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Meet Alexandra – our new social media and marketing intern

This week, we’ve had a new intern joining Moody Monday: Alexandra will be working alongside our Head Designer, Eliza Kesuma, to increase the company’s brand awareness and reach, through social media and marketing communication.

We’ve asked Alexandra to take the stage and introduce herself, talking about how she came to join Moody Monday, her previous experience, passions and ambitions for the future. This is her story:

Here I am, on one of my last evenings of a short road trip in Denmark, checking my email, when I excitedly read the following subject line: “Interview Invitation”. Sender: Eliza at Moody Monday. Oh boy!

When I first read about the internship opportunity one week before, it seemed a perfect match for my previous experience, skills and interests, so I applied immediately. After a closer look at Moody Monday’s website, blog and social media, I started to paint a picture in my mind of this highly creative, closely-knit, vibrant and friendly organization – and I wasn’t mistaken.

Meeting Eliza and Sara for the interview was a truly pleasant experience, as I genuinely felt we ‘clicked’ both personally and professionally. I left the venue happy, knowing that regardless which way this will go, we’ve had a productive encounter and a nice exchange of ideas. I was even leaving with a recommendation for a new book to add on my ‘must read’ list!

A few days later, I got the call from Eliza offering me the position, which I gladly accepted. And so here I am now, three days into the job, taking the lead of Moody Monday’s social media and marketing communication. I do have a few years of work experience in the field, so I’m confidently looking forward to use and improve these skills here, and to help drive Moody Monday on its path to reaching and engaging the right audience. I expect this to be a challenging and rewarding job. I can’t wait!

As for my other passions and hobbies, I occasionally participate in long distance running events, in support of various NGOs, and try to keep my personal blog up to date with random thoughts. That aside, I’m a naturally curious person, so I often drift into new projects:  graphic and web design, photography, painting, crafts, etc. While I don’t see myself going into business with this like Eliza has, I do enjoy spending some of my free time on these hobbies. I like being around creative work, so I joined Moody Monday with a strong desire to immerse myself in all things beautiful. So far so good 🙂

Photo: ©Alexandra Haret 2015

On top of the internship, I’m currently finalizing my Master’s thesis remotely, and will be graduating from Aalborg University in Denmark this summer, with my degree in Market and Consumption.

As for the future, I’m looking to advance into marketing and communication, promoting businesses in various fields, so this field will continue to be my main focus for the upcoming years. However, I’ve always been a ‘Jane of all trades’, so I want to continue adding new skills to my ‘portfolio’. In the near future, I’ll be looking to develop my web design experience, which at the moment is at an early hobby stage.

But all things in good time. In the meantime, I’ll be sharpening my creativity and marketing skills on Moody Monday’s social media space, so be sure to keep an eye on these!”

 

 

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Interview with Hannah, Marketing Intern

Hannah has been working with us for the past few weeks as a Marketing Intern. She looks after the production and scheduling of our blogs and social media content, as well as carrying out market research and the finer details such as proof reading content for our forthcoming Look Book.

We caught up with her to see how she was getting on…

How has working for Moody Monday compared to your expectations of an internship position?
The working atmosphere is much more relaxed than I originally expected, which is nice. Everyone gets on with their work and there’s a lot of productivity but without a sense of competitiveness.

What aspect(s) of the internship have you enjoyed most?
Work-wise I’ve enjoyed writing content and copy for the website and blog posts. I enjoy writing and am used to doing so in an academic context, so it was fun and challenging to write for a different purpose. I’ve also enjoyed meeting people and making new friends – everyone here is really fun and welcoming so it’s been easy to get along with my colleagues.

How will you use your experience of this internship in the future?
Mostly I’ll use my experience for future jobs as I’ve cultivated new skills such as social media management and market research. I’ve also developed other skills such as problem solving and working as a team; all great things to add to your CV!

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Photo: Hannah and Andrea working on the new Look Book.

