6 Weeks As An Intern

This summer has been incomparable thus far. It began with something rare and gorgeous: a

dream come true. These are few and far between, but here it was: a six-week internship in the vibrant

city of London.

Dreams and a wonderful means of escape, but when faced with one coming true before your

own eyes, there’s nowhere to escape anymore. You are suddenly experiencing your reality to its fullest.

I have learned so much in the last few weeks, and I hope everyone gets the opportunity to spend

time in a place unfamiliar to them for an extended amount of time. It has changed me for the better,

and there’s millions of reasons as to why, but I will only cover a few.

London’s rich history and diversity made this a surreal immersive experience. From things as

simple as actually seeing history by exploring the British Museum to appreciating the fact that even the

roads here have pieces of the past that have defined a continent, I came to know and revel in the

tapestry that the global city of London truly is.

My internship experience in London was also incredible. I had so much time to sit and write

about whatever came to me, that I began finding inspiration in the silliest of things. I found myself

sitting in parks and coming up with concepts, or seeing the watery ring of a pint and having an

existential crisis over it. My creativity was fostered so wonderfully here, and working alongside

professionals who have an appreciation for the arts, the history of the local area, and business gave me

conversations and ideas that I never would have been able to foster back home.

Another important factor of this all was how much I learned from the students I came to

London with, and their jobs. Talking over a pint and under the setting sun after work ARE some of

my happiest memories here. My roommates had incredible jobs which allowed me to discover my

interests from an outsider’s perspective. Mackenzie, my best friend while I have been here, had an

amazing internship which allowed her to bring me as a plus one to exclusive events with people from

every industry. I networked and had the privilege of connecting with professionals, engaging in

meaningful conversations, and the exchange of ideas.

I have never really been introverted, but new places make me nervous just as much as they

excite me. My internship and London forced me to develop in a way I hadn’t had to do since I was a

college freshman. I needed to learn how to navigate a new city, embrace a different workplace culture,

and change my lingo that I am so used to in order for the people I worked and interacted with to

understand me. These experiences (though confusing and sometimes frustrating) grew my skills in

adaptability and problem-solving. I went on adventures around the city by myself and treated myself to

lunches, the occasional purchase, and the excitement of stumbling across the city’s hidden gems.

Ultimately, the past six-weeks in London have proved to be an unbelievable experience. The

culture, professional growth, personal development, and new aspects of my persona I have been able to

discover have all contributed to a sense of fulfilment that will last me a lifetime. I hate to say goodbye. I

will miss it so dearly. I do not want to go back to my real life. Although I leave with severe reluctance

and an innate sadness of sorts, I leave with a treasure trove of memories, connections, and a new and

glorious sense of purpose.

If there is one thing I have truly learned here, it is that when London calls, you answer.

By Nanna Perez