Here's how you can leave a lasting mark in the product marketing industry as an intern.

Whether you are a trainee or a senior collaborator, always be open to learning and do not hesitate to ask questions and investigate anything you don't know that is relevant to the proper operation of your area. You will be amazed to find that often the individuals in lower-ranking positions know the most details about the processes, and you can learn a lot from them. WHERE TO START? 1. Understand the reason behind your company's name, its history, BHAG, Mission, Vision, and Values. 2. Comprehend the strategic plan and the role your area plays in it. 3. Get to know the stakeholders of your area and the surrounding departments that either provide services to you or receive services or agreements from you.

IINITIATIVE Demonstrate a sincere interest in learning the intricacies of processes to identify areas where you can contribute to their improvement. If you can assist a colleague, ask how you can lend a hand, and if you have a better idea, share it. STORY I visited a customer's office, at reception, I was required my documents and asked whom I was visiting that day. I provided the name of the person, and then they asked me if I knew in which department this person worked? He was the CEO of the company! Avoid the error of being unaware of your company's fundamentals. Always keep top leaders in mind, learn about their work, and when you have the opportunity to meet them, express your admiration or commend an exceptional job they have done.

EXPAND YOUR CONTACTS Knowing people related to your area of work is essential, and being proactive in learning about groups, seminars, and associations where you can expand your contacts is crucial. Ask for their email, LinkedIn, and phone number to stay connected. Once you are in touch, check if their birthday is on their profile or request it On their birthday, don't hesitate to send a couple of lines wishing them a great day and build up your relations Be open to meeting new people or the friends of your contacts. Invite them to activities related to their interests or share useful data or information you have created, that could be helpful to them. Become an expert and a referral name within your group.

COMMUNICATION It's crucial not only among your colleagues but also in internal and external communication. Learn to be clear, avoid short acronyms unless you are sure the recipient of your information is aware of their meanings. STORY I wrote to a third person out of the region and abbreviated CA, which means Central America, and if we include Panama, it's CAP. The person thought I was referring to Canada and had misspelled the abbreviation (CA instead of CAN). After some emails, I noticed we were talking about different market areas, and when I asked which market he was referring to, I realized my mistake in assuming he was aware of the CA and CAP meanings.

KEEP TRACK Always maintain an agenda for your meetings and compile brief reports containing the following details: - Date - Attendees - Department or place of work - Location of the meeting - Objective of the meeting - Task review - Agreements and the person responsible for follow-up If you lack any participant's contact information, request it (email, phone, and department). Send this one-page summary to all attendees as a reminder of the discussed topics, responsibilities, and follow-up actions. Invite them to edit or complete the information if there was any misunderstanding. Follow up on the actions with the assigned responsible individuals. Obtain feedback on progress and, if necessary, make adjustments to achieve the goal.