Being a social media intern is more than just scrolling through feeds; it’s a fast-paced, creative journey where you learn to create engaging content and build a community around a brand, all while staying ahead of the ever-changing digital landscape. As I reflect on my one-year anniversary at Peer Power, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and lessons learned while working to support the students in the Memphis Shelby County school system and charter schools in Memphis. This journey not only enhanced my skills in social media and marketing but also allowed me to witness the incredible growth and resilience of the students we served.
Before being employed at Peer Power, I was already familiar with the nonprofit organization through friends who had taken on the role as Success Coach and Life Mentor. My friends always discussed their commitment to empowering their students. After I got the job, I realized Peer Power’s mission was clear: to provide resources, mentorship, and opportunities that would help these students thrive academically and personally. This mission became the driving force behind my work in social media marketing. I had the privilege of sharing success stories on our social media platforms, highlighting students who overcame challenges and achieved their goals. These stories not only inspired others but also showcased the impact of our organization’s work.
“Robin has taken this role and ran with it. From the beginning I saw potential in her as she rose to every occasion with enthusiasim and creativity. Her ability to see the mission in every event is uncanny. Peer Power’s social media following has risen 14.3% since she took her position.” – Drew Paslay, Director of Marketing, Peer Power
One of the most rewarding aspects of my paid internship was traveling with the marketing team to local businesses and organizations right here in Memphis that were already helping to transform and uplift the community: Aztec Masonry, American Paper Optics, City Hall in Downtown Memphis, etc. Not to mention all the amazing people I’ve gotten to meet so far, such as Olivia Olguín (Vice President of Aztec Masonry), Jeanette Jones (Director of Memphis Chamber’s Existing Business and Manufacturing Industry Council), and the Mayor of Memphis Paul Young. Getting to meet a handful of the leaders in Memphis and seeing them work up close to transform the greater Memphis area was truly an experience I will forever remember, not to mention all the fun I had being invited on field trips and getting exclusive merchandise (shoutout to American Paper Optics). Through our programs, I saw students (and myself) develop confidence, improve their academic performance, and build essential life skills.
My year-long internship at Peer Power was a transformative experience that deepened my passion for social media marketing and nonprofit work. I am proud to have contributed to the growth of students in the Memphis Shelby County system and to have played a role in amplifying their voices through social media alongside the Peer Power Marketing Team. As I move forward in my career, I carry with me the invaluable lessons learned and the inspiration to continue advocating for positive change in my community.
