The IDM Summer School: An Unforgettable Experience

Hindsight is a wonderful thing. I was fortunate enough to be selected for the 2016 IDM Summer School programme along with 29 other individuals. A few weeks have passed since completing the programme, and having had the time to reflect, I feel privileged to articulate what made the IDM Summer School such a special experience.

Here is my breakdown of the best things about Summer School:

1)I met a variety of individuals in a setting that was professional and fun

It’s only appropriate to start the list with something I feel was absolutely integral to the whole Summer School experience. From the outset, it was clear that the IDM were determined to ensure that everybody enjoyed the experience and had fun. That being said, the programme never lost sight of its professionalism. In turn, what we - as the participants - were given, was a fantastic learning environment which was fuelled by a group rapport that was so prevalent throughout the week.

2)First-hand insights from industry professionals which opened my eyes

When you’re striving for a career in a particular industry, one of the most valuable opportunities you can have is to learn from those who have been there and done it. The experience provided a platform to engage with professionals of different backgrounds, some of whom were once part of the past IDM Summer School’s themselves – for me, they were a testament that Summer School can really help with getting on the career ladder.

Overall, I now feel much more confident as to where I envisage myself professionally and that is largely because of the professionals I was able to learn from, all of whom were extremely approachable and insightful.

3)A real taste of life in marketing

The opportunity to work on a marketing brief for a real-life client is one which I feel really paints an accurate picture of life in marketing. Whilst nobody (that I know of) suddenly became marketing experts from the experience, the task really goes a long way in giving you the opportunity to flex your muscles in terms of problem-solving, team working, creative thinking and idea pitching. The brief was certainly a challenge, particularly considering the short space of time available, but what’s a career without a challenge?

On the whole, the IDM Summer School was truly unforgettable. I’d like to thank the IDM team who must have invested an unbelievable amount of effort into orchestrating the programme - which ran like clockwork by the way!

If you’re even the slightest bit interested in a career in marketing then I would absolutely recommend the IDM Summer School for a truly deep and invaluable learning experience around the industry.