Tell me a little bit about your background...
I was at a business school in France, majoring in marketing strategy. As part of the 1st year of my Master’s degree, two years ago, I had the opportunity to do an internship in London and following this I decided to stay for a gap year. During this time I worked as business tourism assistant for the French Convention Bureau in London and I got to learn more about the industry.
What made you decide that the events industry was for you?
I like working on projects. The event industry is very visual and creative. You get to see things happening the way the team planned them to be. Every event is different and that's what makes the job interesting. Team work is also something I’ve always liked and it’s a core value in events.
How did you find your internship?
During my time at the French Tourism Board, I came to Smyle for a meeting with logistics manager Julia Dimmock. When it was time for me to find a six-month internship at the end of my studies, in order to validate my master’s degree, (that’s the way things work in France), I contacted Julia and sent her my application. We discussed my expectations and what Smyle could offer... and here we are now.
What attracted you to your company?
I liked the spirit; a young agency with a great reputation, a warm culture with professionalism at its heart. In France, corporate life tends to be a bit cold. I was looking for a company in which you are happy to go to work for in the morning and believe in what you do. I also knew the company was growing and that there were some opportunities.
What’s an average day like at the office?
It varies a lot, depending on briefs and ongoing projects. Sometimes I'm involved with venue searches, and other times project meetings and onsite event days. But my day always starts with a cup of coffee.
What's the best thing you've done at your company?
That's difficult to pick as I've only been here three months and it's hard for me to stand back and look at the things I've done so far. Overall, I'd say learning how things work is what makes it interesting.
What are your plans after the internship?
I don't have to go back to Business School as I will graduate in July. So the next step is to find a job in the industry, preferably in London (possibly with Smyle) as I believe there are much more opportunities here.
Do you have any advice for students looking for a placement?
I believe it starts with knowing the reality of the industry. Some kind of competitive intelligence is also necessary, knowing where things are moving and identify opportunities accordingly. Industry press is good for this. After that, simply get in touch and don't be afraid to pick up the phone to show your determination. Being a 'go-getter' is a good start, I think.
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