Here's how you can gain practical experience in Content Strategy while still in school.

To gain practical experience in content strategy while still in school, start by creating a personal blog or website where you regularly publish content on topics you’re passionate about. Join student organizations or clubs and offer to manage their social media accounts or contribute to their newsletters. Seek internships or part-time jobs with local businesses or nonprofits to help with their content needs. Additionally, take online courses and participate in relevant workshops or webinars. Network with professionals on LinkedIn and ask for informational interviews to learn more about the field.

Gain practical experience in Content Strategy while in school by interning, volunteering for nonprofits, starting a blog, joining content-focused clubs, networking with professionals, attending workshops, freelancing, and leveraging social media to showcase your skills and build a portfolio.

Some ways to get started could be : 1. Volunteer for School Publications: Join the editorial team of your school newspaper, magazine, or digital publication. This hands-on experience is invaluable for learning content planning, execution, and management. 2. Participate in Student Organizations: Many organisations have websites or social media channels. Offer to help manage and create content for these platforms, developing strategies to increase engagement and reach. 3.One way to achieve this is by creating and managing a personal blog or YouTube channel focused on a specific niche or topic.

I contributed to my school paper as well. It is a great place to start making small contributions such as write about the school sports progress or interview your teachers/ staff members about their journey, their favourite subjects etc. It is also a good idea to write short essays about any topic under the sun that interests you most.

Get involved with your school’s media outlets such as the newspaper, radio station, or online magazine. These platforms offer hands-on experience in content creation, editing, and distribution. You’ll learn how to tailor content to different audiences, work within deadlines, and collaborate with a team. Engaging with campus media allows you to build a robust portfolio of real-world content strategy work.

Whether you go out looking for a full time gig or write freelance, a shiny digital portfolio is a MUST. And I don’t mean shiny as in it’s packaged perfectly; all employers really wanna know is if you’re the right fit for the job so your portfolio should showcase: -what services you offer, -what writing skills you have, -and what niches you’ve worked in. In addition, make sure it’s super easy for potential clients to navigate the portfolio site and quickly find the answers to those questions. If they can’t immediately find the answers they’re looking for, they’ll likely just eliminate you from the list of candidates.

Creating a digital portfolio is a must! Elephant in the room - everyone's got one, so make yours shine. Showcase your best work with pizzazz—add writing samples, content plans, and analytics reports. Make it pop with energy and personality. Potential employers will see not just your skills but your unique flair. Make them remember you! 🌟💪🫵

I created a digital portfolio early in my career, which showcased my best work and the strategies behind them. Reflecting on my projects and their outcomes helped me understand my strengths and areas for improvement. This portfolio was instrumental in landing my first major consulting role, as it demonstrated my capability to think strategically and deliver results.

Start building a digital portfolio to showcase your content strategy skills. Create a personal website or blog where you can publish your work, including articles, videos, infographics, and social media campaigns. Highlight your process, from research and planning to execution and analysis. A well-curated digital portfolio not only demonstrates your capabilities but also makes you stand out to potential employers or clients.

Although this may look like a tough task initially with that first gig but there are many doors open such as freelancer or fiverr where on can find freelance opportunities. You can also go for part time internships related to this field to get more of a hands-on orientation towards this field. And instead of waiting on someone to give you work to create a portfolio you can make one yourself through hypothetical case studies or simply take an existing brand a refine its strategy to make yourself appear more credible in your portfolio.

Getting freelancing projects can be tough but in school you have less responsibilities. So what I used to do is, after my lectures I would come straight to home and spend 2-3 hours a day in finding clients. Initially I had a lot of rejections but over the months, I started closing some projects. The best part of being in school is that you don't have much at stake, no family responsibility, no major expenses. You can afford to invest time and return you will get projects on which you can learn to create content strategy and upgrade your skills

There are many ways this cane be done. Begin at home, ask to profile your parents on social media. Your domestic help, pet or anyone/ anything in the house can be a project. Gain experience in making content and to understand what content is working and getting most engagement. Additionally, you can also explore, with the help of an adult, opportunities in your neighbourhood. Parks, cafes, friends, parents business (if any), local activities and events can become an interesting project for content creation.

Freelancing allowed me to work on diverse projects, from writing blogs to planning comprehensive content strategies for small businesses. This experience taught me how to manage client expectations, adhere to various style guides, and deliver strategic content that aligns with business goals. Each project added to my understanding of practical content strategy application.

Take on freelance projects to gain diverse, real-world experience. Offer your content strategy services to small businesses, startups, or non-profits. Freelancing allows you to apply your skills in various contexts and industries, providing valuable insights into different content needs and strategies. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and LinkedIn can help you find freelance opportunities and build a professional network.

When you have some work to show attend events (with adults, if necessary) to meet other content creators. Prepare questions and practice your own presentation for when you meet people. You can also identify specific people you would like to meet at events to make the most out of the visit.

Networking events have been a game-changer in my career. Attending industry conferences and workshops allowed me to learn from seasoned professionals and make valuable connections. These interactions often led to mentorship opportunities and job offers, significantly boosting my career growth in content strategy.

Attend networking events, workshops, and conferences related to content marketing and digital strategy. These events provide opportunities to learn from industry experts, stay updated on trends, and make valuable connections. Engaging with professionals can lead to internships, mentorships, and job offers. Networking also enhances your understanding of the industry and its evolving demands.

Join or start student organizations focused on marketing, communications, or digital media. These groups often run campaigns, host events, and create content, offering practical experience in content strategy. Leadership roles within these organizations can further develop your project management and team collaboration skills. Participation in student organizations demonstrates your initiative and commitment to your field.

Online courses played a significant role in my professional development. Courses that included practical assignments and feedback helped me refine my skills in content audits, style guide creation, and strategy development. This structured learning, combined with real-world projects, solidified my expertise in content strategy.

Exploring online courses can be a transformative step toward mastering content strategy. These courses not only impart theoretical knowledge but also offer hands-on experience through practical assignments. Simulated projects simulate real-world scenarios, allowing you to hone skills like content auditing, style guide creation, and strategy development in a safe environment. Seek courses that offer constructive feedback from instructors or peers, enhancing your learning process and refining your strategic capabilities. This interactive approach ensures you not only grasp theoretical concepts but also gain practical insights crucial for success in content strategy roles.

Enroll in online courses to deepen your knowledge and skills in content strategy. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer courses on SEO, content marketing, social media strategy, and analytics. These courses often include practical assignments and projects, allowing you to apply what you learn. Continuous learning through online courses ensures you stay ahead of industry trends and best practices.

As you make content remember that the results don't necessary show immediately. Stay in the game and be patient. Pay attention to what your audience is enjoying as you grow. Ask people around you to comment or feedback your content so you can learn from others and expand your thinking.

Volunteer! I have gained so much experience in the copywriting and content creation fields simply through volunteering with nonprofit organizations. Bonus: it’s a great resume booster!