A look back of my Chamber internship

Insightful, because I learned so much, not just about marketing and campaign strategies, but also about the Chamber’s history, the role it plays in supporting local businesses and the behind the scenes of all their wonderful events and campaigns they run.

Dynamic, because no two days were the same. From event planning and attending events to creating social media content and writing blog posts, there was always something new to get stuck into. It was far from the typical desk job that I was expecting.

Finally, collaborative, because from day one, I felt genuinely welcomed as part of the team. Everyone was incredibly supportive, creating an environment where I felt safe to ask questions, make mistakes, and most importantly, grow from them. 

As the Marketing & Campaign intern, I had the chance to get stuck into a variety of projects from researching, creating and uploading content for social media and the Chamber website to supporting key campaigns like Brighton & Hove Living Wage and the Green project. I also got a taste of other areas of Chamber life, including events and a bit of the membership side too.

As I mentioned, no two days were ever the same. Whether I was prepping for events, uploading blog posts and website content, working on ongoing projects, or chatting with members, there was always something new to learn. 

I started my internship with an open mind, ready to take on any challenges and opportunities that came up. My main goal was to learn more about my local community and the incredible projects and businesses within it.

What surprised me most was how much I ended up learning, both professionally and personally. From picking up practical skills like using Excel, conducting research, and even mastering mail merges, to adapting to the 9-to-5 routine.

One of the biggest personal developments for me was improving my networking skills. I learned how to structure and ask thoughtful questions that spark meaningful conversations at events, not just about the business, but about the people behind it.

On the research side, I deepened my knowledge by exploring business support programs, preparing background information for speakers for the Brighton Summit and our breakfast events, and learning more about B Corporations and Living Wage employers right here in Brighton & Hove.

Writing in the Chamber’s friendly, approachable voice was also a big learning curve. I had expected an office job to involve formal and highly structured communication, but was pleasantly surprised by the creativity and flexibility it encouraged. It challenged me to be more resilient and engaging, especially as I learned to take feedback and adjust my style

Although my time as an intern is coming to an end, I’ll be staying on with the Chamber for another three weeks to continue learning and supporting the membership side of things. After that, I’ll be off travelling throughout August before heading back to the University of Sussex for my final year studying Psychology and Business. 

A huge thank you to the Brighton Chamber team for your support and encouragement throughout my time here. I’ve come away with new skills, fresh perspective, and a real sense of confidence for whatever comes next. I also want to say a big thanks to Rohun and Andy at Eagle Labs for being so welcoming the whole way through. Finally, many thanks to all the Chamber members who have been so welcoming and just had a friendly chat at events.

What made this whole experience so memorable wasn’t just the work, it was the people. I feel really lucky to have been part of such a supportive and inspiring team. 

If you want to contribute to the Chamber blog, contact us on hannah@brightonchamber.co.uk