What have you learned about designing/the creative industry during your internship?
The internship has given me an insight into running a business within the creative industry, which is something I had very little experience of before. I’ve learned that you have to be prepared to submit a lot of time, energy, and dedication to achieve the outcome you want – producing and selling your products. I’ve also learned that sometimes the creative part has to be put on hold while administrative tasks are completed – so applying for grants, attending events and networking etc.

Are there any designers/artists that you particularly admire?
In terms of fashion, I really like Vivienne Westwood and Stella McCartney, and I used to like Luella when they were still around. I’ve discovered a few architects/interior designers while I’ve been here; people like Neri Oxman and Timorous Beasties are really cool.

What did you study at university?
My undergraduate degree is in English Literature, which I undertook at the University of Sheffield. I completed my Masters degree at the University of Edinburgh; it’s an MSc in Literature and Modernity.

What are your career plans?
My ultimate career goal is to be a lecturer at a university, most likely specialising in modern and contemporary literature. I’m applying for my PhD later this year, which is the next step in that plan. For now, however, I’m taking time out of full-time education to work and continue my academic research privately.

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Interview with Andrea, Design Intern

Over the past few months Andrea has been working alongside our Chief Designer, Eliza, as an intern. Andrea is currently studying Styling and Design with Academy Artemis in the Netherlands, though she has been working with Moody Monday for the past six months. As she’s nearing the end of her time in Edinburgh, we wanted to catch up with Andrea and ask about her experiences.

What three words would best describe your experience of Edinburgh and Moody Monday?
Worldly
Reality
Magnificent

How has interning for Moody Monday compared to your expectations before you arrived in Edinburgh?
Before I came I knew Moody Monday was re-branding as a company. What I did not expect was that I could help with literally everything. A great challenge!

What aspect(s) of the internship have you enjoyed most?
I loved working on the styling projects, so being highly creative. This involves setting up the photo shoots but creating the look book as well. Besides working, meeting the people at St. Margaret’s House made me happy too.

What advice would you give to other design interns?
For a long time I was quite shy about showing my designs to other people, until I noticed people actually enjoyed seeing my work. Don’t be shy – show your work to others. You will see when you do; people are supporting you., always.

How will you use your experience of this internship in the future?
Well, I always said I want to freelance or start my own business. Working at Moody Monday showed me a lot different aspects of having your own business.

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Photo: ©Andrea Koelink 2015.

What do you think is the most challenging part of getting into the design industry?
Everything should be challenging. Then you move forward and that’s something you need in life, although that is my opinion. I think the most challenging part would be to keep surprising the people who are enjoying following my blog, Poppin, over and over again with my designs and eventually my products.

Which designers do you idolise/get inspiration from?
One of my idols is Iris van Herpen, an amazing Dutch fashion designer. I recently discovered Blackpop, a designer from the United Kingdom. I think her print designs are quite amazing. And, of course, I love the work of Antoni Gaudi, especially how he found his inspiration and looked at things differently. Well, I can talk about this the whole day because there are a lot more great designers who I idolise!

What would be your dream design job? E.g. the interior of a famous building.
For me, working with prints is everything. That’s why I started my own blog about 3 months ago – Poppin. So, working with print design could be my dream job, especially if I create products with my prints.

Tell us about Poppin!
Poppin is my blog about prints, patterns, structure, and texture in fashion, interior, and exterior design. But that is not everything: for example, nature is something that can be really interesting with regards to patterns as well. We are surrounded by beauty itself – I filter everything that inspires me, to inspire you. At the moment I’m working on a first product but this takes time. When I’m ready, you will see it appear on my blog.

What has been your favourite experience in Edinburgh?
Wow, really hard question. Living abroad in general is quite an experience. There are a lot experiences and adventures I had the past five months. For example, my journey to the Isle of Skye was more than amazing. Scotland is absolutely beautiful. I tried haggis, surprisingly I really liked it! Although, black pudding not so much. During my time in Edinburgh I met great people and I’m thankful for that.

To keep updated with Andrea’s journey, follow her blog or find her on social media:
Poppin Facebook
Poppin Twitter
Poppin Pinterest

 

Photo: ©Andrea Koelink 2015.
Photo: ©Andrea Koelink 2015.