Inside My Social Media and Analytics Internship

What My Internship at PIAS Taught Me

Over the past couple of months, I’ve had the opportunity to intern at Play It Again Sports in Berwyn, Pa. A locally beloved shop that buys and sells new and quality used sporting gear for all sports, from skiing to baseball. For me, it has been much more than an internship; it has been a glimpse into the world of small business, community engagement, and sustainable retail.

What I’ve Learned

This experience has taught me the true power of consistency, the value of a tight-knit community, and the importance of interacting with and meeting customers both online and in-store. Throughout my time here, I’ve learned how to craft engaging content, analyze what truly resonates with an audience, and adjust strategy based on data (and a little bit of instinct). The most important lesson I gained from this experience is that authenticity matters. When you speak to an audience genuinely, people listen and interact.

A Potential Specialty I’m Seeing in Myself

I entered this internship unsure if I wanted to go into Social Media Marketing and creation, but I will be leaving with a strong passion for social media strategy, analytics, and content creation. Understanding what makes a post perform well, whether it’s a reel about lacrosse season or a photo showcasing our used golf selection, has been surprisingly exciting. I now know I want to continue exploring digital marketing, especially for local or mission-driven brands.

Positive Business Insight

One of the most eye-opening aspects was seeing how a small business thrives not just on inventory or location, but on relationships. Regulars walk in to trade, talk sports, or catch up. The store means so much more than just selling sporting goods. It’s a hub for the active community and a place where kids feel inspired to try new sports. This is something that I didn’t expect to appreciate as much as I do now.

People Who Inspired Me

Watching the owner and juggling operations, customer service, marketing, and inventory management, all while staying upbeat, was inspiring. His grind and love for the business reminded me that passion and work ethic can build something truly lasting. Also, the store manager’s enthusiasm and customer service are something that can not be taught. Customers will drive over an hour to shop with him just for hockey gear since he gives them an unforgettable shopping experience that keeps them coming back year after year.

Expectations vs. Reality

Honestly, I thought that I would be just tucked behind the scenes, doing what I was told and being given content to post. In reality, I was right up in the action, so to speak, creating real-time content, interacting with customers, and brainstorming new and engaging ideas. I didn’t expect to feel so trusted and involved, and I wish I had spoken up sooner with the creative ideas I had floating around in my head.

Advice for New Interns

Starting your first internship can be scary; however, after those first-day jitters pass, be curious, ask questions, and bring your ideas to the table even if you’re unsure. The whole mentality behind interns is to get a fresh perspective, YOUR fresh perspective. If you’re working with social media, pay attention to the little things, such as captions, timing, and engagement trends; they add up.

Key Takeaways

I’m walking away with hands-on experience in content creation, data analysis, digital marketing, customer service, and brand voice. Since I started, post engagement has grown significantly, reactions increased by 93.9%, shares went up 42.9% and impressions hit over 1,600 in just six weeks. Instagram engagement rate alone jumped by 258%, with likes doubling and comments growing by 150%