My Summer Internship at Darogan
12 September 2025
Mared Jones
When I first started my summer internship with Darogan, I brought a foundation of experience in press relations, advocacy, and long form writing, skills that sharpened my instinct for storytelling. Darogan offered a broader challenge: event planning, marketing, social media, and analytics. From day one, I was trusted to contribute ideas and help shape projects that reached real audiences, an opportunity both uplifting and thought provoking.
Digital Communication and Social Media
Much of my work focused on concise, engaging social media content and CRM email campaigns for GradCon Cymru 2025. I learned to adapt tone for different channels, maintain consistent branding, and segment audiences. Drafting and scheduling emails through a platform I had never used before was new territory and strengthened my ability to communicate with varied audiences, balancing clarity with a sense of invitation that encourages interaction. My background was mainly press releases and long form writing, so CRM was a valuable new skill.
GradCon Cymru 2025
The highlight of my internship was helping deliver GradCon Cymru 2025, Wales’ biggest career event and the first hosted by Darogan. Held at DEPOT Cardiff, it buzzed with more than 500 students and graduates networking with 50 employers.
From a student’s perspective, it was inspiring to see such a welcoming space full of advice and expertise, making the idea of post graduation job hunting far less daunting!
My responsibilities spanned the entire day: overseeing attendee check in, coordinating exhibitor needs, and serving as a point of contact for employers, speakers, and visitors. Another intern and I tracked guest flow, kept schedules on course, and handled last minute changes from ticketing adjustments to equipment requests. Checking in with exhibitors ensured their experience matched the welcoming standard Darogan aimed to provide. These duties deepened my understanding of live event planning, time management, and the value of clear communication.
The day ended on a high with a Q and A session featuring broadcaster Jason Mohammad, CEO of Team Boundless. His candid reflections on media and creativity were captivating and memorable, especially for me as I consider a future career in media and PR. Experiencing GradCon from behind the scenes showed how preparation, teamwork, and adaptability are the true backbone of a successful large scale event.
Data Analysis and Research
I also conducted detailed research into GradCon attendees, sharpening my analytical thinking and attention to detail. Tasks included cleaning and reconciling duplicate sign ins, exploring career paths of international and local students, and examining how many Welsh graduates plan to begin their careers in Wales. I developed skills in spreadsheet modeling, data validation, and visual presentation, translating raw numbers into insights to guide strategy for next year’s event and improve marketing and advertising.
The process was not easy, but it demonstrated how evidence reveals lessons that storytelling alone cannot.
Darogan’s Belief in Welsh Opportunity
What first drew me to Darogan was founder Owain’s conviction that graduates need not leave Wales to build rewarding careers. Throughout the internship I saw how the team lives that mission, connecting students with employers and proving an ambitious career can start here. Their commitment matches my own belief that Wales offers every chance for graduates to succeed without moving elsewhere.
Key Outcomes of My Internship
This internship strengthened my skills in digital communication, CRM management, data analysis, and event coordination. It gave me practical insight into how thoughtful planning and engaging communication create real opportunities for people in Wales. I finish the summer with a broader skill set and deep respect for Darogan’s work helping graduates envision their future here.
To Owain, Gwenno, Jack, Mared, Dan, and Owen, thank you for making this such a rewarding experience.
Diolch!
