Karl Whelan celebrates a one year work anniversary with us, we asked Karl to tell us about this journey so far.
My journey with Kola Digital began in February 2024, during the third year of my Product Design & Marketing degree at Maynooth University.
As part of my course, I was tasked with securing a six-month internship, a requirement that was both exciting and daunting. At the time, I had zero real-world experience in marketing, but I was determined to gain hands-on knowledge in the field.
That’s when I came across Kola Digital, a company that seemed to offer exactly the kind of opportunity I was looking for.
I remember the moment I decided to reach out to Kola Digital. After some research into the company’s work, I felt this was a place where I could develop my skills and gain valuable experience. I reached out to Krystle, expressing my interest in an internship, and soon after, I had an online interview.
My journey with Kola Digital began in February 2024, during the third year of my Product Design & Marketing degree at Maynooth University.
As part of my course, I was tasked with securing a six-month internship, a requirement that was both exciting and daunting. At the time, I had zero real-world experience in marketing, but I was determined to gain hands-on knowledge in the field.
That’s when I came across Kola Digital, a company that seemed to offer exactly the kind of opportunity I was looking for.
I remember the moment I decided to reach out to Kola Digital. After some research into the company’s work, I felt this was a place where I could develop my skills and gain valuable experience. I reached out to Krystle, expressing my interest in an internship, and soon after, I had an online interview.
My journey with Kola Digital began in February 2024, during the third year of my Product Design & Marketing degree at Maynooth University.
As part of my course, I was tasked with securing a six-month internship, a requirement that was both exciting and daunting. At the time, I had zero real-world experience in marketing, but I was determined to gain hands-on knowledge in the field.
That’s when I came across Kola Digital, a company that seemed to offer exactly the kind of opportunity I was looking for.
I remember the moment I decided to reach out to Kola Digital. After some research into the company’s work, I felt this was a place where I could develop my skills and gain valuable experience. I reached out to Krystle, expressing my interest in an internship, and soon after, I had an online interview.
Krystle, Managing Director of Kola Digital, shares:
“Karl stood out during the interview from other students with his confidence, enthusiasm, and genuine interest in marketing. I knew he would greatly benefit from the hands-on experience in the field.”
On my first day at Kola Digital, I had a mix of excitement and anxiety. I was stepping into a whole new world, one that was very different from my studies in product design.
But what I quickly realised was that Krystle had built a welcoming environment, where I felt comfortable and supported every step of the way.
Despite having no prior marketing experience (Outside of University), I was eager to absorb as much as possible.
Krystle worked closely with me, showing incredible patience as I learned the ropes of digital marketing. She taught me the fundamentals, from creating and designing social media content to understanding client expectations and scheduling content across various platforms. What stood out the most was Krystle’s hands-on approach to teaching.
She didn’t just give me instructions; she walked me through everything, step by step, making sure I understood the reasoning behind each task. This was something I truly appreciated, as it gave me a solid foundation for the work I was doing.
During my internship, I worked three days in the office and two days remotely. This allowed me to experience both the collaborative environment of an office and the independence of remote work. I learned how to manage my time effectively, stay productive, and communicate with the team even when working from home.
At the end of my six-month internship, I was thrilled to receive an offer for a part-time position as a Marketing Assistant at Kola Digital. This was a dream come true. Not only had I gained valuable skills during my internship, but I was also being offered the opportunity to continue growing with the company.
The transition into the part-time role was smooth. I had already developed a good understanding of the company’s processes, and I was able to take on more responsibility. The part-time role allowed me to continue my studies while further improving my marketing skills in a real-world setting.
Looking back over the past year, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity Krystle gave me. Starting with no real-world marketing experience and being guided so patiently and thoroughly by Krystle has been an invaluable learning experience. I’ve gained more knowledge and skills in the past year than I could have ever imagined, and I am proud to be a part of the Kola Digital family.
As I continue my journey at Kola, I’m excited for the future. I’ve grown both professionally and personally, and I look forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead. It’s been an incredible year, and I couldn’t be more thankful to Krystle and the rest of the Kola team for their support and mentorship.
