by Mallika Gadgil (Intern Extrodinaire)
Starting an internship while pursuing my master’s degree has made me realize how rapidly the marketing industry is evolving especially with the rise of Artificial Intelligence.
As students and young professionals entering the workforce today, we are stepping into an environment where AI is becoming part of everyday business operations. From campaign optimization and consumer insights to content planning and analytics, AI is transforming the way marketers work. But one thing I’ve learned through both academics and practical experiences is this: AI is not replacing creativity, it is enhancing it.
There’s often a misconception that AI reduces originality or takes away the “human” aspect of marketing. In reality, I’ve seen the opposite happen. AI helps automate repetitive tasks, organize large amounts of data, identify patterns faster, and improve productivity. This gives marketers more time to focus on what truly drives impactful campaigns: creativity, storytelling, strategic thinking, and understanding human behavior.
Through my coursework this semester in digital marketing (Jasper AI, Lovable), campaign planning (Gemini, Simply analytics, Google ads, MRI Simmons, SRDS) strategy and database management (Claude, Chat GPT, Reddit), Competitive strategy (Perplexity, Notebook LLM) I’ve started to see how powerful the balance between technology and creativity can be. AI can generate insights, but it still takes human perspective to build meaningful brand narratives, emotional connections, and innovative ideas that resonate with audiences.
Starting an internship during this technological shift feels both exciting and motivating because it allows me to learn how AI is being used in real-world marketing environments. Whether it’s performance marketing, audience targeting or data-driven decision-making, AI is helping businesses become more efficient while also opening new possibilities for innovation.
Learning new AI, developing new skills, exploring different certifications, staying updated on latest trends and how to work alongside AI effectively. The future of marketing belongs to professionals who can combine analytical thinking, adaptability, creativity, and technology to solve problems and create value.
As I continue this journey through graduate school and professional experiences, I’m excited to keep exploring how innovation and creativity can coexist.
