Digital Marketing Starter Program: Our first month
Hello everyone! We are Zoë and Bonita and we began the Digital Marketing and Consulting Starter Program in February 2023. Despite not being from the digital marketing world, we were thrilled to take on the role of Digital Marketing and Consulting Trainees. The starter program provides us with opportunities to learn about various digital marketing and performance topics, such as Marketing Intelligence or Product Management, and apply them to projects.
Over the course of six months, we are having multiple weekly training sessions on different digital marketing topics such as Google ads, Product Management, and Paid Social Ads and we work closely with different team members to learn more about the GANDT Group and acquire channel or function-specific knowledge. Alongside the training sessions, we also complete certifications in these fields, which help support what we learn. As starters, we support the team on different projects, starting with small tasks that gradually become more significant. Guided by our mentors, we are diving into the world of digital marketing and learning how we can apply it to our job.
Digital marketing has become a fast-paced and ever-evolving industry, and for individuals interested in pursuing a career in this field, gaining the necessary skills and knowledge can seem overwhelming. This is where the starter program at GANDT comes in, equipping trainees with essential skills, applications, and knowledge to thrive in this dynamic industry. In this blog post, we will share our experience of the first month in this comprehensive digital marketing training and onboarding program.
Learning the Ropes at GANDT
Embarking on a comprehensive digital marketing training and onboarding program, we are being equipped with the essential skills and knowledge to thrive in this fast-paced industry. Spanning six months, our schedule consists of 2-3 intensive sessions per week in the first three months, covering a wide range of topics.
In the first month, we started by diving into marketing intelligence and Google Analytics while pursuing relevant certifications. As we attended more training sessions, we began to recognize similarities between topics and develop preferences, ultimately helping us identify the possible areas we were most passionate about. The starter program is offering us a unique opportunity to engage in project work and be treated as valued project members. Rather than performing menial tasks, we are given the chance to make meaningful contributions, and our participation in the projects is appreciated by all involved.
Eine weitere Sache, die wir an der GANDT-Kultur lieben, ist der Fokus auf das Lernen im Team. Jeder GANDTie hat einzigartige Fähigkeiten und teilt sie mit dem Team. Sie nehmen sich die Zeit, ihr Wissen mit allen zu teilen, insbesondere mit uns Anfängern, und erklären ihr Thema im Detail. Es ist eine hervorragende Gelegenheit für uns, von unseren Kollegen zu lernen und Einblicke in die verschiedenen Aspekte des Digital Marketing zu erhalten.
At the beginning of the training process, we encountered a few challenges. Dealing with new tools and a vast amount of information, sometimes felt like a lot. However, the supportive team was always ready to answer our questions and help us apply what we had learned to real projects. This hands-on approach helped to alleviate any anxiety and allowed us to grow in confidence.
Another common challenge we faced was time management. Balancing our learning with project work proved to be demanding, but we were provided with the tools and strategies the team relied on to help us stay organized and focused. By learning to manage our tasks and schedule independently, we became better prepared to tackle the dynamic world of digital marketing.
In summary, our training and starter program is providing us with a strong foundation while fostering a deep understanding of the digital marketing landscape. By overcoming the initial challenges and embracing the learning process in the first month, we find ourselves discovering ourselves in this exciting field of digital marketing. As we progress through the starter program, we begin to recognize our preferences and passion areas, allowing us to make meaningful contributions as valued project members. Overall, we are discovering ourselves in this exciting field of digital marketing, thanks to the program’s hands-on approach and dynamic learning environment.
Growing in GANDT’s Supportive Company Culture
One of the things that we appreciate the most about our time at GANDT is the company culture. Great emphasis is placed on open communication, which is reflected in the way we work according to the 5 WOL principles, which you can read about in a further blog post here. This approach allows us to be transparent with each other and know the current status of all projects, no matter if we are actively involved in them or not.
We also look forward to our quarterly GANDT All Hands, where we gain insights into various topics like UX (User Experience) in product management or how to organize ourselves best with time management tips and tools. The ALL HANDS is rounded off by workshops and a joint team meal, which not only makes it a further learning opportunity but also combines the factor of team building. Team building is crucial for creating a positive work environment and fostering strong relationships among team members. As starters, these team building events provide a great opportunity to get to know our colleagues and build connections, which can be invaluable as we continue to learn and grow in our roles.
