Internship Spotlight: Avrati Raturi, Global Tech Experience

Avrati Raturi BSBA ‘24 (Business Administration) was a remote Digital Marketing Track Intern at Global Tech Experience.

What was the process for getting this internship, job, or summer experience?

I applied for Global Tech Experience after learning about it through an email; an application was required. Considering I've always been interested in digital marketing and am a lifelong learner, I thought it was a perfect learning opportunity.

What was a typical day like?

There were two components to the digital marketing track: E-commerce specialist, where we had to create an online store using Shopify for a sunscreen called Noz. The other included social media and search marketing, were we had to make a marketing campaign for that I selected Charity Water, a nonprofit. To learn more about digital marketing and e-commerce, we watched videos, completed graded milestone assignments, and participated in live labs. We received guidance from Rita Cidre, who served as the head of the digital marketing track. Her inspirational approach and motivation significantly influenced and spurred our efforts.

What was your favorite part of the experience?

My favorite part of the experience was learning about digital marketing techniques that I have always been curious about, like using Google Analytics to learn about website engagement, website design, A/B testing (where we compared two versions of a webpage), and value proposition. These abilities will come in handy for me when I wish to work in digital marketing.

If you worked on a big project, please describe it below:

I developed a marketing campaign aimed at college students for the nonprofit organization Charity: Water as my final portfolio project for Global Tech Experience's Social media and Search Marketing. This provided me with new perspectives on the capacity of social media as a tool for enhancing business and digital marketing. My portfolio project encompassed the development of a landing page, the formulation of content pillars on Instagram tailored towards students, establishment of an Instagram page for Charity: Water accompanying post ideation, formulation of influencer guidelines and criteria for influencer selection, development of a retargeting strategy, creation of ad creatives, and proposal for an ambassador program.

What did you find most challenging?

The most demanding aspect of the project was creating an e-commerce website on Shopify. I undertook the task of constructing my own Shopify e-commerce store, implementing optimization techniques to enhance conversion rates, and incorporating best practices in SEO. While this presented a notable challenge, it was also an enjoyable experience as it facilitated substantial learning and skill acquisition.

What did you learn?

I acquired significant proficiency in both digital marketing and technical domains, encompassing skills such as Shopify website design, search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, content creation and strategy, Instagram Ads, and A/B Testing. In terms of professional competencies, I mastered the utilization of customer personas, the formulation of value propositions, adherence to brand guidelines, hypothesis testing, comprehension of business metrics, and the creation of key performance indicators (KPIs).

What advice do you have for other students looking for a similar experience, or advice for future
students to be successful?

I advise being open to learning new things and immersing oneself in a variety of educational opportunities. Seek for mentoring possibilities, interact with industry leaders in a proactive manner, and keep up with the latest developments in the field of digital marketing. Future students should have a strong foundation in both technical and creative areas if they want to succeed in the field of digital marketing. Remain inquisitive, keep your skill set up to date, and use practical tasks to put your academic knowledge to use. Adopt a mentality that is data-driven as analytics are essential to making decisions.

How did Eller prepare you for this experience?

The experience at Eller College has been unparalleled, providing me with a transformative journey. Collaborating with students possessing diverse backgrounds and skill sets has enriched my perspective significantly. I firmly believe that Eller has equipped me not only for the professional challenges associated with my current role but has also instilled valuable qualities essential for navigating life's forthcoming complexities. Whether in my management courses focusing on ethics and law or in the realm of marketing, the teachings of the professors have imparted crucial business insights. Active participation in Eller clubs and organizations has been an integral part of my journey. The continuous motivation and inspiration from fellow student members, staff, and academic advisors have played a pivotal role in my personal and professional development.

Did you feel supported by the company or organization you worked with?

In the Global Tech Experience's Digital Marketing Track, my team demonstrated an admirable dedication to inclusivity. To guarantee thorough support and comprehension for every member of the team, they held frequent sessions to tackle even the smallest questions. Notable were the group's extraordinary tolerance and commitment to sharing their expertise.

Anything else you would like to share about your summer experience?

I would like to emphasize the significance of cultivating a diligent mindset, as it helps you overcome all the obstacles that life throws at you. In particular, I recommend that students prioritize their emotional well-being and overall health. Important things to remember are to stay true to who you are and appreciate every moment. I can personally speak to the fact that retaining an optimistic outlook was essential to overcoming obstacles related to my health.