About Us

We’re Heriot-Watt University Student Union, an independent charity buzzing with energy, driven by and for our students. We’re all about doing good, that’s why all surplus funds generated through Liberty’s Café, Geordies Bar and the Student Union Shop are channelled straight back into crucial student support services like our Advice Hub. So, yes, we're a charity, but we also mean business.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At HWUnion, diversity isn’t just celebrated; it’s our strength. We thrive by bringing together voices from all walks of life, and we’re excited for you to help us champion this mission.

ROLE OVERVIEW

As our Summer Marketing Intern, you will take the lead on building and launching HWUnion’s new online shop using Shopify. This is a hands-on, creative project where you’ll bring our merchandise to life online — from capturing high-quality product photography to crafting compelling product descriptions and creating a seamless shopping experience.

You’ll work closely with our Marketing Communications Coordinator and Head of Commercial Development, but you’ll also take real ownership of the project — planning, creating, and delivering a fully functioning online store that showcases the best of HWUnion.

There is a possibility of some flexibility around working times and locations for this internship, although we need to be clear that there will be a requirement to be present in our Edinburgh office when required.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Build our Online Shop: Set up and structure our Shopify store, ensuring it is user-friendly, visually engaging and ready for launch.
• Product Photography: Capture high-quality, on-brand images of our merchandise (hoodies, mugs, tote bags and more)
• Write to Sell: Create exciting, engaging product descriptions that reflect our tone of voice and encourage purchases
• Upload & Organise: Add products, images, descriptions and categories into Shopify, ensuring everything is accurate and well-presented
• Create a Great Experience: Help shape the look, feel and flow of the online shop so it’s easy and enjoyable for students to use

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Shop Development: Plan and build the structure of the Shopify Store, including collections, navigation and layout
• Content Creation: Produce high-quality visual and written content for all products
• Brand Consistency: Work with the Marketing Communications Coordinator and Head of Commercial Development to review progress and refine the shop

YOUR SUPERPOWERS

• Creative Eye: You know what looks good – and how to make products stand out through photography and presentation
• Storyteller: You can turn a hoodie or mug into something people want through your words
• Self-Starter: You’re proactive, take ownership and don’t need constant direction to keep moving forward
• Organised Operator: You can manage a project from start to finish, keeping everything on track.
• Detail Driven: You notice the small things that make a big difference – from image quality to product descriptions

VALUES YOU’LL CHAMPION

• Student-Centred: Create a shop that students actually want to browse and buy from.
• Creativity: Bring fresh, bold ideas to how our products are presented.
• Ownership: Take pride in delivering a finished product that you can genuinely say “I built that.”
• Collaboration: Work positively with colleagues while confidently leading your own project.
• Inclusivity: Ensure our products and content feel welcoming and representative of all students.

WHAT YOU'LL LEAVE WITH

• A live Shopify store you built yourself — a standout piece for your portfolio that you can confidently talk about in interviews
• Real-world experience in e-commerce — from product setup to customer experience design
• A portfolio of professional product photography you’ve created and styled
• Examples of persuasive, on-brand copywriting designed to drive sales
• Hands-on experience managing a full project from start to finish
• Collaboration experience with marketing and commercial professionals in a fast-paced environment
• A clearer understanding of your creative strengths — and how they translate into real work

join us

If you're excited to shape the way we connect with our students and craft campaigns that make a real difference, we'd love to chat!

activities

principal duties

• Setting up and building the Shopify store, including structure, navigation, and product listings
• Photographing merchandise in a way that is high-quality, engaging, and on-brand
• Writing and proofreading product descriptions that are clear, exciting, and aligned with our tone
• Uploading and organising products, images, and content within Shopify
• Working with the Marketing Communications Coordinator and Head of Commercial Development to review and refine the shop
• Managing your own workload to ensure the project is completed within the internship timeframe

other duties

• Any other duties deemed appropriate for the role by the Line Manager.
• Comply with all HWUnion policies, procedures, and governing documents.
• Undertake personal and professional development as required to maintain appropriate knowledge and skills.
• These duties are a guide to the work that the post holder will initially be required to undertake. Other duties or a change of duties may be necessary from time to time.

Sound like the role for you?

Amazing!

For the full Job Description click here.

If you have any questions about the role, email Jamie, Deputy CEO on J.Nutter@hw.ac.uk

Otherwise, to apply click "Apply Now" to fill in our online application form. Remember, this is a marketing / comms based role so show us you have great skills in this area by selling yourself in a clear, structured format!