Another thing we love about the GANDT culture is the focus on team learning. Each GANDTie has unique skills and shares them with the team. They take the time to share their learnings with everyone, especially for us starters, explaining their topic in detail. It’s an excellent opportunity for us to learn from our colleagues and get insights into the different aspects of digital marketing.
What does the future hold?
Since starting in February, we have experienced a steep learning curve and feel like an integral part of the GANDT team. It’s been an incredible journey so far, and we are excited about the rest of the starter program and what the future holds. During our time here, we’ve had the opportunity to work in different departments and apply our talents and what we learn actively to projects.
Zoë has found an interest in branding and product management, while Bonita has found hers in Google Analytics and Google Ads. The first month has been an eye-opening experience, and we look forward to exploring other areas of digital marketing as we continue to learn and grow. We feel incredibly lucky to be a part of the GANDT team and can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.
Discovering Opportunities and Growth in GANDT’s starter program
At GANDT, the digital marketing starter program offers an array of benefits, enabling us to explore various areas of expertise and find their niche. Here are some of the advantages we’ve enjoyed during the first month of our traineeship experience:
- Introduction to all digital marketing focal points offered by GANDT as a consultancy: As a starter at GANDT, you will be introduced to all digital marketing areas in which the company specializes. This will give you a comprehensive understanding of the industry and help you identify your areas of interest. The exposure to various focal points will enable you to develop a well-rounded skill set, making you an asset to the team and future clients.
- Exploration of various areas of expertise to determine individual preferences and career paths: GANDT encourages starters to explore and experiment with various areas of expertise to help them discover their interests and strengths. This exploration will help you to identify the areas you excel and align them with your career aspirations. By identifying individual preferences and career paths, you can make informed decisions about your future at the company.
- Hybrid working model, with co-creation space for collaboration and teamwork: GANDT’s hybrid working model provides a conducive environment for learning and growth, with a co-creation space for collaboration and teamwork. This model enables you to work remotely while still benefiting from face-to-face interactions with your colleagues. GANDT creates a supportive environment where starters can learn from experienced colleagues and develop their skills.
- Culture of transparency, open communication, and continuous learning: At GANDT, transparency, open communication, and continuous learning are highly valued, no matter how long you have been in the digital marketing field. The company culture encourages starters to share their ideas and perspectives, creating a safe space for open communication. Moreover, the company invests in regular training sessions and modern tool set-ups to keep everyone updated with the latest digital trends. This culture of transparency, open communication, and continuous learning creates a supportive environment for starters to learn and grow.
- Hybrid working model, with co-creation space for collaboration and teamwork: GANDT’s hybrid working model provides a conducive environment for learning and growth, with a co-creation space for collaboration and teamwork. This model enables you to work remotely while still benefiting from face-to-face interactions with your colleagues. GANDT creates a supportive environment where starters can learn from experienced colleagues and develop their skills.
- Culture of transparency, open communication, and continuous learning: At GANDT, transparency, open communication, and continuous learning are highly valued, no matter how long you have been in the digital marketing field. The company culture encourages starters to share their ideas and perspectives, creating a safe space for open communication. Moreover, the company invests in regular training sessions and modern tool set-ups to keep everyone updated with the latest digital trends. This culture of transparency, open communication, and continuous learning creates a supportive environment for starters to learn and grow.
- Regular learning sessions and modern tool set-up to stay updated with the latest digital trends: To stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving digital industry, GANDT invests in regular learning sessions and modern tool set-ups to help everyone stay up-to-date with the latest digital trends. The company offers a wide range of training sessions, from technical skills to soft skills, allowing starters to develop a well-rounded skill set. The modern tool set-up helps you to work efficiently, stay organized, and communicate effectively with colleagues and clients.
- Hands-on experience in projects, cultivating expertise and confidence in digital marketing: GANDT’s hands-on approach to project work, regular training sessions, and culture of continuous learning enable starters to cultivate their expertise and confidence in digital marketing. By working on real-life projects, you will be able to apply your theoretical knowledge to practical situations and learn from experienced colleagues. This hands-on approach combined with regular training sessions creates an environment that supports the development of your digital marketing expertise and confidence.
