Learning Log of Austrian office clerk Trainee in Belfast – Jonas Macher

My name is Jonas Macher and I am currently completing an apprenticeship as an office administrator in Austria at the IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems. As part of my training, I had the opportunity to take part in an Erasmus+ traineeship abroad. Through this programme, I came to Belfast, Northern Ireland, for a three-week placement at Watson & Co. Chartered Marketing and TrainingMatchmaker, founded by Chartered Marketer Christine Watson.

 

This traineeship gave me the chance to gain international work experience, improve my English skills and learn more about marketing, digital tools and working in a different cultural environment. From the very beginning, I was involved in practical tasks and real projects, which made this experience especially valuable.

I also had the opportunity to work alongside other trainees in the company. At the start of my traineeship, I was supported and introduced to new tools by Giulio, from Italy, who showed me how to use DJI pocket Osmo video equipment and Meta smart glasses. Later on, I even trained another trainee (Marilen) myself, which allowed me to take on responsibility and strengthen my communication skills.

Language and Culture

Marketing and Digital Skills

A key focus of my traineeship was learning more about marketing and digital tools. I supported social media activities by creating Instagram posts, writing captions and preparing content such as Instagram signposts to blogs on TrainingMatchmaker.com. I learned how important it is to prioritise strong opening words in content to capture attention and encourage the audience to click ‘read more’.

I also gained insight into Google Business Profile optimisation and learned how companies improve their online visibility. Additionally, I used Meta Business Suite to preschedule social media posts and to understand social media metrics and how performance is analysed.

Video Editing and Photography Skills

Blogging, WordPress and SEO

During my traineeship, I was introduced to WordPress and learned how to create and edit blog content. I also gained basic knowledge of SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) through tools such as Yoast and learned about the importance of alt tags for accessibility and search rankings.

I created blog drafts, including learning logs and Instagram-related content, and improved my writing skills for online publishing.

Canva and AI Tools

I already had some experience with design tool Canva, but during my traineeship I significantly improved my skills. I completed two certified Canva courses available for free online:

• Create Scroll Stopping Content
• Marketing with Canva

I attended a Canva webinar, delivered by my placement host – Trainer Christine Watson, where I learned about advanced features such as Canva Bulk Create and AI tools. I also attended an in person workshop at Mallusk Enterprise Park which taught AI tools for Marketing. The prompt engineering frameworks presented were insightful.

Key things I learned include:

• Using AI to generate ideas, captions (ideas and first drafts) and visuals
• Creating consistent content with Brand Kits and Brand Voice
• Planning and scheduling posts
• Designing videos with animations, music and timing
• Automating content creation using Bulk Create and CSV data

One key takeaway for me was: “Done is better than perfect.”

Business Networking Events

As part of the 3 week traineeship I had the opportunity to attend business networking events including a Summer ice cream social at Carrickfergus Enterprise, a board meeting at Argyle Business Centre and a net-walking morning at Hillsborough Castle with Lisburn Chamber of Commerce. I found these less formal in person events really insightful and inspiring – I got to meet lots of business people and hear their elevator pitches – where they got the opportunity to introduce themselves and their goals and I got to share my elevator pitch too – I was nervous but I just did it.