Find out more about what it's like to intern here at The Lightbox - our Pr and Marketing intern Lou gives us an insight into what he has learnt.

For two months now I have been PR and Marketing Intern for The Lightbox. With a love of arts and desire to build a career in the cultural sector this role has shown me what day-to-day work in a gallery and museum is like.

In a small suburban town like Woking it’s incredible to find such a big gallery which boasts such high profile exhibitions. Since it opened, The Lightbox has provided me with a space to explore and mature my passion for arts and culture. When I graduated from university earlier this year I left with the hope of working within a gallery space. So I was truly excited to see The Lightbox advertising for a PR and Marketing Intern.

Having got the position I fell straight into work. In my first week here I was tasked with making posters, drafting a press release and writing a column for Woking Informer! The work I’ve been doing since has shown me the varied faces of work in Marketing, from in-house designs and physical adverts to e-newsletters and social media. Before, I wouldn’t have guessed just how much hard work must go into successfully advertising a gallery and museum.

Being honest, I’m surprised at how in-depth, and serious, my work here has been. I did fear the internship might just be assisting the Marketing and PR team in their work, but instead I’m constantly given my own important jobs to do. I’ve contributed to The Lightbox’s website, written press statements and produced leaflets to advertise projects. With posters I’ve designed up around the gallery and e-flyers I’ve written being sent out, I feel I’ve genuinely contributed to the publicity of The Lightbox.

I came to the gallery with little experience, but can now list amongst my skills and experience with listings, press statements, newsletters and more. I can proudly say I’ve promoted such exciting exhibitions as the provoking and captivating ‘The Ingram Collection: Impact of War’ and the engaging and surprising ‘The Giant Electronic Art Show’. I’ve enjoyed experiencing the hidden half of The Lightbox and seeing the perpetual work being done behind the scenes. My internship at The Lightbox has greatly advanced my knowledge and experience of working in a gallery and gifted me with invaluable skills for further work. In my remaining time here I look forwarding to taking on more responsibility and an even stronger focus on what it means to do Marketing and PR for a gallery.