SP Diaries #18: Maya Mehlman, Intern

When did you start working at SP?

I started working at SP in the beginning of June 2024 

What is your role?

I am currently an intern at Socially Powerful that lasts for six months before I (hopefully) get a full time offer in December where I will take on the role of a Junior Account Executive. 

What does that entail?

The best part of my internship at Socially Powerful is getting to try a bit of everything across all the departments. It’s been such a great way to meet everyone and really understand what each team does.

My main focus has been working with beauty clients. Whether it’s putting together project proposals, brainstorming creative ideas, sourcing creators, or making report decks, I’ve gotten a real taste of what it’s like to be a Junior Account Executive. It’s definitely made me feel more confident about taking on the role full-time!

What does an average week look like for you?

It’s hard to say what a typical week looks like for me since it really depends on which clients we’re working with, and that changes week to week. Right now, with the year wrapping up, I’m spending a lot of time doing data reporting from past projects so the SP team can review what worked and where we can improve. Even though I wasn’t around for most of these projects, it’s been a great way for me to get familiar with the process.

When I’m working on a beauty campaign, my week is packed with brainstorming sessions and crafting concepts tailored to the client’s needs. It’s honestly the most fun part of my job because there are no wrong answers, and it’s an incredible feeling to see your, sometimes crazy, ideas come to life!

Why did you choose SP/ want to work for them?

Socially Powerful is actually my first job out of college! During school, I had the chance to visit LA and meet with various professionals in the media industry. That’s when I was introduced to the world of influencer agencies and social media marketing, and I knew right away it was what I wanted to pursue. Unfortunately, most in-person jobs in this field are in LA, which feels a bit too chaotic for me, or New York, which is just too expensive right now.

I was introduced to Socially Powerful through a connection, who put me in touch with my now manager—shoutout to Katie (best boss ever)! On our first call, Katie raved about the supportive culture at SP and how it’s the perfect place to learn everything there is to know about social media while growing into your professional career. I was hooked right away. Just a week later, I had my first interview, and I was SO nervous—this was my first-ever ‘big girl’ job interview! But the moment I clicked that Zoom link, I was welcomed with smiling faces and people who genuinely wanted to get to know me and were excited about bringing me onto the team.

What do you like about working at SP?

For those who don’t know, SP is a UK-based company that’s currently expanding its US team. When I first got the position, I was a little nervous about joining a team where most people are on a different continent. But from day one, everyone made an effort to introduce themselves and was incredibly welcoming.

Every team member has shown amazing patience and understanding, knowing that I’m learning as I go. They’ve taken the time to explain each task, answer all my questions, and always made me feel comfortable sharing my ideas.   

What do you like about working within this industry?

I love the creativity that comes with working in this industry and the fact that no idea is off limits. What fascinates me even more is the power of social media. At SP, we have the ability to shift the narrative for these companies, positioning them in a new light to reach a different demographic than they’re typically used to.

Why did you choose this industry to get into?

As I mentioned before, I love the power social media has when connecting with younger audiences in a more authentic way. There’s also been a major shift, especially in the beauty industry, toward promoting products using real people who reflect the everyday consumer, rather than pushing unattainable beauty standards and I’m passionate about being part of that change.

Social media marketing is also here to stay, especially with the rise of AI. In fact, AI is enhancing the industry, making it even stronger. It’s become a tool I use daily, and I believe it’s crucial to learn how to work alongside AI rather than against it.

What’s the most valuable thing you’ve learned across your career so far?

The most valuable lesson I’ve learned so far is the importance of asking questions. Whether I’m working on an assignment for a co-worker or putting together a proposal for a client, gathering as much information as possible is crucial to getting it right—or as close to right as possible—on the first try.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome at SP?

The biggest challenge I’ve faced—and am still working to overcome—is time management. I currently work with a team that has an eight-hour time difference from me, which means that by the time I log on, they’re nearing the end of their day. In this role, I’ve learned the importance of managing my time effectively to gather all the information I need during our overlapping hours. This ensures I have all the information I need to have a productive work day.

How has your career path/vision changed over the years?

As a recent college graduate my career path/vision changes every single day. I can’t say with 100% certainty where I see myself in five years, but I do know that regardless of whether I choose to stay in the influencer agency world, I’m gaining valuable insights not only about social media but also about overcoming various obstacles in my professional journey.  

What advice would you give to someone starting out in your role?

I would tell someone starting in my role to be patient with themselves. No one expects you to know everything or get it right the first time. It’s important to give yourself grace and remember that every mistake is an opportunity to learn and grow. Even the simplest of tasks show your dedication to helping the team succeed, and that effort does not go unnoticed.

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