Struggling to find a suitable role in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic, University of Sunderland Journalism graduate Gemma Hirst managed to land a three-month internship with Print Cakes, supporting the business with her skills in digital marketing.
Print Cakes is a Sunderland-based family bakery delivering treats to brands across the country. Their focus is on quality ingredients and a finish which reflects the brands that they work with. They were looking for extra support during an exceptionally busy time for the business.
The CFNE solution provided
The internship was organised through the Creative Fuse North East team at University of Sunderland. Being a Journalism Graduate, Gemma was able to create and edit content for the Print Cakes product pages and blogs from the website.
The outcome of CFNE intervention
During the pandemic, Gemma had to adapt to the restrictions and take on the responsibility of representing and creating digital content of another brand on their business social media accounts from her Northumberland home. She communicated regularly with Print Cakes Director, Helena Harford, and Creative Fuse, to make sure the content that she was creating was on brand.
The festive period was an especially busy time for the business and Gemma was able to use social media to promote their product. Using Instagram, she turned their grid into an advent calendar and each day would showcase a festive product that customers could buy.
Valentine’s Day was the next big calendar event that Print Cakes had to take on. Creating Mood Boards and competitor research, Gemma was able to work with Print Cakes on promoting their new Valentine’s range.
Gemma used digital platforms to create and schedule the content for Print Cakes, improve the look and the type of content that the business had not done before.
Although Gemma finishes her Internship this month, she will continue to work with Print Cakes.
Gemma’s experience highlights the impact Sunderland graduates have in the commercial sector as well as shining a light on the role of Creative Fuse, which is delivered through a unique partnership between the North East’s five universities – Newcastle, Durham, Northumbria, Teesside and Sunderland. Academics work alongside industry, cultural organisations, charities and the public sector, to explore how creative, digital and IT firms can have a sustainable future in the region adding value to the region’s broader employment base.