Ollie Facer - Discovery Internship Case Study
2024 Business with Marketing graduate Ollie Facer tells us how he improved his employability during his studies through volunteering and completing a Discovery Internship at Cyberfrog Design as a Digital Marketing Intern.
Why did you want to do a Discovery Internship?
It was easy to identify the value in taking part in an internship. Any opportunity to put theory into practice is a valuable experience in addition to enabling me to build my business network.
Where did you find out about the internship?
We were made aware of the existence of the Discovery Internships during Level 5 of our course. Furthermore, there were emails sent out from Student Futures during both Level 5 and Level 6
Describe the role you are undertaking and your main duties:
At Cyberfrog Digital, I was almost solely responsible for the formulation of an appropriate and effective marketing strategy to reach new customers, utilising digital marketing content that I created.
What did the application and selection process involve, and how did you prepare for each stage?
The whole application and selection process for Cyberfrog was incredibly relaxed. I sent them my tailored CV and Cover letter via Unitemps and was invited down for an interview at their office a few weeks later. The interview wasn’t overly formal and the people interviewing me weren’t intimidating. My previous experience in interviews likely helped as I was offered the role the same day!
What help and support did you access from the Student Futures Team?
Karen from the Student Futures team was incredibly supportive before, throughout and after the application process. She helped me to improve my CV and covering letter to ensure I had a strong application and gave me countless pieces of valuable advice, such as to start volunteering.
What relevant work experience / skills / volunteering / Student Union activities did you use during the selection process?
During my final year, I increased my work experience in an effort to become more employable. Between November 2023 and the New Year, I began my volunteering role as a Digital Marketing and Events Coordinator at the Be Free Campaign and completed one-day internships at National Museums Liverpool and Bluprintx to get experience in the field.
What advice would you give to other students to improve their employability?
Take advantage of all the opportunities given to you. At first glance, it may not seem like there’s not too much on offer, so be proactive and check all communications with the university otherwise you are likely to miss these valuable opportunities. Start volunteering, start posting on LinkedIn, apply for the advertised Discovery Internships, complete relevant online courses. There are countless ways to improve your employability.
Would you do anything differently if you were a first-year student again?
I would have started my volunteering earlier and joined societies earlier too! It is a shame to have to potentially leave them behind next year.
Support from the Student Futures team
If you want to talk about potential careers options with your degree, need help finding opportunities or want support with your CV, application forms or preparing for an interview, you can get advice and guidance by booking a 30-minute 1-2-1 careers meeting with a Careers and Employability Adviser from the LJMU Student Futures Team. You can also come along to a Careers drop-in or CV Café which take place weekly at the Careers Zones for quick careers queries.
If you are thinking about starting a business, freelancing, pursuing a side-hustle or have an idea that you want to explore further, email the Start-up Hub and a member of the team will be back in touch, or visit the Start-up Hub website.
For help finding part-time, temporary or casual you can fit around your studies, email the Unitemps team or visit their website.