Jönköping. We are sitting down with Lisa Olofsson, Digital Strategist intern, at Smartson JKPG. The sounds from the motorway E4 can be heard outside the building - we dive deep into topics such as digitization, reviews, Roblox collaborations and what is important to Generation Z. Welcome to Smartson, Lisa!
Do we need to be placed in generation boxes?
It easily becomes very structured when we put people in boxes, but it can be helpful if it is accurate in tactical marketing. Generation Z is often described as the generation born after the turn of the millennium with a mobile in hand, fast internet and social media, topped off with lots of gaming. Lisa develops her thoughts about the essences of her generation.
- Generation Z is of course digital, but we still have a lot to learn from previous generations. Overall, I think my generation is happy to absorb new information through a screen rather than having to take part in a three-hour group meeting to understand the next step in development or the problem we have to solve.
“I am driven by improvement processes and solving our clients' possible problems or challenges”
The knowledge meeting in practice. Lisa does her last internship at Smartson before she graduates in B2B Sales via TUC Vocational School.
- It felt so right when I read the programme's focus. I can be myself in my professional role here. The realisation that you don't need to be an influencer to work with marketing and sales in 2022 was quite nice for someone who is 20+. Then you get rid of some prejudices about sales during the first courses of the education, not everyone plays padel and goes to AWs all the time. But quite often.
What is important to you before an internship period?
- When I choose an internship, I often look for a reasonably large organisation. To start with, there is a greater advantage if there are 15 employees than 15,000 when you have to combine your theoretical studies with practice. I don't want to get too far from the center of the organisation to be able to learn the job quickly.
The first meeting with Smartson happened in middle school. Now she gets to learn the job from scratch, just like an employee.
- The first time I read a review from Smartson I was 10-11 years old, it was a forum thread from the Hamsterpaj community that suggested a tested laptop. That I'm sitting here today, 11 years later is pretty cool, but it’s something I couldn't have predicted in middle school.
How would you describe the culture and work at Smartson?
- The culture is very nice at Smartson, the communication is above expectations even though there are colleagues who are in different countries. You interact every day, there are mixed ages and backgrounds. It’s an agency that offers more than you think - at first I thought it was just Ratings & Reviews and cool productions but there is so much more that creates growth for our partners.
Finally, what qualities do you bring to your team?
- I am driven by improvement processes and solving our clients' possible problems or challenges. What I really appreciate is being part of the generation of ideas that is very central to Smartson’s strong results.
Do you also want to be part of Smartson's internships in the future? Drop us a line at hello@smartson.se and we will tell you more.