24 Feb Putting Marketing Lessons into Practice, from Alabama to London
Table of Contents
When you get the chance to intern abroad, applying classroom knowledge in a real-world setting while exploring a new country and culture, you make the most of it. @Madison Ellis, a Marketing student at the @University of Alabama, did exactly that during her internship in London last year, and the experience paid off.
Madison’s eight weeks in London was no less than transformative
Over the summer of 2025, Madison completed a Marketing internship with contemporary architectural studio @Cagni Williams. Her tasks allowed her to apply classroom learnings to practical scenarios, giving her hands-on experience in her field while significantly supporting the company’s marketing efforts.
“[Madison’s] help to distract us from architecture to focus on marketing a bit more was invaluable! It was lovely to have her,” Laura Carrara-Cagni, Founding Director of Cagni Williams, shared.
Applying classroom learnings to a real-world setting
Madison didn’t just sit in during meetings or schedule posts for later. She developed content strategies for social media and the company website, tracked performance analytics, and created marketing articles. All of this ultimately strengthened Cagni Williams’ online presence.
Exploring London with fellow students in the internship program
Her work spanned multiple channels, from social media platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram to the company’s own website. She applied SEO strategies, wrote articles, and created content, gaining practical experience across several areas of marketing.
This level of responsibility gave her insight into professional marketing work. She developed skills that are difficult to learn in a classroom, and gained confidence applying marketing concepts in real-world situations.
Even before her internship concluded, Ros Bardi-Boissevain, Strategy and Business Manager, highlighted her impact: “Madison has been a fantastic intern—a big thanks to Absolute Internship for putting her in touch!”
Gaining skills through real-world challenges
Through this internship, Madison honed key industry skills such as SEO optimization, performance tracking, content strategy, and article writing, all of which she can carry into future roles. By contributing directly to Cagni Williams’ initiatives, she also learned how marketing strategies adapt to specific industries, in this case, architecture.
This type of experience is invaluable. Marketing spans many industries, from consulting to consumer goods, and often requires learning about niches you may not initially know. Madison’s experience taught her how to adapt, conduct research and data analysis to better understand a specific audience, and create strategies that align with a company’s unique objectives.
A strong internship can provide a foundation that sets students apart in the job market. It helps them understand workplace expectations, develop industry-specific skills, build a portfolio, gain hands-on experience with tools, and grow a professional network. This early exposure builds confidence, demonstrates capability, and prepares them to step into full-time roles with credibility.
“I’m so grateful for this experience and the people who helped me along the way. A big thank you to the [Cagni Williams] team for welcoming me and guiding me throughout this journey!” Madison wrote in a LinkedIn post.
The incredible cliffs of Seven Sisters in East Sussex
The learnings don’t end there though. It was an international internship, after all.
The added value of an international internship
Going from Alabama to London, Madison navigated an internship in a new city, adapting to a work culture different from home and tailoring strategies for an unfamiliar audience with distinct needs.
This international exposure strengthened her adaptability, strategic thinking, and cross-cultural awareness. These skills are highly valued not only in marketing but across industries, especially as the world of work becomes increasingly globally interconnected.
International internship programs give you friends for keeps!
Outside the office, Madison explored London and the UK, making friends and immersing herself in the culture. She visited Oxford, hiked the Seven Sisters cliffs, enjoyed beaches and parks, and savored sunsets and picnics with fellow interns.
These experiences were not just fun and memorable; they also helped her develop soft skills such as independence, curiosity, cultural awareness, and adaptability. She learned to navigate unfamiliar environments, communicate effectively in diverse contexts, and make the most of opportunities beyond her professional role.
“A big thank you to Absolute Internship for giving me an amazing opportunity this summer and supporting me throughout the internship process. Truly such an amazing group of staff and team,” Madison added in her post.
Madison’s experience shows that international internships offer more than hands-on learning. They allow students like you to apply classroom knowledge, contribute meaningfully to a professional team, and develop skills that are hard to replicate in academic settings.
They also foster personal growth, cultural immersion, and adaptability, giving you confidence to work independently, collaborate with diverse teams, and approach challenges creatively.
Our programs provide guaranteed internships in your preferred industry, career development workshops, cultural activities, student housing, and onsite support, ensuring you thrive both professionally and personally while abroad.
Send us a message to explore our internship programs and take your next step toward gaining professional experience, global perspective, and personal growth in a new country!
No Comments