New Networks, New Horizons

 
Thursday 3^rd September 2015

So, I am approaching my final day at Clarity, and I am feeling a little sad. Sad to say goodbye to the amazing colleagues I have got to work with. Sad to close the door on a great company, full of professionals that have been so welcoming and helpful throughout my internship. Sad to end this internship.

However, I also leave having made some great networks and learnt some key lessons from some of the best in the business.

I also leave having gained more knowledge and experience than I could have ever imagined. Coming into this experience I would have been happy just to see how a professional office operates. But I have learnt so much more, being invited to sit in on workshops, training sessions, working on some great client projects and even being involved in brainstorming meetings with the strategy team! I couldn’t have asked for a more professional team to work with, I can only hope that I find workplace as tight-knit and easy-going as Clarity when the time comes.

It is now time to reflect upon my entire interning experience to see whether the three questions I devised coming into this internship have been answered.

1.    Am I suited to consultancy work?

I can definitely see myself working for a public relations consultancy. I like being able to come together with the team to brainstorm ideas, then going away to implement the ideas in the work completed for clients. I also appreciate the variety of organisations and projects that consultancy work encompasses.

2.    What attributes do I value in a workplace?

Being able to observe a professional workspace has allowed me to think about the attributes I would like in my future workplace. The things I value in particular are an open plan office and the arrangement of the desks so that the team leaders’ desks are within speaking distance of their team, I believe, is conducive to a positive and collaborative workspace. I also enjoyed that the consultants in the office made time to joke and chat with colleagues. I think knowing the people you work with on a social level is really important and makes work more enjoyable.

3.    What skills and knowledge do I still need to work on?

I have learnt so much, but I don’t think I will ever stop learning! I would like to continue to develop my experience and knowledge of digital communication tools such as social media (scheduling, engagement, targeting, monitoring) and broaden my design and technological skills so that I am better versed to work alongside graphic designers, web developers and digital teams.

Well, that’s it for now! I am signing off after a truly valuable and memorable 20 days of work experience and look forward to seeing where the skills and knowledge I have learnt at university and whilst interning will take me in the future.

How are you feeling after completing your internship? Do you feel ready to start the search for your first job?

 (Image courtesy of Cityscape Photography)

Any plans for what you are going to do next year? I have just been accepted to intern in London! I am so excited to apply the knowledge I’ve gained from this internship and to extend my learning.

Let’s talk in the comments below.

Candice