It’s crazy to think I have already been in London for a month! In such a short time, I have already learned so much, not just about marketing and business, but also about how to adapt to a completely new academic and professional environment.
In my internship at Kind Community, a purpose-driven company focused on sustainability, I have been working on the launch of the company’s new collaborative workspace, Kind House. I have been helping with brand outreach, event planning, and making sure that the space reflects Kind Community’s mission. The experience has been very hands-on so far, which I appreciate, since I really feel like I am playing a vital role in the team. I have enjoyed seeing how marketing at Kind Community emphasises community engagement and brand authenticity.
Some brands we are featuring AT Kind House!
Throughout my adjustment to the UK’s work environment, I have noticed that it feels much more relaxed here, yet everyone is still highly efficient in completing their work. Whereas in the US, everyone seems much more set on deadlines. Most workdays for me consist of working in a discussion based environment alongside my fellow interns and our supervisor, which has made me realize how helpful it can be to build strong relationships in the workplace.
Pub near my office in covent garden
In my classes through CEA CAPA, I have noticed that the classroom setting is different from what I am used to at Pitt. The classes here are much smaller and my classes are more discussion based, rather than just lectures, which makes classes feel much more interactive and personalized. The professors all cater to our interests and make sure discussions are engaging and align with what the students are interested in talking about. I have enjoyed how most of my classes revolve around real-life examples and my professor’s experiences in their careers, which makes it much easier to sit through long classes.
The class structure has also been different here than at Pitt. My professors put more of an emphasis on engagement and reflections rather than traditional exams. It takes a lot of pressure off and allows me to really enjoy the class material rather than worrying about memorizing the content.
Throughout my time abroad, my Clifton Strengths – Adaptability, Strategic Thinking, and Communication, have helped me to adjust. Being adaptable has made it easier to embrace cultural differences, and my communication skills have been key in making connections with my classmates, coworkers, and professors. So far, my time in London has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and I have already learned so much. I am looking forward to seeing what else my time abroad has to offer!