In our second blog post for “Adventures Abroad,” second-year SPR student and TriSight member Jessie Strobel writes about her experiences interning across the pond in London.
Some people may tell you not to intern abroad, especially if you are going to London. They will say things like “it’s just like New York, just across the Atlantic” and “why not just stay here and intern somewhere where you might actually get a job after?” But I think that these people are wrong. Interning in London has been one of the best experiences of my life. Not only have I been able to get to visit a city I’ve always wanted to go to, but I was able to immerse myself in the culture.
I interned at MHP Communications in their public affairs division. Working 9-5:30, four days a week (due to visa requirements,) I was really able to grasp the hustle and bustle that is the heart of London. And being at MHP for the summer really let me get closer to my colleagues. They were able to show me the work culture in London, which is rather different from LA.
The main difference I noticed is that you are really close with your colleagues in London; they are your group of friends. You go out together, celebrate occasions together and work together. And it was really great to be included in the group, even though I was only there for six weeks.
As for working in public affairs, I have always known I would get into the political side of PR, and this just confirmed it. Working in a new environment with a new political system has really taught me to learn quickly, and most importantly, that I like adapting to a new environment. This takes away any hesitations I might have had if a future job opportunity came around that took me out of my comfort zone.
This summer internship has taught me so much, not just about my prospective field but about myself as well. So if you are ever thinking of interning abroad, I think you should go for it. No matter what happens you will learn something from it. Don’t let the nay-sayers hold you back, take that leap of faith into an experience that will change your life.
