As my junior year at Texas A&M was coming to an end, I knew I wanted to find an internship
that would push me both professionally and personally. I didn’t want to be on the back end
running random errands or picking up coffee orders. I wanted to be hands-on and fully immersed
in a role that would grow my professional career. Coming into my role at 787 Social, I was not
just seen as an intern but as an asset. From day one, I was fully involved in significant projects
and entrusted with important tasks, allowing me to contribute meaningfully and develop my
skills in a dynamic environment. Getting hands-on experience right away helped me quickly
learn the ins and outs of the social media industry, from understanding analytics and content
strategy to mastering new tools and platforms. It was challenging but incredibly rewarding, as I
found myself gaining confidence in my skills with each project I completed. The trust and
responsibility placed in me not only pushed me to perform at my best but also solidified my
belief in my abilities to contribute in a professional setting.
As I finish up my social media internship at 787 Social this summer, I’m excited to share some
key lessons and growth moments. The goal of this blog is to share what I’ve learned, and how I’ve
grown, and provide a glimpse into my journey interning at 787 Social.
Professional skills
One of the most valuable takeaways from this summer has been the development of my
professional skills. I’ve learned about the importance of a social media strategy, how to
effectively implement one, analyze engagement metrics, and create content tailored to different
platforms and clients. Managing multiple tasks simultaneously taught me the importance of
effective time management. I learned how to prioritize tasks and set realistic deadlines to
maintain a balanced workload and deliver high-quality results. Working closely with a small
team was an eye-opening experience. It showed me just how much time and effort goes into
ensuring each client’s social media needs are being met, which made teamwork so crucial.
Collaborating on tasks, sharing ideas, and providing constructive criticism was something that
happened every day at the office, and therefore strengthened my teamwork skills. This
internship also allowed me to hone in on my communication skills. Whether it was writing
engaging social media captions to resonate with a target audience or pitching an idea to the team,
I gained a deeper understanding of the power of effective communication.
Industry Insights
Social media is constantly evolving and being a social media intern meant I had to be on top of
trends at all times. The industry is dynamic, with algorithms and user preferences constantly
shifting. By staying ahead of these changes, I was able to adjust the ideas I was putting out to ensure that our content remained relevant and engaging. Every single platform is different which
means they cater to different audiences and content types. If I made a video for TikTok, I knew I
had to edit it differently for Instagram to maximize its impact.
A key practice I learned was community engagement. Engaging with followers, responding to
comments, and handling customer messages are critical aspects of building a loyal and active
online community. This two-way communication fosters trust and strengthens the relationship
between the brand and its audience.
One of the most insightful days this summer was sitting in on Cristina’s business development
plan. Apart from social media, it was really helpful to see what it takes to run a social media
agency from the business side of things. From the company’s SWAT analysis to the end-of-year
goals, it was interesting getting to see the ins and outs of 787 Social and its plan for the future.
Before my internship, I knew running social accounts was not an easy job. It takes time, effort,
and a keen eye to make magic happen but getting to work for a social media agency opened up
my eyes immensely. It involves so much more than I anticipated. From audience research to
hours of editing, there wasn’t a single day where I felt like I had nothing to do. I think a lot of
people underestimate how much work goes into social media. At times it was like being a
graphic designer, content creator, video editor, and copywriter all at once. These insights have
not only deepened my appreciation for the industry but also prepared me to tackle future
challenges with confidence and creativity.
Project / Client Highlights
Getting to work with a variety of clients was so fun and kept me on my toes every day. I was able
to go from editing an interview-style video one day to creating a story graphic for an ice cream
company the next. I worked on so many tasks and each one was different, which I loved. There
were times were I had to get creative and out of my comfort zone. For example, one day we had
to go out to South Congress and interview people on the street for a video. At first, I was unsure
of how it was going to go but it turned out to be one of my favorite days. I did everything from
making TikToks, educational posts, story graphics, and so much more. On top of that, meeting
clients allowed me to practice my communication skills even more, and seeing how Cristina has
built such positive relationships with each one showed me how important these relationships are
to a business.
Each client at 787 Social was different and it’s hard to pick one as my favorite but working with
Lick Honest Ice Creams and Music Lane was always a fun time. From making Ice cream
mocktails with the CEO of Lick Honest Ice Creams to trying matcha at Match Mama on Music
Lane, filming content for them was always a blast.
Mentorship
During my internship at 787 Social, guidance from Cristina, the founder of the agency, and
Chase, the Account Coordinator, were pivotal to my growth. Cristina, with her deep expertise in
social media, was a constant source of valuable insights. Her leadership helped me understand
the importance of the relationship you build with your clients but also the importance of
self-worth and never underestimate what you bring to the table. Chase’s support was equally
vital to my growth. Her feedback and advice were always so intentional and exactly what I
needed. Chase’s creative eye allowed me to learn a lot of editing and videography skills. Overall,
the guidance provided by Cristina and Chase was fundamental to my development at 787 Social.
Their expertise and support have not only improved my skills but also inspired a greater
enthusiasm for the field of social media marketing.
This summer was transformative for me and my future. As I reflect on my journey, I am truly
more confident now in my skills than I was at the beginning. I used to second-guess myself
constantly when editing a video or creating a graphic, which sometimes doubled the time I would
work on one task. Reflecting on this journey, I recognize the substantial personal and professional growth I’ve achieved. I am more sure of myself and my capabilities now than I’ve ever been and I owe it all to Cristina and Chase who pushed me to be better all summer. This internship has prepared me for future opportunities and deepened my understanding of my future career goals. I am excited for what’s to come as I enter my senior year at Texas A&M but will miss working for such an incredible agency this summer!
To the future interns of 787 Social, make the most of this opportunity. Never be afraid to ask questions or speak an idea out loud. You get what you put into this internship so fully immerse yourself in it and be eager to learn!
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