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Social Media/Digital Marketing Internship — The Borgen Project (UK)
About Us
The Borgen Project is an influential international non-profit organization dedicated to making global poverty a focus of foreign policy. Over two decades of operation, the organization has advocated at political levels to improve living conditions for nearly 500 million people across developing nations affected by conflict, famine, and extreme poverty.
Website Link: https://borgenproject.org/
Featured across major global media outlets—including CNN and The Huffington Post—The Borgen Project mobilizes citizens and political leaders in powerful nations to back key anti-poverty legislation, foreign aid funding, and sustainable international development initiatives.
Job Overview & Key Responsibilities
As a Social Media & Digital Marketing Intern, you will participate in a flexible, 12-week remote program designed to elevate public awareness, drive digital engagement, and support international advocacy campaigns.
Key Responsibilities
- Digital Branding & Campaign Strategy: Develop targeted branding initiatives and leverage social media platforms to communicate key messaging surrounding global poverty issues.
- Public Relations & Media Outreach: Draft and pitch story ideas to print, broadcast, and digital news channels to expand campaign visibility.
- Market Research & Focus Groups: Plan and execute informal focus groups to gather market feedback and refine audience engagement approaches.
- Fundraising Strategy & Execution: Formulate and carry out grassroots digital fundraising initiatives to support organization-wide programs.
- Community Education & Presentation: Organize, market, and present at virtual or local informational sessions to educate the public on policy advocacy.
- Political Advocacy Support: Assist in grassroot mobilization efforts, contacting elected representatives and raising public support for anti-poverty legislation.
Requirements & Desired Qualifications
- Education & Experience: No prior digital marketing or advocacy experience required. Open to candidates from all academic backgrounds and GPAs.
- Core Competencies: Strong passion for social justice, international development, human rights, and political advocacy.
- Communication Skills: Ability to articulate ideas clearly via written copy, social media posts, and public presentations.
- Self-Motivation: Ability to work independently in a remote environment, manage time effectively, and meet project milestones.
- Program Commitment: 12 hours per week for 12 weeks (144 total program hours; option to work ahead and complete in fewer weeks). Flexible start dates with new cohorts beginning every month.
Job Role Comparison Table
| Feature / Aspect | Grassroots Advocacy Volunteer | Digital Marketing Intern (The Borgen Project) | NGO Communications Coordinator |
| Primary Scope | General awareness & petition signing | Structured digital branding, media pitching & campaign strategy | Full-time channel management & PR execution |
| Commitment | Ad-hoc / Flexible hours | 12 hours/week for 12 weeks (Unpaid / College Credit) | Full-time professional employment |
| Skill Focus | Public interaction & activism | Social media strategy, market research & press pitching | Content production, media relations & brand management |
| Location / Mode | On-the-ground or online | 100% Remote (Flexible schedule) | Hybrid or office-based |
Key Benefits of This Role
- High-Impact Portfolio Experience: Gain practical experience in digital media strategy, press pitching, public relations, and campaign management.
- 100% Remote Flexibility: Complete your 12 hours per week on a schedule that fits around university studies or other work commitments, with the ability to accelerate hours.
- Academic Credit Eligibility: Approved for academic or college credit through participating universities and educational institutions.
- Mentorship & Career Networking: Receive guidance from experienced non-profit advocates and obtain professional references upon successful program completion.
- Flexible Start Dates: Monthly onboarding cohorts allow you to select the start month that best fits your schedule.
How to Prepare a CV for This Position
- Highlight Social Consciousness: Emphasize any volunteer work, community involvement, activism, or interest in international policy near the top of your resume.
- Showcase Transferable Skills: Focus on writing, communication, public speaking, research, and self-management abilities—even if developed through coursework or student clubs.
- List Digital Platforms: Mention any familiarity with social media tools (Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Canva) or basic content creation software.
- Demonstrate Motivation Over Experience: Since prior job experience is not required, write a compelling personal statement highlighting why you want to fight global poverty.
Career Guide Tips for Growth
- Build a Portfolio of Campaign Assets: Save graphics, campaign pitches, and digital engagement reports created during the internship to present to future employers.
- Understand the Intersection of Tech & Advocacy: Modern non-profits rely heavily on data-driven social messaging; learn basic analytics and audience segmentation tools alongside campaign management.
- Leverage the Network: Engage actively with fellow interns and program managers across cohorts to expand your professional network within the NGO and non-profit sectors.
How to Prepare for the Interview
- Research The Borgen Project’s Legislative Goals: Familiarize yourself with current bills and foreign aid issues supported by the organization.
- Prepare to Discuss Your Motivation: Be ready to articulate clearly why global poverty reduction matters to you and how digital tools can drive policy change.
- Demonstrate Remote Readiness: Prepare examples that show your ability to manage your time, set priorities, and work independently without direct daily supervision.
Top 3 Interview Questions & Guidance
1. “Why are you passionate about fighting global poverty, and why choose political advocacy over direct humanitarian aid?”
How to answer: Explain how policy-level intervention creates systemic, long-term change at scale, complementing immediate direct aid by influencing international foreign budget allocations.
2. “How would you approach pitching a story about global poverty to local or digital media outlets that might usually cover local news?”
How to answer: Focus on finding the “local hook”—explaining how global stability, trade, and humanitarian leadership impact national and local economies, or highlighting local volunteers taking action.
3. “Since this is a self-directed remote internship, how do you plan to structure your 12 hours each week to meet campaign goals?”
How to answer: Outline a structured weekly plan—allocating specific time blocks for content creation, media pitching, focus group outreach, and political engagement to ensure balanced progress.
Salary Insight
- Compensation: Unpaid Internship Program
- Academic Value: Academic/college credit available depending on your university’s internship approval policies.
How to Apply
To apply for The Borgen Project’s Social Media/Digital Marketing Internship:
- Application Link: Submit your application directly through The Borgen Project’s official careers page or designated candidate portal.
- Cohort Selection: Select your preferred starting month during the application process.
- Location: Remote (Open to candidates in Liverpool, the wider UK, and globally).
Career Page Link: Official Career Page
Disclaimer
This summary and interview preparation guide has been independently structured for informational and career counseling purposes. The Borgen Project retains all rights to its official job descriptions, program guidelines, and candidate selection standards. Prospective applicants should verify current credit policies and program terms directly with official representatives of The Borgen Project.