While here in London I am interning at a small company called Minervate. The company is in the pharmaceutical industry and assists medical companies in getting through the approval phases of pharmaceutical testing in all different countries. I really enjoy the work because it is in a sector that I would never have previously explored or really even know existed on the scale that it does. My coworkers have all been very welcoming and helpful and I love to come into work to see them. The internship is located in the City of London neighborhood which is absolutely amazing and the financial district. It’s also in a tall and classic building so it’s an awesome place to be working.

While I am here I am working in the Finance/Accounting department of the company. As this is my first time doing an in-industry professional internship, I have had a lot of confusion and catching up to do. I think the most important skill so far to have has been adaptability. When someone asks me to do something it should never be “I don’t know how.” It should be let me go online, ask a coworker, a friend, or a professor how I can figure this task out. This has allowed me to learn a ton of things I never previously knew before.

I think the Clifton Strengths relate to this internship because of the wide set of skills and strengths of all the different members. The point of a team is that everyone can have their own strengths and fill in for other’s weaknesses. I think I just need to realize I may have my own weaknesses but I also have my own strengths that will allow me to be successful in this internship.

One thing I have noticed about the work dynamic here is that it is far more relaxed and casual. People come and go very casually all day and it is just generally acceptable as long as work is completed. It is also very accepted and normal to not do work at home or outside work hours. People see being at home as the time to relax and be with your family and work as something that should never impede on that.