Marketing Executive Intern Review

The year I spent at working as a marketing intern on Absolut at Pernod Ricard was so much fun and gave me the opportunity to do some incredible things during my time there. It surpassed my expectations in terms of enjoyment as well as rigorous experience as a brand marketeer.

I felt highly valued within my team over the duration of the placement. I was included in all aspects of the brand like I was a permanent employee and my opinion was often asked for and considered by my colleagues. I felt I was often seen as a valuable insight into younger consumers.

We were given Quarterly reviews to assess our progress. This was alongside more informal weekly catch-ups with line managers to raise anything we felt necessary, and monthly catch ups with the wider team. The gave me the opportunity to shape my placement throughout the year, as my interests and skills developed.

The role can fluctuate in terms of workload, although I was never so busy that I would need to work extra hours. When I was less busy, I was given support in running my own projects that allowed me to exercise my more specific interests outside of my role description.

The internship offered a good amount of responsibility for someone of my experience and role as an intern. Whilst I found I had to seek out new challenges when I felt I was getting too comfortable in my responsibilities, this was always supported by my managers. Although, a year is a long time to be an intern and towards the end I felt ready to take on a more challenging role.

I am without doubt this placement experience will hugely help in my future studies and career. The opportunities I have been given, alongside the endless support and encouragement has transformed me as an individual, both in experience and confidence. Getting a grad scheme can be highly competitive, but I believe this year in industry will help me stand out in my future applications.

The atmosphere was very open and friendly. The company encourages hot desking which allows you to sit next to different people every day. This means most people know each other, which helps create a sociable atmosphere. This also gives you the opportunity to meet people from different departments more often.

The internship was well organised and I felt like everyone was very conscious to help me get the most out of my year there. Although, I would say that you need to use a certain degree of initiative to take on extra responsibility when you feel you can cope with it.

I was included in a lot of training, which sometimes included travel nationally and internationally. This felt like I was being invested in by the company and they were taking my development very seriously. Furthermore, any training I expressed an interest in, they allowed me to get involved in wherever possible.

I would definitely consider working here again if the opportunity arose. Whilst I would like to experience how it is to work in different companies this early on in my career, I am confident in saying that it is rare to find somewhere with such a good atmosphere and work/life balance as PRUK.

I have met people this year I will stay in contact with for many years to come. The experience has enabled me to establish mentors for my future career as well as very good friends, for which I am so grateful. The company encourages everyone to socialise in and outside of working hours and this is clear through the atmosphere in the office.

Unfortunately, West London is not the cheapest area to live and work in the country. Whilst you are paid, the salary isn't particularly high, so it can be a struggle at times. Although, I would still say it was manageable, and if careful with your money you can still have an incredible social life on the limited budget.

Again, West London isn't the best for nightlife (especially affordable nights out). Although, Hammersmith is relatively nearby which was good for bars and places to eat. We would often go further into central to have a night out. Despite this, London it is relatively easy to travel around. Also, there are a couple of great bars in the business park which make it easy to socialise after work.

There were a few activities you could get involved with outside of work like football. Although, a majority of activities were during office hours at lunch time. I didn't personally get involved with these, although the football team even had trips abroad, so the opportunities are there if you are interested.