Why did you decide to intern abroad with The Intern Group in London?
Lauren: After spending just 1 week in London on vacation, I fell in love with the city and everything it had to offer. Heading into my senior year of college, I knew that I had to do what I could to get back there for an extended period of time. An international internship seemed like a perfect fit, and I had hopes it could also be beneficial for my future career. After researching internship placements on the internet, I stumbled across The Intern Group. Their London program had what I was looking for (internship placing, housing, team support), and the feedback was positive enough for me to excitedly put in an application.
What made this experience unique and special?
Lauren: A number of things! Living in the amazing city that is London, England was a huge experience for me. I took the tube to work everyday (even met a british celeb one evening on the tube), experienced the british lifestyle, and explored the city and beyond on weekends. I took trips with friends from the program and ventured to places such as Bristol and Ireland.
My internship placement was a perfect fit and the icing on the cake. I have a unique Equine degree, but the Intern Group placed me to an ideal small equestrian company in the heart of London named The Riding Club London. The Riding Club London is a private members' club and equestrian concierge service that provides access to quality horses, riding lessons, clinics and trips for riders in London. I traveled with my boss to Windsor and Surrey for meetings on days when I wasn't in the Mayfair office and became an essential part of the team at work - that's an invaluable feeling! London quickly became my home.
How has this experience impacted your future? (Personally, professionally, academically, etc.)
Lauren: Living and working in London was one of the best experiences of my life. I still keep in touch with the amazing people I met in the city -- those connections have helped me settle into my next job and life back in the states. The skills I learned at my job (and even simply living internationally) have proven to be such a positive thing, both personally and professionally. The international exposure looks great on my resume... plus - the stories I have!
What is one piece of advice you would offer someone considering interning abroad in London?
Lauren: GO FOR IT! Be brave. Take risks. Nothing can substitute experience. London is one of the greatest cities in the world.