From Classroom to Internship: How ESEI student Lara is Gaining Real-World Experience at ZINIO
At ESEI International Business School in Barcelona, we believe that real learning happens when theory meets practice. For Lara Ottevanger, a master’s student in International Relations and International Business, that idea has come to life through her six-month marketing internship at ZINIO, one of the world’s leading digital magazine platforms, whose European headquarters is based right here in Barcelona.
Combining Studies with Hands-On Experience
Originally from the Netherlands, Lara moved to Barcelona to pursue her master’s degree at ESEI, driven by a desire to broaden her international experience and gain practical business skills. During her internship at ZINIO, she has been able to apply the knowledge gained in the classroom to a real international business environment, developing a clearer understanding of how international organisations operate.
In her day-to-day role, Lara takes care of many behind-the-scenes marketing tasks that are essential to ZINIO’s success. She manages pricing updates for digital magazines, uploads promotional banners to the website, assists with social media marketing, and manages the Explore page, which features a curated selection of articles for users. She also supports the company’s digital magazine campaigns and takes part in team meetings where she and her colleagues discuss campaign results, share insights, and set goals for future projects, among many other tasks.
Learning the Realities of Digital Marketing
Through her internship, Lara has discovered what it takes to market and sell a digital product effectively and internationally. Working on campaigns that reach audiences around the world, she has gained first-hand experience in how digital platforms operate across different languages and markets.
She has also learned valuable lessons in patience and persistence.
“It’s important to take things step by step,” Lara explains. “Learning new platforms and tools takes time, and giving yourself that patience helps you grow.” This approach has helped her build both confidence and technical expertise in the fast-paced world of international marketing.
Project-Based Learning in Action
At ESEI, our project-based learning approach ensures that students do not just study theory; they practise it. Through collaborative projects, our students learn how to work effectively in international teams, manage time efficiently, and communicate across cultures to achieve common goals.
Lara’s experience at ZINIO reflects these same values. By combining her internship with her master’s studies, she has been able to translate classroom knowledge into real business results. The teamwork, adaptability, and global mindset she has developed at ESEI have played a key role in her success during her internship.
Building Skills for the Future
Although her internship lasts just six months, the skills and insights Lara is gaining will stay with her far beyond that. She is learning what it means to work in a multicultural, digital-first environment, and how to adapt quickly to new challenges.
Her story is a great example of how ESEI’s experiential learning model helps students grow personally and professionally, preparing them not only for their next opportunity but for the global careers that await them.
Explore ESEI’s Programmes
👉If you’re considering starting your own journey in Barcelona, explore ESEI’s Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes and see how we can support you as you settle into life here.
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