life as an intern

Image: Pinterest
Words: my own

If you have worked with me or even know me as a friend, you'll know that when it comes to my career, I'm focused and driven to succeed in business. Many people wish they could give up work to indulge in more leisurely pursuits and whilst exploring Canada, looking for the right place to settle, has been one of the best experiences and learning curves to date, I was beginning to get itchy feet to be back in the work place. Within a few days of being in Vancouver, I realized this was the City where I would want to pursue a successful career and lifestyle.

I've since taken an internship whilst searching for the right permanent position. Having interned during University I was a little nervous on my first day. Not for the reasons you may think, like going to work in a completely new country, new people, environment etc, nervous that I might end up sat at a desk in the corner filing or binding presentations. I had two internships as a teenager. The first I was sat just doing exactly that, filing and binding. The second, the same...oh and answering the phone for the receptionist whilst she was on lunch. Not the challenging kind of activities that would add value to my resume/CV, although the presentation I was binding was a really interesting read!

Everyone knows internships can include doing admin tasks in order to prove your worth. At this stage in my career I was hoping for an internship where I could really learn and be challenged (with a small side of admin thrown in). My wish came true. My internship has been a fantastic experience, giving me lots of opportunities to dip my toes into trying new things. Here innovation and ideas are applauded, although not always acted upon, are fervently encouraged. I love this aspect of the company, being able to bring your passion forward and act upon it for the good of the company and your career.

The great thing about interning is always the people you meet along the way. I've been lucky to work with a team where the girls are of similar age and situation so making friends has been easy. Our different experiences and backgrounds offer support and an exchange of experience. The external contacts and relationships add a new dimension to my working day. This is probably the part I love the most. Being responsible for talking to the media on behalf of the company. I've found my stride in PR and Communications. Writing on a daily basis (other than for this little digital space of mine) has been rewarding. I feel like I'm directly pulling on my experience from my degree...it's always nice to know that the money spent on education was worth it.

In these past two weeks I've learnt that you are never too old to take an internship, try a new career path or simply broaden your current skill set. I feel excited in the morning and optimistic about the next step in my career path. In doing something you love, you will never begrudge getting out of bed in the morning.

If you could intern for any company in the world, who would it be and why?