Hello! My name is Patrycja and I’m a final year Marketing Management student at Lancaster University. I spent my placement year doing a Brand Management internship at Schwarzkopf Professional in Hamburg and Product Development internship at L’Oréal in Paris.

Today, I would like to encourage you to go out of your comfort zone and decide on doing your placement abroad!

1. Work, travel and explore.

What comes to mind when you think of "work"? Is it the typical 9-to-5 grind in a cramped office, fuelled by five cups of coffee a day and plagued by back pain? It may not sound appealing, but what if you could find yourself gazing at the sparkling Eiffel Tower from Trocadero each evening after work? What if you could enjoy traditional Chardonnay with friends on a boat along the Seine? Imagine yourself watching Emily in Paris and later that day, savouring coffee in her favourite café, indulging in the best croissant of your life…

2. Make international friends.

Through my placement year, I had the pleasure of meeting people from Singapore, Portugal, Brazil, Germany, France, Iran, India, Spain, Colombia, and many more! While moving to a new place without your friends and family nearby may seem daunting, trust me, there's no better place to form life-long friendships than within the intern community. Moreover, once your work experience comes to an end, these friendships unlock exciting travel opportunities, allowing you to explore new destinations with a local guide and immerse yourself in authentic experiences all around the world.

3. Ace your final year with industry international knowledge.

During my time working abroad, I picked up some invaluable skills like adaptability, resilience and project ownership. Handling international marketing strategies, liaising with external and internal stakeholders, and leading global projects sharpened my critical thinking, problem-solving, and research abilities. What’s more, immersing myself in different cultures gave me a whole new perspective on global issues. I found myself sharing these fresh insights in class discussions and applying them to my coursework. The international placement experience was a game-changer for me, sparking both personal and academic growth. It equipped me with the skills and mindset needed to excel in my assignments upon returning to Lancaster.

Don't confine yourself to the mundane—use your placement year as an opportunity to embark on an unforgettable journey wherever your imagination can lead you!

If you don’t know how to start, visit the Careers Team who can guide you through all the recruitment stages and offer personalised support so you can get the most out of your experience.

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Disclaimer

The opinions expressed by our bloggers and those providing comments are personal, and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of Lancaster University. Responsibility for the accuracy of any of the information contained within blog posts belongs to the blogger.