This feels like a chicken-and-egg problem: you want an internship to get experience, but you feel you need a certificate to get the internship. The honest answer is that sequencing them separately is the slow way round - the fast way is to do both at once.
The case for certificate first
Learning the fundamentals before an internship means you contribute from week one instead of spending the placement catching up. You also interview better, because you can speak the language and show a portfolio.
The case for internship first
Some argue experience trumps everything, so grab any placement and learn on the job. It works for a lucky few - but walking in with zero skills often means a frustrating, low-value placement where you are given only admin.
Why "both together" wins
You do not have to pick. A digital marketing course with internship sequences them for you: structured training first, then a placement where you apply it. That is the whole point of digital marketing with training and internship - the certificate makes the internship productive, and the internship makes the certificate credible.
If you must choose one
- Short on money and time, but can find a genuine placement? Consider internship-first, cautiously.
- Want the safer, faster, higher-quality route? Train first, then intern - ideally in one programme.
The real risk to avoid
The trap is doing a certificate instead of getting experience, then hitting the same "no experience" wall. Whatever order you choose, make sure real work happens.
Next step
Skip the dilemma. LSBUK's Digital Marketing in Practice builds both into one route. Contact admissions.