Introduction
Just Premium uses creatively designed media and technology to help brands differentiate themselves across the market. To boost the efficiency of ads, their platform facilitates the buying and building of ads according to how the advertisers please. This makes it easy for their clients to “create and distribute stunning campaigns across the world’s leading publishers,” (Premium, 2012). Clients of theirs include Adidas, Amazon, and Sephora.
Just Premium was recently acquired by GumGum and is now fully integrated into that company. GumGum is a contextual intelligence company that utilises AI in a way that allows them to uniquely view and analyse the full content of a page. It combines content analysis and deep technology. Their platform is the only one on the market that scans “text, images, videos and audio when evaluating online content.” Some of their notable clients include Unilever, L’Oreal, and Canon.
To be honest…
If you’re still wondering what this means and just what GumGum does, don’t worry- you’re not alone. I spent four months as their Marketing Intern and I still had to double check my sources whenever attempting to describe them. Prior to this internship, I had zero experience or knowledge in the tech industry. My industry of choice was fashion and PR. But when the right opportunity falls into your lap, who wouldn’t take it?
When a GumGum recruiter contacted me via LinkedIn I was flattered! I had heard about the difficulties of finding an internship and here one was, just sitting in my inbox. I still tested the waters a bit and did other interviews but ultimately decided on accepting the offer from GumGum. Firstly because I’m young, I feel like this is the best time to try out different industries and figure out what I do and do not like. Secondly because GumGum was the only company that I felt respected their intern’s work and compensated it accordingly.
I’m glad that I did my internship at GumGum. I learned a lot about the tech industry and about where my interests and passions can fit within it. I emerged from this internship with a new found confidence and new set of skills. I also know now more than ever what I do and do not want from a company and what boundaries are important.
So take it from me…
If you’re reading this and about to do an internship, I’ll leave you with these tips:
- Start early! You’ve heard it before and you’ll hear it again. I started my internship search in November, secured my position with GumGum in December and started in February. The earlier you can secure a position, the better!
- Use your connections, your LinkedIn, etc. If a company you like doesn’t have an available positions, send an open application!
- Make your CV pop! Adjust it to reflect the company you’re applying for (e.g. if you’re applying at a fashion company- make your CV look like a magazine catalogue).
- Don’t be afraid to negotiate. Whether it is regarding compensation, WFH, or time spent working on your internship report- if you don’t ask, the answer is always no.
- Let your personality shine through during your interviews! Companies love seeing what’s behind the CV and what you would add to their company as a person.
* Photo of a happy hour work event in Los Angeles that I went to because I asked
By: Sarah Hilton