Intern Review

I was working with the archivist and design teams. To name a few things I did: I attended meetings, learnt about the product design process, conducted research about the company. I also learnt about conservation and how to correctly catalogue items. I attended tours to explore the brand and its history and came up with design ideas. I met lots of people from a range of departments, which gave me an understanding of how the business works.

Communication skills was a big one, my confidence in talking and interacting with people in a professional and non-professional manner skyrocketed. Creative thought- how to market a brand. Time management and organisation. How to prioritise- learnt about how to decide what's important and what's not. Research and IT skills- how to present information in spreadsheets, etc. I received training in food safety, which was very useful and thorough.

It was an incredible opportunity, I don't think it could have gone any better. The support was amazing and I felt comfortable to ask questions. The working environment was relaxed but professional. Everyday I was excited to go in and do something new. It really pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me invaluable experience. The work tasks were varied and enjoyable. Everybody was so friendly and encouraging, they really wanted to get the best out of me and took the time to hear my perspective.

It was extremely well organised. Every time I emailed, I would get a response within two days, usually the next day. All my questions were answered in an enthusiastic and friendly way. The induction was one and a half days. It included some initial icebreakers, safety and fire measures, food safety training and a history of the company and its values. I was working for two teams, so my tasks depended on which team I was working with, but that was easy to navigate. I felt incredibly supported, my line managers were on hand whenever I needed help and my HR contact was fantastic.

So much. The office environment is friendly and relaxed with a professional air. The departments have to work together so people either phone, email or just go over to the other person's desk to ask for help. After a few days, I really felt like I was part of the Fortnum's family. They were all incredibly kind. They have three values that are the core of company and it really shows in how every product is the best of the best.

It gave me an insight into the creative industry in terms of a retail environment, which I had never considered before. The key thing I learnt was that you're never stuck; there were people in international relations who had fine arts degrees. The work and tasks people were doing in their job roles was so varied, just be open to trying different things.

I was paid hourly and a lot over the minimum wage for my age. This easily covered my travel and meal costs. The food is subsidised, so is an affordable cost, especially since it was so high quality. There were also staff discounts that I could use which, depending on the product, reduced the price considerably.

There were lots of opportunities to meet people from all departments. On my first day, it felt like I met so many people from all positions within the company. I attended a lot of meetings and a morning staff briefing. Everywhere I went, I was being introduced to new people.

Yes

I would recommend a placement at Fortnum & Mason because it was an incredible experience that has made me a more confident person in everything I do. The support was the best and it's honestly one of the most friendly places I've ever been. Everything they do is done with care to ensure that they are providing an experience that left a smile on your face. I didn't meet anybody who disliked their job. I've created amazing working relationships and I have never regretted the experience. It's just a joyous place to be.

Ensure that your cover email and CV are polite and professional but not forgettable. Tailor your email to the company, do some research on the company and include as examples of why you want to work there. Be enthusiastic. When filling in the application form, make sure that there aren't any spaces before the first word of your sentence as that's the attention to detail that they respect.