About
Balize Real Estate Investment Marketing Internship
Last day in Barcelona in front of my office!
During my internship with Balize, I had the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the company’s marketing strategy while fully immersing myself in Spanish business culture. As part of a small marketing team, I focused heavily on SEO optimization, blog writing, and strengthening the company’s digital visibility. I researched key real estate investment terms, identified backlink opportunities, and helped ensure Balize appeared more prominently across search engines and industry platforms. Because Balize operates in a niche sector that blends real estate and financial innovation, credibility and discoverability were critical. I worked on positioning the brand as trustworthy, modern, and accessible to high-value investors through consistent content and strategic online placement.
Being located in the heart of Barcelona added an entirely different dimension to the experience. Going into the office allowed me to collaborate closely with my supervisor and teammates, brainstorm content ideas in real time, and observe how marketing decisions were shaped by cultural context. I saw firsthand how relationship-building plays a central role in Spanish business culture, especially in industries like real estate where trust is everything. Discussions were often more fluid and conversational than what I had previously experienced, and there was a strong emphasis on maintaining personal connections alongside professional objectives. This influenced how I approached content; messaging had to feel authentic and relationship-driven, not overly transactional.​
One of the most memorable cultural moments happened on my first day in the office when I was greeted with the traditional two kisses on each cheek. Initially, it caught me off guard because it felt much more personal than a standard American handshake or wave. However, I quickly realized that this gesture reflects the warmth and relational nature of Spanish culture. It set the tone for a work environment that values trust, closeness, and human connection. That small interaction reminded me that cultural intelligence is just as important as professional skill, especially in international business settings.
Overall, my internship was an equal balance of hands-on marketing execution and cross-cultural growth. I strengthened my technical skills in SEO, content strategy, and brand positioning while learning to navigate cultural norms, communication styles, and workplace dynamics in Spain. The experience taught me that effective marketing is not universal; it must be adapted to cultural expectations, and that being globally competent requires both strategic thinking and cultural sensitivity.
