Studying abroad in London and interning with a PR fashion company has been a great opportunity for both personal and professional growth and I feel so lucky to be in this position. With this experience, I have gained soft and hard skills, learned to navigate the cultural differences, and gained a deeper understanding of myself abroad.
A soft skill that comes to mind is my ability to be adaptable. Living in a fast-paced, international city like London requires me to be able to go with the flow with the different communication styles in the workplace and understand longer commutes. I’ve also improved my problem-solving and critical-thinking skills by learning to manage problems and everyday tasks independently. With my internship, I have also had to balance coursework, networking events, and exploring the city. Overall, my communication skills have strengthened as I’ve worked with new people with different backgrounds than my own.
My internship has given me great hands-on experience in PR strategies and fashion. I’ve gotten better at creating press releases, developing media lists, and using social media analytics. Being a member of a fashion public relations team has allowed me to observe how influencer and media relations are handled and how brand messaging is customized for various audiences. By helping to organize press previews and product launches, I’ve also gotten a behind-the-scenes peek at the inner workings of the industry and enhanced my event planning abilities.
One of the most fulfilling challenges has been navigating cross-cultural situations. Because London is a very diverse city, I’ve learned to approach people with curiosity and openness. I’ve observed at my internship how workplace customs differ from those at home such as the value placed on taking breaks for fostering relationships with people in the industry. I’ve interacted with locals outside of work in restaurants, coffee shops, and other gatherings, which has expanded my awareness of different viewpoints.
All in all, this experience has challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone, which helped in my professional and personal development. Along with developing a greater understanding of life abroad, I learned abilities that will be extremely useful in any job route. My love for the fashion industry has been strengthened by my time spent studying and working in London, which has also given me the self-assurance I need to succeed in any environment.
