George Reader, PR & Marketing Assistant:

• A jam packed summer learning
• The opportunity to see the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
• The Conscious Communications family: a true team

Prior to the start of my summer internship, I had very little knowledge of public relations and marketing and I really felt as though I was taking a bit of a plunge into the deep end when I chose to reach out to Conscious Communications directly. With pretty much no experience in the industry, or working in an office, I felt out of my depth – I even wondered why a company would agree to take me on! 

From my first interview – a very relaxed one it is worth mentioning – Alison and the team put to bed any of my initial concerns. It was this support and openness that made me realise that Conscious Communications was clearly a company I wanted to work for; one that truly cares about its employees. The team operates as they say they do, consciously and open mindedly. 

My first two weeks were filled with meetings and a chance to get to know the team, what their roles and backgrounds are, how they came to be in the company and where they want to take the business. I was kept busy with work, introducing me to press releases and social media management. I think my biggest take away from my first week was just how much time people were taking to welcome and support me within a new working environment. I immediately felt as though I was part of the team. 

Within my first month, I had already been asked to come along to an external site visit, support the team with Cambridgeshire County Day and even had a chance to see the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Since then, alongside so much learning, I’ve shown off my mini golf skills (or lack of), tried to revolutionise the team’s hot drink making skills (failed) and my favourite moment: attending the company’s celebrations for its well-earned 10-year anniversary party! We even celebrate Fridays, because… well, it’s Friday.

My summer internship has been more varied than I could ever have imagined. I have learnt, and continue to learn, a huge amount about the industry. From varied writing tasks, to events and interviewing some of Cambridge’s best business people, from large international corporations to local charities, for social media content. It has been a jam-packed three months. 

When I originally took a chance and reached out to Alison directly, I hoped I could line up some summer work and temporarily get to grips with a new role in an office environment over the summer months. I never would have thought that internship would lead to what is has: I’ve met some great people, had a great time and been given the opportunity to turn my summer internship into a permanent role. I look forward to more great times with the team and a career at the agency. I’m excited for what’s to come!