Thomas Edison once said

 

“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”

 

Last summer though, I was determined to keep my “fashion critic” sense in full alert, and luckily for me, overalls were back in trend!

A three-month internship history was about to be written, although not in the fashion industry, but instead, in the field of travelling & hospitality management. An area that is nevertheless dependent on creativity and constant innovation.

 

I was therefore positive that my work experience choice would not only challenge me to broaden my knowledge towards new perspectives, but it would also become a chance for me to apply my Branding & Marketing skills, acquired throughout my 1st student year at TEKO, in the real business world, where opportunity goes hand in hand with responsibility.

 

My placement company was represented by a Spanish business group located in Seville and owning various companies, among which a five-star hotel, named EME Catedral, where I had the chance to work within their Graphic Design department. Besides the already settled companies, the owner of the group in matter was also planning the launch of an online travel agency based on an innovative business model. This particular project was still in its inception, lacking a clear market penetration strategy and even a visual identity.

 

Opportunity was right ahead, and I would soon be allowed to explore the “SWOT” of this upcoming business. Working at this project, gave me the chance to collaborate directly with the owner, who delegated me various marketing and graphic design-related tasks. One in particular, focused on researching upon the possibilities to attract customers emotionally within the travel industry, gave me the framework to build up my knowledge within this business field, which became ever so fascinating to me.

 

Although at the beginning I was faced with mundane tasks that almost tuned into a routine, I gradually succeeded into gaining my superiors’ trust, therefore being given more responsibilities. This is when Anthony’s Burrill’s “Work hard and be nice to people” theory became my personal mantra, as it really paved the road towards my internship success, culminating with the moment when the manager proposed me to extend my contract.

 

It goes without saying that I had to politely dismiss the flattering offer, as TEKO was calling me back. Moreover, as much as I enjoyed interning, I wouldn’t like to settle in a Spanish business environment. Among the few, yet significant negative aspects of my experience are Spanish people’s lack of organization, chaotic behavior and often-times, narrow-mindedness. I particularly remarked how the manager had a strong human relations psychological ability, and knew how to manipulate and motivate at the same time his staff, yet he often times got carried away by irrelevant, impractical aspects that couldn’t be implemented. He would therefore lose focus from other essential aspects that would eventually put pressure on the employees.

 

Living the experience of an insider, gave me the chance to develop my observer skills, to be more attentive around, yet remain focus on my goals. I became more organized, diplomatic, punctual and empathic. I managed to integrate among the other employees, who were tolerant and understanding with my lack of experience.

 

All in all the experience was memorable and it became a valuable stepping-stone within my career development. More insights are provided in the article I wrote for the September issue of FOCUS magazine, which you can find in the appendices.

 

You can have a look at my internship report HERE .

Below are some slides from my oral presentation.