By: Ian Dohrmann
Dickinson High School Senior
During my work-based learning (WBL) experience at Consolidated, a leading broadband company in Southwest North Dakota, I interned in the Marketing/Public Relations area. From the start, my coworkers and supervisors were incredibly supportive, and I immediately felt like a part of the team. I was involved in important decisions right away, which made the experience even more rewarding.
Throughout my time at Consolidated, I worked on several significant projects. I created articles for the company’s quarterly newsletters sent to customers, developed social media posts, and produced animated videos about our services and community efforts. I also created mailouts for new customers about special deals and designed trifolds explaining our internet services. Additionally, I had the opportunity to design graphics and create a theme for a marketing conference that Consolidated hosted. On the PR side, I helped host and deliver toys for a Christmas Toy Drive that collected over 200 toys. I also assisted in setting up and working at a business customer luncheon.
In these projects, I developed key skills, including graphic design, communication, and time management. I was given the software and guidance to improve my design abilities, and I learned how to manage deadlines while delivering quality work. I also learned the importance of communication, often asking questions to ensure I was on the right track.
One valuable piece of advice I received from my supervisors was that marketing can be challenging because it doesn’t matter if you like the strategy; it matters whether it works. This lesson has shaped my understanding of the marketing field and how important it is to focus on what resonates with the audience.
Looking back, the most positive aspect of my WBL experience was gaining clarity about my future. Before this opportunity, I was unsure about what career path to take. Now, I am confident that I want to pursue a career in marketing, which has made planning for college and my future much easier.
For future WBL students, my advice is simple: TRY IT. You may discover that the field isn't for you, which is a valuable lesson in itself. Or, you may gain real-world experience that will help you confidently choose a career path. Either way, it will make your college journey and future planning much clearer.
I’ve gained many valuable skills and knowledge during my WBL experience, and I am excited to apply them in college and beyond as I continue to pursue my career goals in marketing.