Li-Zhi's Dive into the World of Retail Media at Van Geloven
Li‑Zhi undertook her internship in the last half of 2023, during which she was involved in projects such as corporate visuals, product launches and directing photoshoots for the website. She enthusiastically shares her involvement in the process, being critical of copy and continually working on her professional development.
Creative collaboration and a family atmosphere
The most enjoyable part of her internship is the close collaboration with major players such as Jumbo and Albert Heijn. While these supermarkets handle the implementation, Li-Zhi and her team hold the creative reins, deciding what they want to see, whether it's a special promotional box or an extra advertising push.
She describes Van Geloven as a large company with a warm, family atmosphere. Despite hectic days in marketing and sales, there is always time for interns, with mutual engagement between the team and her responsibilities. Within the organisation Li-Zhi feels completely at home. The team, accustomed to regular interns, creates a supportive environment. The atmosphere at Van Geloven is described as family-like, relaxed, sociable and marked by a noticeable interest in one another.
Challenges and successes at Van Geloven
Supported by her team, Li-Zhi reflects on challenges, such as prioritising quality over speed and scheduling meetings with supermarkets. These obstacles taught her valuable lessons, such as recognising connections and understanding the impact of every detail on the whole.
A typical workday looks like this: updating the Snack Extra inbox for the whole of the Netherlands and Belgium. After that I make a small 'to-do list' and do a little something for my thesis. After lunch I carry out operational tasks or have a meeting. Fridays are entirely dedicated to her thesis. What Li-Zhi finds most rewarding about working at Van Geloven is seeing the tangible results of her efforts, from newsletters to blogs.
As advice to other students, Li-Zhi emphasises the opportunity to truly take part in practical experience and discover the reality of marketing. The team's camaraderie and the tangible nature of the product make Van Geloven a special place to intern and to work; moreover, you're also genuinely involved in building a brand.