Diary of an Intern: Never knowingly undersold.

Last week I had the joy of doing a weeks work experience with the John Lewis press office. This came about after not long finishing uni in May and sending out lots of emails to get some much needed work experience for my CV. The only spot they had was in October in which I accepted despite hoping to be employed by then (ha we can all dream) Since May I have done a few other placements but I was still adamant I wanted to stay committed to this week with John Lewis due it being a company with such a renowned reputation on the high street. I am so glad I did. Here is why....

Photo from http://www.global-blue.com/brands/john-lewis/

First impressions count. 

From day one everything was easy with John Lewis. Even as early as May I was given a complete break down - what I would get paid, where I would go, what to wear and what time I would be there. I didn't even need to part with my cash with going for an interview. Ok, so it was more 'work experience' than an internship which requires less responsibilities and expectations from you as an individual but everything seemed so straight forward and more informative than anything I had done before. Being paid completely for travel too was a revelation. Only living about an hour out of London on a fast train doesn't seem too bad but when my ticket is just under £50 a time it really means a lot when company's appreciate you are a student and help you out. I even got £10 a day for food which was so amazing. ( I am not that fat but you know, if I got hungry...) The whole organisation was a complete breath of fresh air compared to many other places I have been. Even then I sensed something great  was brewing.

A week before or so I emailed my contact to confirm everything was still going ahead, again, a lovely email confirming times, address'. Could it really be this easy?

What's next - what to wear? This is always a tricky one. In fashion PR companies have a real casual approach to uniform which my contact explained yet asked if I was to be at their Oxford Street store to wear black trousers. Knowing John Lewis as a very respected and smart brand I didn't wanna push the boundaries too much on my first day, after all, first impressions count. For this reason I would always suggest dressing much smarter on your first day until you have sussed the scene out. Pretty sure I went with a simple black skirt, lace blouse with a casual/smart black blazer and my studded ballerinas. Nothing  screaming AW 12 catwalk but I think appropriate (especially considering 6 am wake up calls).

When greeted I was welcomed by Vikki who was to be, you could say, my mentor. She is the Press Assistant at the Victoria offices and I was so happy to be looked after someone so lovely, warm and welcoming. Throughout my whole experience Vikki was there and made the whole experience what it was. Welcoming me to the team, showing me the offices, explaining procedures, general chit chat; It really helps knowing you have someone to go to who is always happy to help. The worst thing as an intern/work experience is feeling like a nuisance. I always try to use my initiative as much as I can but sometimes, you just have to ask and feeling comfortable is important! Having someone who is generally interested in you is an added bonus. I have had some experiences where things that I consider basic manners or chit chat such as 'how was your weekend?' is ignored. Vikki really was lovely at this; asking about my course, what I want to do now graduated and offering advice whenever I needed it. I do have to say, all the team were so friendly and really made me feel at home. Even the guys in the canteen offered help to me which really blew me away -  I am used to being ignored!. All John Lewis staff are partners in the business and I really believe this shows as there is a real 'team work' feel to the staff. So far? So good!

Photo from http://www.flickr.com/photos/stephenpoole/5076428866/

"Now this, I thought, THIS is what work experience/ internships should be about."

To do list.

My first day included a meeting. YES! A MEETING! Having never been invited to a staff meeting before this was exciting and quite frankly felt like a royal invitation (me? to a meeting?). Being able to see and hear the whole department - home, fashion, internal communications etc (25 people in total) talk about their duties, to do lists for the weeks really gave me an insight in how everything comes together and the work that goes in. I took notes and typed these up later which were distributed to the team for reference, a job that Vikki normally does. Now this, I thought, THIS is what work experience/ internships should be about.

My other office duties included organising the sample cupboard (my expertise), updating the best of press board in the staff canteen ( which was like heaven on earth - YUM!), updating contact lists, filing the daily newspapers and writing up AVE highlight reports (this is how much coverage would have been in advertising). I also got the chance to create  a small press release and a media alert based on a theme to be sent out to journalists. This is a visual piece with a brief description to capture journalists attention and provoke ideas in hope to get some coverage. I did mine on Movember and the press release on board games for Christmas which will look great on my CV. I then helped prepare a few goodie bags for a Trend Update press event and welcomed Journalists when they arrived by taking their coats. This was a great opportunity to show my social skills and communicate with industry professionals - my five minutes of fame you could say. I managed to watch the presentation too which was presented by two Home Buyers that explained the main trends for S/S. The room was decorated beautifully with wooden table tops, big glass ornaments and flowers. This was so interesting and another great insight into the world of PR at John Lewis.

"My five minutes of fame I guess you could say"

For two days of my work experience I was at the Oxford Street store with the press team there. This was where all the product calls took place by a girl called Lauren and some external PR girls from a company called Rain communications who work on the fashion side with John Lewis. Lauren was again lovely showing me around the floors, the canteen and coming to the canteen with me. Can I point out, I have no quams with walking and sitting in canteens by myself, I am used to it and it doesn't phase me and.I think this is why it made the whole gesture so much more endearing. These two days included a lot of going up and down the escalators returning products tot he shop floor. I will admit, this was a bit daunting and believe it or not - exhausting! I don't know how Lauren copes by herself. Sample management is kind of becoming my forte through work experience yet it is always interesting to see how different companies carry out the procedure.

Photo from http://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/style/articles/2012-10/17/john-lewis-grooming-man-sanctuary-london

When it came to my last day I really was gutted to be leaving and wish I could have stayed longer. The office already had a long term intern there so this was unfortunately not an option for me. I did have conversation about returning later this year or early next year for another week though as I really want to continue a relationship with the team and company. ( Yes, ok, I want a job! Is that a crime?)

After being 'the Intern' for some time now, things really have started to blur, drag and get a bit samesy but this experience really helped put the fire back in my belly and the spring in my step. Short and sweet but so worth it. John Lewis seems like a fantastic company to work for, a place that really appreciates their employees and staff that really care about making it the best it can be. I would highly recommend getting in touch with the company if you are looking for some experience in high street. I cannot speak for other departments but my experience was so positive. I knew where I stood and there was a mutual respect where I wasn't taking advantage of. I was there 930 - 5 and not a minute over unless I insisted.

As a thank you I got the team this cookie.  I wanted to give something memorable as for me, the experience was just that.

Any regrets? Just one... I wish I had took more photos but hey, we live and learn. ( And didn't wanna break any company rules!) Over and out,

Katie xxx