Hi, I’m Ryan, and after graduating last summer with a degree in Italian & Spanish, I completed an internship working for Fenster Architectural Glazing as a marketing assistant.
Fenster is a Devon-based glazing specialist that largely focuses on ‘grand designs’ style projects across the southwest. The company manufactures, supplies and installs high-end aluminium solutions for both trade and commercial customers. I worked for the company for 16 hours a week between November 2024 and February 2025.
The company previously had a very limited digital presence, and they wanted to employ an intern to help boost brand awareness in the local area. That’s where I came in. As a marketing assistant at Fenster, I was responsible for the following:
- Creating and implementing consistent content plans for social media, focusing on project highlights, industry updates, and brand storytelling.
- Producing both internal and external newsletters, ensuring consistent and professional communication.
- Monitoring and analysing competitors’ strategies to identify opportunities for innovation and growth.
- Capturing and editing photographs of projects and materials to produce high-quality collateral for marketing purposes.
- Building relationships with key industry players to boost Fenster’s visibility and reputation.
- Attending meetings and initiating discussions on steps towards achieving B Corp certification.
Overall, my internship with Fenster was an incredibly valuable and eye-opening experience that gave me real insight into the working world. It helped me gain a much clearer idea of the career path I want to pursue. I developed a deeper understanding of marketing, and combining this practical experience with marketing courses allowed me to grow both personally and professionally while also supporting a local business.
I’m truly grateful to Fenster for the opportunity to be part of their team and feel very fortunate to have been offered a part-time role to continue contributing to their journey.
I would absolutely recommend the SME Internship to any student or graduate who’s unsure about their future career direction. Choosing a path can feel overwhelming, but this program provides a meaningful way to ease the transition from university life to the professional world.
As a language student, I initially found it difficult to decide on a direction, but completing this internship taught me so much and gave me valuable experience that will support future job applications.
Want to be an SME Intern?
The scheme is now open for applications. There are 2 ways to find an internship through the scheme:
- Apply for advertised roles through mycareer. There is no limit to how many you can apply for, but you can only undertake one SME Internship per academic year.
- Approach SMEs that you would like to work for and ask them to take you on.
You can find out more about the SME Internship Scheme on our website.
Check out our “My SME Internship” blog series to hear more student stories.
If you have any questions about the scheme, writing your application, or anything else relating to careers you can speak to us on live chat, or pop in to 5 Tyndall Avenue.