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Precious, Global Marketing and Communications Intern at Sonoco Products Company : Advize Career Interview

A career journey from a construction industry rotational program to a Global Marketing and Communications Internship at Fortune 500 company Sonoco Products Company is highlighted in this interview.

The interviewee's path demonstrates consistent growth, transitioning from brand communications specialist to marketing coordinator before landing a current role focused on developing and executing marketing strategies for the industrial and specialties plastics team.

A day involves collaboration with diverse teams, strategic planning, and results tracking, requiring strong communication, strategic thinking, and project management skills.

The most rewarding aspect is early exposure to product development and the company's broad reach across various sectors. The biggest challenge is adapting to the ever-changing landscape of customer engagement and utilizing new technologies.

The interviewee emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and a B2B2C approach in the packaging industry.

Success is highlighted by highlighting the value of kindness, thorough research, and resilience built through experiences as a first-generation international student.

The impact of personalized support from faculty and a career coach in navigating the international job search is also emphasized. Sonoco's Emerging Leaders Program is presented as a valuable entry-level opportunity.

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

Precious Gozwa

Global Marketing and Communications Intern

Sonoco Products Company

Copperbelt University

Arizona State University (ASU) - W. P. Carey - MBA with a major in Marketing

Business & Related, Business Management & Admin

Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG)

Communication and Marketing

International Student

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Career Path Of A Marketing Intern In Marketing And Tech

Precious's career path began with a post-graduation role in the construction industry, progressing from "graduate intern" to "brand communications specialist" through a rotational program and subsequent promotions. After a career pivot in 2022, a move to Jabu Technologies saw them continue their marketing journey as a "marketing coordinator for their country operations," showcasing a consistent growth trajectory in marketing and communications.

Career Path Of A Marketing Intern In Marketing And Tech

Main Responsibilities of a Global Marketing and Communications Intern at Sonoco Products Company

As a Global Marketing and Communications Intern at Fortune 500 company Sonoco Products Company, Precious oversees marketing strategies for the industrial and specialties plastics team, "curating their marketing strategies, their long-term strategies, go-to-market strategies," and supporting sales efforts through client outreach and events. This internship provides valuable experience in developing and implementing marketing plans within a large, established company in the packaging industry.

Main Responsibilities of a Global Marketing and Communications Intern at Sonoco Products Company

A Day in the Life of a Global Marketing and Communications Intern at Sonoco Products Company

A day for this global marketing and communications intern at Sonoco Products Company involves significant collaboration—"meeting with other communications business partners" and working with "copywriters, graphic designers, uh, product marketing teams"—to plan marketing strategies and social media calendars. The intern then executes these plans by supporting sales and business development teams across various locations, ultimately tracking results and reporting on progress toward long-term goals.

A Day in the Life of a Global Marketing and Communications Intern at Sonoco Products Company

Most Important Skills For A Global Marketing Communications Intern At Sonoco

Precious, a Global Marketing and Communications Intern, emphasizes communication as "very critical" for navigating interactions with diverse stakeholders, ensuring efficient workflow. The intern also highlights the importance of strategic thinking, connecting marketing initiatives to company profitability, and strong project management skills to juggle multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively.

Most Important Skills For A Global Marketing Communications Intern At Sonoco

Favorite Parts of Being a Marketing and Communications Intern at Sonoco

Precious, a Global Marketing and Communications Intern at Sonoco, most enjoys learning about the company's diverse product line, stating "that is exciting," and getting to see "the next line of products or the future of products before anybody else." This early exposure to product development, including seeing "how a package opens, how is it resellable," provides invaluable insight and contributes to their professional growth.

Favorite Parts of Being a Marketing and Communications Intern at Sonoco

Biggest Challenges For A Marketing And Communications Intern At Sonoco Products Company

Precious's biggest challenge as a Global Marketing and Communications Intern at Sonoco Products Company is the ever-changing landscape of customer engagement; the need to "continuously research ways to reach" customers, adapting strategies based on evolving preferences and utilizing platforms like "artificial intelligence, Google search, or TikTok," highlights the dynamic nature of the marketing field and the importance of continuous learning.

Biggest Challenges For A Marketing And Communications Intern At Sonoco Products Company

Favorite Parts of Working in the Packaging Industry as a Global Marketing and Communications Intern

Precious's favorite aspect of the packaging industry is the ubiquitous nature of Sonoco Products' output; seeing "our product" or "our packaging" in diverse settings, from "baby foods" to "quick service restaurants," excites Precious and reinforces their understanding of the company's broad reach across numerous sectors. This feeling is further amplified by the realization that even small components, like "tiny products...wrapped around some cotton for sewing machines," are created by their company.

Favorite Parts of Working in the Packaging Industry as a Global Marketing and Communications Intern

What Type Of Person Thrives In Packaging, According To A Marketing Intern At Sonoco

To thrive in the packaging industry, professionals must be "agile, adaptive, and forward-thinking," constantly innovating to meet evolving customer needs and sustainability goals. This requires envisioning future packaging solutions, such as exploring "how can we make our packaging more sustainable?" and adapting to shifts in consumer preferences, for example, a move toward "plastic-less" options.

What Type Of Person Thrives In Packaging, According To A Marketing Intern At Sonoco

What A Marketing And Communications Intern At Sonoco Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Packaging Industry

Precious, a Global Marketing and Communications Intern at Sonoco, discovered the packaging industry is not solely B2B; the focus extends to the "final consumer," considering factors like ease of opening, resealing, and shelf appeal—a "B2B2C" approach. This realization highlighted a longer-term, collaborative partnership with clients to ensure end-user satisfaction, a crucial aspect the interviewee wishes they had understood before entering the field.

What A Marketing And Communications Intern At Sonoco Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Packaging Industry

Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Leaders At Sonoco Products Company

Sonoco Products Company offers an "Emerging Leaders Program" as an entry-level opportunity for undergraduate students across various disciplines, including business, finance, and manufacturing, providing "a lot of support from your manager" and exposure to different roles to find "your perfect fit." The program includes mentorship, training, and team-building activities across over 30 US locations.

Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Leaders At Sonoco Products Company

Significant Career Lesson From a Global Marketing and Communications Intern at Sonoco Products Company

A significant career lesson learned is that "kindness goes a long way," fostering trust and creating a positive work environment where productivity increases. This approach, demonstrated through collaboration and teamwork, has impacted how the individual works and views their career, resulting in a more enjoyable and efficient work experience.

Significant Career Lesson From a Global Marketing and Communications Intern at Sonoco Products Company

College Experiences That Helped a Global Marketing and Communications Intern at Sonoco Products Company Succeed

Precious's undergraduate research experience, though initially "not fun," provided a crucial foundation for their current role as a Global Marketing and Communications Intern. This experience instilled a "critical eye" and the ability to conduct thorough research, "derive data from a survey," and analyze information – skills they now utilize daily to evaluate projects and make informed decisions within Sonoco Products Company.

College Experiences That Helped a Global Marketing and Communications Intern at Sonoco Products Company Succeed

How Identity Has Influenced a Global Marketing and Communications Intern at Sonoco Products Company's Career

Precious's experience as a first-generation international student fostered "resilience," enabling a successful transition from five years of Zambian marketing experience to a new US-based role. The confidence gained from prior success, coupled with a commitment to "hardworking, inquisitive, [and] curious" principles, allowed Precious to overcome initial anxieties and thrive in their unfamiliar environment.

How Identity Has Influenced a Global Marketing and Communications Intern at Sonoco Products Company's Career
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