From Marketing Intern to Website Project Coordinator: What I Learned (and What I Wish I Knew Sooner!)
A year ago, I walked through the doors of RED66 Marketing as an eager intern, ready to absorb everything I could about digital marketing. Fresh out of an in-house marketing role at a local brewery and in the middle of earning my marketing degree, I knew I wanted to expand my experience beyond a single brand. I wanted to learn the ins and outs of agency life, collaborate with a team of like-minded marketers, and get my hands on as many different projects as possible. I had no idea just how much this internship would shape my career, or that within a year I’d be carrying out my career goals at the same company!
The Biggest Lesson? Say Yes
When I started at RED66, I didn’t shy away from new challenges. Whether it was learning a new platform, diving into SEO strategy, or assisting with website updates, I jumped at the opportunity to expand my skill set. Digital marketing never stands still, and keeping up means embracing change and continuously expanding your skill set.
I quickly learned that a digital marketer’s wheelhouse is filled with endless programs; SEMrush, Sendible, SOCI, Asana, Canva, WordPress, HubSpot, ChatGPT, MailChimp, Constant Contact… the list goes on. The ability to not just use these tools, but to leverage them effectively, is what sets great marketers apart. RED66 gave me the space to learn, experiment, and gain confidence in my ability to navigate and apply these tools to real-world client needs.
Finding My Place in the Team
There’s a moment in every career where you realize you’re no longer just “the intern.” For me, that moment happened the first time a team member came to me for help on a website update. It was small, but it signaled a shift. I wasn’t just learning anymore, I was contributing. That’s when I knew I had truly found my footing.
But that confidence didn’t come from nowhere. Support is at the core of RED66's culture. From day one, I felt encouraged to step out of my comfort zone, ask questions, and take on new challenges without fear of failing. That support system allowed me to discover my passion for website development, which ultimately led me to my current role as a Website Project Coordinator.
Growing Into My Role
My transition from intern to Marketing Specialist to Website Project Coordinator wasn’t just about job titles, it was about continuous growth. Every project, every task, and every challenge was an opportunity to refine my skills, strengthen my problem-solving abilities, and build lasting relationships with both my team and our clients.
I think back to when I first started, uncertain about where this internship would lead. Now, I’m managing website projects, optimizing digital experiences, and helping businesses build a stronger online presence. The best part? I’m still learning every day.
Advice for Future Interns
One of the best pieces of advice I can give to any marketing intern is this: Be curious.
Say yes to new experiences. Take the time to understand the why behind every task, not just the how. Learn from the people around you. Your internship is what you make of it, and if you approach it with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn, you’ll walk away with more than just experience, you’ll gain the foundation for a thriving career.
Looking back, reaching out to Rebecca and applying for that internship at RED66 was one of the best decisions I could’ve made. Looking ahead, I’m excited to keep growing, learning, and helping brands tell their stories in the digital space!
Meet The Author
Hope Whitford, Website Project Coordinator
Hope is a born and raised Grand Rapids local. She graduated from Davenport University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing with a concentration in Digital Marketing & Promotion, as well as Marketing Technologies. Prior to joining the RED66 team, Hope did in-house marketing at a local brewery, where she found her passion for personalizing digital marketing strategies for brands.
Hope is thrilled to be on the RED66 team so she can learn all of the incredible industry insights that her team has to offer.
In her free time, Hope enjoys discovering new restaurants and coffee shops, getting outside with her dog, binging true crime content, and seeing her favorite artists live.
