Student Highlight: Serena Joseph Anthony
Hi, I’m Serena, an international student from Hyderabad, India, currently pursuing an MSc in International Marketing at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen. With a background in social media management and freelance art, I naturally lean towards the space where bold creativity meets thoughtful strategy. For me, marketing is not simply about promotion; it's about telling stories that resonate, creating meaningful connections, and using insights to guide intuitive ideas.
At Arch 35 Marketing, I found a workplace “That does not expect you to fit in but encourages you to stand out”. I discovered an environment that genuinely celebrated individuality. My voice was not just heard, it was invited, amplified, and trusted. I was encouraged to challenge the norm, rethink how digital content connects with people, and explore new ways of telling stories. This was not an internship that left me on the sidelines but rather a seat at the table.
One of the most responsible moments during my internship was having the opportunity to manage social media for a well-known fitness coach in Aberdeen, Infinite Power Coaching, while also working closely with key clients across various sectors. It was not just about uploading content. I was trusted to lead campaigns, shape messaging, and understand what truly resonated with audiences. I spent time analysing metrics, refining tone, and experimenting with new approaches. Seeing engagement grow and knowing that real people were connecting with the content I created made every bit of effort worthwhile.
No two days were the same. One moment I was designing interactive scrolls for LinkedIn, and the next I was shaping tailored strategies for clients across industries. Each project brought new challenges, but what remained constant was the trust placed in me, not just to support, but to lead, to create, and to make a real impact. That trust was not handed out lightly, which made it even more empowering.
So, what is it like working with a growing company?
What stood out most was how Arch 35 Marketing approaches responsibility. There is a well-known quote, “with great freedom comes great responsibility”, and although often heard in films, it perfectly describes my experience. I was given the freedom to propose bold ideas, but also the responsibility to deliver them with intention. I was given the space to explore, but also the structure to ensure results. At Arch 35, I was not only part of a team, but I was also contributing to something bigger.
Every meeting felt like a mini masterclass. Every client brief taught me how to balance originality with strategic clarity. I developed habits around organisation, communication, and decision-making that I will carry with me long beyond this placement. I was not simply learning; I was trusted, and that is exactly where real growth begins.
What made Arch 35 Marketing truly special was not just the work, but the way they believed in their interns. They do not expect perfection. They value personality, perspective, and passion. They recognise that true innovation often comes from questioning, from wondering, “what if?”
Arch 35 also worked actively to help me build my professional profile. They published my blogs, featured my work across various platforms, invited me to private and industry-specific networking events, and continuously celebrated my contributions. Most recently, I was honoured to be featured by the Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce, a testament to the genuine support Arch 35 provides in helping you put yourself out there.
If I had one message for future interns at Arch 35 Marketing, it would be this:
Be yourself, fully and confidently. Do not water down your creativity to blend in. Do not hesitate to share your boldest ideas. Make your case, believe in its impact, and you will be surprised by the doors that open. Arch 35 is a place where your ideas are not only welcomed but are nurtured, shaped, and given the platform they deserve.
My time here was not just a stepping stone; it was a launchpad. A launchpad for creativity, for leadership, and for discovering just how far one voice can go when it is given the space to thrive.
Arch 35 Marketing gives far more than it takes from students. It is a rare opportunity to grow, to create, and to belong.