This summer, we have welcomed Julia, a high school student from Sweden, into the team to help her tick her ‘International Internship’ box.
Over the years, we have welcomed several interns who have worked with us for anything from two weeks to 6-months. Each has been an international student, and each has been interested in, or studying for, a marketing career. Julia, our latest candidate, has bucked our trend. When asked, ‘what is your dream job/what would you like to study at university?’; Julia answered ‘Law’. A far cry from the world of marketing. However, Julia does have a keen interest and talent for producing videos. So, although marketing might not be her dream career, the experience has allowed her to enhance her skills, work to a live brief, and learn to live and work in a different country.
And experience is undoubtedly the word. I struggle to think of another 16-year-old I know who, at such an age, would be brave enough to spend four weeks abroad in a country they have never visited, with people they have only spoken to twice on Teams. Never having lived alone and only just finishing the equivalent of the UK’s Year 11, I believe that the broader experience has been more important for Julia than discovering the inner workings of what we do as a marketing agency.
Living independently, communicating effectively and generally showing up every day capable of working in a professional office environment is a strong measure of success.
It has become very apparent that Julia has a sharp creative eye. She has been submerged in the Realia brand and briefed on creating a ‘brand video’. And boy has she done that. It is a fantastic achievement for her and something she should be proud to have produced.
Julia has tackled her month-long internship in two separate visits, spending the Swedish summer in between with her family. She has packed in some of London’s key attractions and had the opportunity to flex her English skills – although she is as fluent as anybody I know with English as a second language, or indeed first language for some.
We’ve also shown her the delights of ‘normal life’ in the area during her time with us. She has been warmly welcomed into our home several times to sample some of PW’s culinary delights, including making pizza and the British BBQ – well, she’s experiencing the UK’s hottest summer, so why not make the most of it! In return, Julia has baked and cooked – ‘Julia’s Taco Friday’ will become a ‘thing’ in our house! I’m a particular fan of ‘Chokladbollar’ – small chocolate balls made of oats, coffee and chocolate, wrapped in coconut or almonds.
When Julia returns to Sweden and school, she will embrace a new course in Film & TV Production. I wish her every success – whether it is editing the latest blockbuster, laying down the law, or becoming a budding chef, I know that Julia’s skills (and experiences) will see her embark on a remarkable career and I look forward to charting her progress.
NW – August 2022
