THE GIFT THAT KEPT ON GIVING - MY INTERNSHIP WITH TSB

By Moses Ssendegeya

During my first year at The University of Essex, I studied finance & management, which ultimately made me realise how bad I was with maths! However, during my second term I started a module on marketing and management and, unlike my prior experience on the course, I was instantly fascinated. With a passion for this newfound subject, I was inspired to switch my course. Throughout my studies, of which I am now in my third year, I have been repeatedly told about the importance of gaining practical experience in the industry. With the help of Creative Access, I came across The Space Between and the LAUNCHPAD internship, specifically designed to help diverse, passionate people break into the sports industry. Straight away, I knew this was the best internship I could ask for – so, I was over the moon when my application was successful, and I was offered the 12-week internship!  

When I started with TSB, I was surprised by just how much the agency influenced the brands they worked with. I witnessed how TSB collaborated with specialist freelancers, to leverage their knowledge and experience to impact its clients and match their specific needs and requirements. I instantly noticed that every member of TSB truly believes in and supports the agency’s core values, evidenced by their prioritisation of supporting charities, working with challenger brands, and through this LAUNCHPAD scheme internship opportunity.  

I was quickly brought up to speed with the day-to-day work TSB does. I began by working with Senior Account Executive, Alys Cowx and Account Director Sam Ruffe generating PR coverage across the agency’s clients. I assisted in coming up with the strategy and approach for press release announcements, completed sell-ins and tracked the results and coverage to present to the client.  

I also worked with Senior Account Manager, Emma Albon on planning for client events during the Autumn Nations Cup. The event planning involved utilising OOH advertising, helping pull together a social media strategy, working with prominent sports personalities and communicating with suppliers to ensure the event ran smoothly. After attending the event, it was hugely satisfying and rewarding to see all of mine and the teams hard work come to fruition. As I am studying for my level 4 digital marketing certificate with the chartered institute of marketing, this was an excellent opportunity for me to put the skills to use and further develop my skillset.  

Alongside all the practical knowledge I gained, I had loads of fun experiences during the internship. A few of the highlights include watching The Lionesses vs USA play at Wembley stadium to a sold-out crowd and celebrating the agency’s second anniversary during a two-day trip to a country house in Somerset – complete with battle archery, table tennis and a karaoke machine! These experiences weren't what I had expected coming into the internship but were undoubtedly a great addition to my time at TSB.  

Being able to observe and work with TSB has genuinely been a priceless experience. The marketing insights and how the agency leverages and maximises opportunities for its clients were big eye-openers. Receiving mentorship and support from careers to personal growth has made me more confident and excited about pursuing a career in marketing. So, I would like to thank Lisa, Tom and Adam and the whole TSB team for this fantastic, unique and rewarding experience.