Isabella‘s Internship Experience with Public Policy|Southampton (PPS)

27 Feb 2024

Isabella Wang (Nan Wang)

I started my internship journey with Public Policy Southampton (PPS) in September 2022 as a Digital Communication Officer. It has been an enriching and transformative experience. Beyond the professional milestones achieved, I have found immense satisfaction in the collaborative and supportive environment fostered by my colleagues. In this blog post, I'll delve into not only the impact of my contributions but also the aspects of camaraderie and flexibility that have made this internship truly unique.

Strategic Boost in Online Presence:

I embraced the challenge of enhancing PPS's visibility across diverse digital platforms. Leveraging social media (Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube), PPS websites, email marketing, and podcasts. I am very proud of myself that I learned how to formulate and execute comprehensive communications and marketing strategies. Tools such as Buffer, Metricool, MailChimp, and Canva became my allies in directing targeted content creation and distribution.

A significant achievement during my internship was the remarkable growth in PPS's LinkedIn account. Over one year, I successfully increased the follower count from 800 to 1400 (2022-2023), marking a substantial 75% growth, and the number of LinkedIn followers continues to grow. This not only expanded the PPS professional network but also contributed to the broader goal of establishing a robust online community.

Driving Website Traffic:

A testament to the effectiveness of our digital strategies was the substantial increase in website traffic by 52% within a year (2022-2023). This growth not only indicates heightened visibility but also underscores the success of our content and outreach efforts in capturing the audience's attention. Shout out to our Communications Team inside PPS! We achieved this together.

Membership Sign-Up Surge:

Through meticulous analysis and targeted initiatives, me and my colleagues in Communications Team successfully boosted newsletter sign-ups by 23% in just one year. This growth signifies an increased interest in PPS's communications and a growing community eager to stay informed about the organization's initiatives.

Data-Driven Decision Making:

One of the cornerstones of my role was the regular collection, analysis, and reporting of statistics. Armed with valuable insights, I actively contributed to the development and execution of new marketing and communication strategies, ensuring that our efforts were always aligned with data-driven best practices. For example, I promoted a questionnaire for PPS members, which allowed me to better understand our members and find ways for us to better serve our members.

Event Promotion and Registration Soars:

In addition to my focus on digital channels, I had the privilege of promoting different kinds of events. I was very happy to see that in the beginning there were usually only a dozen people attending the event, but later on there were up to 50 people attending the event. Registration rate increased 400%. This showcased the power of effective communication in fostering community participation.

Building and Nurturing Relationships:

Communication is not only about content but also about relationships. Throughout my internship, I had the pleasure of working alongside incredibly supportive colleagues. Their friendliness and willingness to collaborate enhanced the overall work experience, making every day enjoyable and rewarding. The teamwork and positive atmosphere played a crucial role in the success of our digital initiatives.

Hybrid Working and Study Balance:

The flexibility of a hybrid working model has been instrumental in allowing me to balance my internship responsibilities with my ongoing studies. This arrangement not only provided the necessary space to excel in my role but also emphasized the importance of accommodating personal and academic pursuits. The ability to manage my time effectively has been a key factor in making the internship experience both fulfilling and conducive to personal growth.

Importance of Public Policy Knowledge:

Beyond the technical skills acquired during this internship, the experience has underscored the importance of understanding public policy in the UK. Regardless of the area of study or future industry aspirations, the insights gained are invaluable. A deep understanding of public policy is a cornerstone for informed decision-making, ensuring a well-rounded and informed approach in any professional pursuit. Therefore, I recommend candidates from all fields of study to apply for PPS internships, as long as you are interested in public policy and communications.

I reflect not only on the professional achievements but also on the enriching aspects of collaboration, flexibility, and the broader importance of public policy knowledge. The experience has not only honed my digital communication skills, but has also instilled in me a deep appreciation for the intersection of data-driven insights and effective communication strategies in the realm of public policy. I look forward to carrying these lessons forward in my future endeavors, armed with both professional accomplishments and a sense of community and adaptability.

Isabella Wang (Nan Wang)

Digital Communications Officer, September 2022- February 2024

MA Fashion Marketing and Branding Student, Winchester School of Art

Find out more