The Parting Shot | Channeling 'Suits' in My Internship at Vertex Ventures SEA & India

At Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia and India, we are proud of our interns' contribution, their creative ideas and more importantly, their growth journey. The Parting shot series showcases reflective articles written by our interns at the end of their internship. We hope you enjoy the piece.

Entering Vertex Ventures SEA & India as an intern felt like stepping into an episode of Suits. The atmosphere was charged with ambition and professionalism, yet there was an underlying warmth that made it feel welcoming. The receptionist Rachel Tang reminded me of Donna from the show—her bright smile and stylish hair set a positive tone for my daily interactions. She exuded confidence and friendliness, making it easier for newcomers like me to feel at home in this bustling environment.

This internship marked my first foray into the corporate world, and I was determined to embrace every aspect of it. I aimed to immerse myself fully in the corporate culture by engaging in coffee chats with my colleagues, mingling with the associates, and enjoying lunch at iconic spots like Lau Pa Sat or City Hall with the rest of the interns. Vertex made me feel at home; it was always chill, never too hectic, and even though everyone dressed casually, there was an unspoken understanding of professionalism that permeated the office.

Reflecting on Suits, I realized that every company has its hierarchy. The journey from associate to managing partner is filled with challenges and requires dedication. At Vertex Ventures SEA & India, I observed how mentorship plays a crucial role in this hierarchy. Senior team members guided interns like myself, sharing insights that illuminated our paths forward. This structure not only fosters growth but also creates a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.

My role as an intern in community and communications allowed me to witness firsthand how vital these aspects are in shaping a company's culture.

Researching, evaluating, and creating content across various mediums was a significant part of my responsibilities. I enjoyed the challenge of crafting engaging blogs, articles, reports, and website content that not only captured the target audience's attention but also drove traffic. Each piece of content was an opportunity to tell a story and convey the unique value proposition of our offerings. The iterative process of refining content based on audience feedback and performance metrics taught me the importance of adaptability and continuous improvement.

Managing reporting and metrics was another critical component of my role. Tracking traffic, keyword growth, first-page rankings, SERP positions, and page views provided me with a comprehensive view of our digital performance. Analysing this data allowed me to identify trends, uncover areas for improvement, and implement strategies that enhanced our online presence over time. This analytical aspect not only strengthened my problem-solving skills but also underscored the importance of data-driven decision-making in achieving marketing goals.

Creating and editing video content alongside managing social media posts added creativity to my work. Utilizing platforms like Canva enabled me to design visually appealing graphics that complemented our video content and social media strategy. This experience enhanced my creativity and technical skills while allowing me to engage with our audience in more interactive ways. I found that images significantly boosted engagement rates, making it an essential tool in our marketing arsenal.

In conclusion, my internship at Vertex Ventures SEA & India has been an enriching experience that blended professional development with personal growth. The blend of a relaxed yet ambitious culture allowed me to thrive while learning about the intricacies of venture capital and startup ecosystems. Engaging with founders during events like the Founders’ Day has solidified my interest in pursuing a career in this exciting field, equipped with insights and connections that will serve me well in the future. The lessons learned from both my experiences at Vertex and the inspiring stories shared by successful founders will undoubtedly guide my path as I continue to navigate my career journey.

*Edited by *Rahul Thayyalamkandy, Director, Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia & India.

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