This project was not only fun but also taught me how to adjust content for different platforms.

Broader Marketing Exposure

In addition to these experiences, I have written multiple blog entries including “How To Practice Sustainability Abroad” and attended several meetings focussed on PR, pay-per-click (PPC) advertising and the exciting launch of the US version of the website.

Furthermore, I completed work on excel spreadsheet where I merged and collated each marketing team’s skills into an easy-to-read document. This was my first professional experience using Excel and I initially found it a bit confusing but after a while I found my rhythm and was pleased with how the document came together in the end.

Throughout this experience, I have been well supported and encouraged by the marketing and sales team who have kindly offered their time and expertise for me to learn as much as possible.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

Reflecting on my time as a marketing intern at Far & Wild, I’m grateful for the opportunities I had to grow and learn. The skills and insights I gained will stay with me throughout my career. This internship has not only helped me refine my technical abilities but has also taught me the importance of adaptability, creativity, and collaboration in marketing. I am so glad that I got to work alongside such a committed team! As I move forward in my marketing career, I am excited to apply everything I’ve learned and continue developing in this dynamic and ever-changing field.