Rohan Sugapong: A Month as a Marketing Intern at Kinly

It’s surreal to think that only one month ago, I started my marketing internship at Kinly. Time has flown and it’s been an amazing journey. One that has been both a learning experience and an opportunity to showcase my skills. Here’s how I discovered the internship, what I’ve learnt, how I’ve helped the business, and what I’ll be doing next…

I’m Rohan, a Masters student at Boston University studying towards a Masters of Science degree in advertising. I recently had the opportunity to intern at Kinly’s London office as part of a study abroad programme organised by my university’s College of Communication.

Exploring new possibilities

I found out about the internship through EUSA, an organisation that pairs international students from graduate communication programmes to companies across a range of industries and locations in Europe. Kinly partners with EUSA to attract a diverse range of global talent to the company, while also spreading the word about the limitless opportunities available in the AV industry.

During an initial consultation with EUSA, I discussed my goals and interests, emphasising my passion for working in a creative role. They identified Kinly as the perfect fit for my skillset and ambitions. I was intrigued and excited by the opportunity to work client-side in a marketing role and couldn’t wait to interview for the position.

The recruitment process was both exciting and nerve-wracking. Originally, Kinly was looking for a graphic design intern, but after an initial discussion with Meghan, Kinly’s Global Brand and Digital Marketing Manager, and Claire, Kinly’s Senior Global Graphic Designer, my passion for marketing was clear. The conversation quickly shifted towards a marketing-focused internship which suited me perfectly. So, when I received the email from EUSA confirming my placement with Kinly, I accepted immediately.

Meeting the team and getting to work...

I came to Kinly with clear aims, to contribute in a real-life project, work alongside actual stakeholders and positively impact the business. The marketing team at Kinly allowed me to do just that, and in my first week I got to work on a global marketing campaign to be rolled out across all Kinly’s regions. This required me to take the lead on animation, copy, strategy and consumer insight, an invaluable opportunity for me to flex my creative muscles and sharpen my skills in a corporate and fast-paced environment.

One of the most valuable aspects of my internship was the support I received from Meghan, Claire, and the team. Whenever I doubted my work, I was given complete reassurance and both the guidance and support needed to achieve the perfect end result. The trust that I felt throughout my internship was both empowering and daunting at the same time, but it gave me the confidence and freedom to bring new ideas to the table.

Collaborating for success

Now for the results. As my internship comes to an end and I head back to complete my studies, I reflect on a truly enjoyable and rewarding adventure at Kinly. The global campaign work is finalised and I can’t wait to see the results. I have also delivered on a fresh animation for Kinly to use on its social media channels to advertise job vacancies. I am proud to be leaving something behind that will help to support and grow the business.

On top of all that, I would also like to highlight the friendships and relationships I have established with my supervisors and teammates. Not only was I able to build a rapport with Meghan, Claire, Aaron, and the rest of the UK team, I also had the opportunity to connect with Kinly’s global marketing team. Knowing how busy business gets, it was a privilege to meet them and expand my network. As cliché as it sounds, the rapport and friendships I have made during my internship are as valuable as the work I have produced.

Is a Kinly internship right for you?

For anyone considering an internship at Kinly, firstly, my advice would be: Go for it! Plus, always raise your hand if you feel lost. There's always someone willing to help. Enjoy the experience and be brave in sharing your thoughts. There’s no such thing as a stupid idea at Kinly; sometimes, the most unconventional thoughts can lead to the greatest innovations.

Before beginning my internship, I was fully set on following a career at an agency, but my experience of working for Kinly on the client-side has certainly given me food for thought. In fact, I’m still yet to make up my mind on which I prefer. One thing I do know is that I feel more energised than ever to pursue my dreams of making an impact in international marketing, and who knows, one day, you may even see me back at Kinly!

Find out more about opportunities at Kinly, here.