This summer, we set ourselves a goal of introducing more video into Creative Tourist’s social media strategy and saw a paid internship as an ideal way to make it happen. We wanted to give a student meaningful, hands-on experience while also testing and growing this new-to-us format. Maya Chamma joined us for six weeks as Social Media Coordinator, and in this blog, she reflects on what she learned, achieved and contributed during her time with us.
My Internship Experience at Creative Tourist
By Maya, Advertising & Brands Student
For the past six weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to complete an internship as a Social Media Coordinator with Creative Tourist.
How I Found the Internship
This opportunity came through my university tutor, who regularly shares marketing-related internships and work experience placements tailored to students like me. When I saw the listing for Creative Tourist, I was immediately drawn to it. I’ve always enjoyed creating content centered around arts, culture, and niche interests, which is something I already do as a side hobby on Instagram, so this felt like the perfect fit.
What I Learned
Throughout these six weeks, I’ve gained valuable insights both professionally and personally. From adapting to a real work environment and learning how to handle constructive feedback, to picking up new creative techniques and improving my workflow, the experience has been sufficient in growth and developing my skills for future projects/works.
What I Achieved
- Introduced Instagram Reels into Creative Tourist’s content strategy, consistently producing 2–3 per week.
- Diversified the content mix, adding video to a feed that previously focused on images and carousels.
- Drove significant growth, increasing total views by +52% and reach by +65%.
- Improved engagement, with Reels contributing 37% of all interactions, despite making up only 16% of posts.
- Boosted profile activity by +52%, including website clicks—directly supporting business objectives.
- Built the business case for video, influencing Creative Tourist’s future content strategy.
Strengths I Developed
One of my biggest improvements has been my timing and efficiency. I learnt how to edit videos much faster while still maintaining quality. By pushing myself to meet regular deadlines, I became more confident in trusting my instincts and creative decisions.
A Challenge I Faced
One weakness I had to confront was my tendency to obsess over perfection. I often found myself spending too much time trying to fix every small flaw. While attention to detail is important, I learnt that this habit can sometimes slow down progress and negatively affect productivity.
Key Takeaway
I’ve come to understand how crucial it is to seek constructive feedback. Fresh perspectives not only speed up the creative process but also help break the cycle of self-criticism. Sometimes, stepping back and allowing room for imperfection is necessary, what feels flawed to you might be seen as powerful or complete in someone else’s eyes. This approach not only improves the content but also makes the entire process more enjoyable.
Overall, this internship has been an invaluable step in my journey towards a career in social media and digital marketing. As a Social Media Coordinator at Creative Tourist, I gained hands-on experience in strategy, content creation, and performance analysis, all whilst working in a fast-paced, creative and wholesome environment. The skills I’ve developed, from producing engaging video content to interpreting analytics, have equipped me with the confidence and knowledge to take on future roles in the industry. More importantly, I’ve learned how to balance creativity with efficiency and the value of collaboration and feedback: lessons I’ll carry with me throughout my career.
I’m truly blessed to have gained my summer experience with such a loving team, thank you for making me feel welcomed and part of the team.
