The first day of work is always nervewracking. You're scared about impressing your new boss, making friends with your coworkers, and being competent... and in my case, not seeming like an idiotic American college student. Eight weeks later, I didn't realize how much I would miss working at my internship until I realized I had to go home.
The last day was great. I got extra copies of every issue that ran while I was there so I could save my bylines, I wrote up a few last minute stories, and had a generally relaxing day. Everyone was so sweet, letting me know how much they'd miss me and what I good job I did (which I really appreciated!). Another reporter was switching jobs, and was having a goodbye party that night at a pub, and they invited me out with them. That night, they all gave me a card they signed and a sweet little present. I also got filled in on all the workplace gossip that we couldn't talk about in the office, which was fun but also a little sad since I would never get to be in the office again.
I learned so much this summer, and I didn't even realize it until I stepped back. I learned so much about the UK financial industry, probably more than I know about the American industry now, and I also learned how to cover stories on topics I knew nothing about. I learned the art of the cold call, and how to ask the tough questions that get you yelled at by scary PR people. I learned how to network with business executives, and how to see past corporate BS to find what's actually going on.
The rest of this trip will be about goodbyes... Luckily I'll see my awesome IU friends in like a month, but now I have to say goodbye to the city I've called home the last eight weeks and the city that got me that much closer to growing up.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Top 10 Things I Love About London
Top 10 Things I Love About London:
1) British accents: The novelty never gets old. You hear so many varieties of accents here, mostly from the UK, everywhere you go. Even the computerized voice on the Tube is British. The funniest thing is when you are walking somewhere and you see someone that looks intimidating, and then the second they open their mouth they just seem awesome to you.
2) Tea: I was not a tea fan before I got here, and I didn't have a proper cup of tea until like a month into my study abroad experience. But it is actually really good and perks you up! The British like to put milk in their tea, which makes it creamer and less bitter, so I think I'll probably start adopting that at home too.
3) The Tube: Public transportation is so easy here once you figure out the map. The Tube is the best place to people watch, because you see some real characters. During rush hour it can get a bit mad, but if you use it during an off hour it's kind of fun as long as it's not too hot underground. Plus, I love hearing people ask me to "mind the gap" every day.
4) Architecture: Everything is beautiful here, even grocery stores, because everything is housed in old buildings. There is a lot of modern architecture too, but I love the historic buildings that have detailed molding and big windows the most. There are so many small, winding streets here. In pretty much every neighborhood, if you wander a little you can find a square with benches and trees that is the perfect place to get a little sun.
5) Groceries: Flats are small here and kitchens are even smaller, so you have to buy your groceries for a few days at a time and carry them home. This can be tiring, but you can buy fresh produce and think meal-by-meal instead of planning menus and buying everything under the kitchen sink. It also stops you from snacking as much!
6) Strongbow and Pimms: two British drinks that I am pretty much in love with. Strongbow is a cider that is sweet and kind of zingy. Pimms is a dark gin that is served with a mixer, like lemonade, and fruit. Both should be enjoyed at a pub with your friends, either watching a World Cup game or having fun.
7) Fashion: There are H & M's on every corner here, and people dress like their lives are catwalks. Someone said that the British dress to stand out instead of to fit in, and I think that's absolutely true. Some common trends: lace tights under shorts, dresses and leggings, rompers ("playsuitProxy-Connection: keep-alive
Cache-Control: max-age=0
22), and oxford shoes. People really dress to impress here, and it makes me be more conscious about how I look. No hoodies and sweatpants here- the uniform is skinny jeans, flats, a cute top and a scarf.
8) Free newspapers: The newspaper industry might be "dying" in the US, but here it's thriving. There are at least 6 major national newspapers. There are also free magazines and newspapers given out by the tube stations. They're not good quality, but at least it's good to see people keeping up with current events!
9) British politics: I came over here knowing very little about British politics, and through my internship have become embroiled in the mess that is the coalition government. Learning about Parliament, political issues and British history is really fascinating- in case you were wondering, Winston Churchill is a beast. The whole royalty thing is really intriguing too, like who is in line for the throne and what the Queen has the power to do. I still think our system of government is a lot better, but this one is pretty cool.
10) So much to do: In the past eight weeks, I have been to the Tower of London, Hyde Park, the British Museum, Westminster, Notting Hill, Abbey Road, Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square, Oxford Circus, Soho, the London Eye and more in addition to side trips to Stonehenge, Bath, Leeds Castle, Canterbury, Brighton and Oxford and weekends in Paris and Rome. Can life get any better?
1) British accents: The novelty never gets old. You hear so many varieties of accents here, mostly from the UK, everywhere you go. Even the computerized voice on the Tube is British. The funniest thing is when you are walking somewhere and you see someone that looks intimidating, and then the second they open their mouth they just seem awesome to you.
2) Tea: I was not a tea fan before I got here, and I didn't have a proper cup of tea until like a month into my study abroad experience. But it is actually really good and perks you up! The British like to put milk in their tea, which makes it creamer and less bitter, so I think I'll probably start adopting that at home too.
3) The Tube: Public transportation is so easy here once you figure out the map. The Tube is the best place to people watch, because you see some real characters. During rush hour it can get a bit mad, but if you use it during an off hour it's kind of fun as long as it's not too hot underground. Plus, I love hearing people ask me to "mind the gap" every day.
4) Architecture: Everything is beautiful here, even grocery stores, because everything is housed in old buildings. There is a lot of modern architecture too, but I love the historic buildings that have detailed molding and big windows the most. There are so many small, winding streets here. In pretty much every neighborhood, if you wander a little you can find a square with benches and trees that is the perfect place to get a little sun.
5) Groceries: Flats are small here and kitchens are even smaller, so you have to buy your groceries for a few days at a time and carry them home. This can be tiring, but you can buy fresh produce and think meal-by-meal instead of planning menus and buying everything under the kitchen sink. It also stops you from snacking as much!
6) Strongbow and Pimms: two British drinks that I am pretty much in love with. Strongbow is a cider that is sweet and kind of zingy. Pimms is a dark gin that is served with a mixer, like lemonade, and fruit. Both should be enjoyed at a pub with your friends, either watching a World Cup game or having fun.
7) Fashion: There are H & M's on every corner here, and people dress like their lives are catwalks. Someone said that the British dress to stand out instead of to fit in, and I think that's absolutely true. Some common trends: lace tights under shorts, dresses and leggings, rompers ("playsuitProxy-Connection: keep-alive
Cache-Control: max-age=0
22), and oxford shoes. People really dress to impress here, and it makes me be more conscious about how I look. No hoodies and sweatpants here- the uniform is skinny jeans, flats, a cute top and a scarf.
8) Free newspapers: The newspaper industry might be "dying" in the US, but here it's thriving. There are at least 6 major national newspapers. There are also free magazines and newspapers given out by the tube stations. They're not good quality, but at least it's good to see people keeping up with current events!
9) British politics: I came over here knowing very little about British politics, and through my internship have become embroiled in the mess that is the coalition government. Learning about Parliament, political issues and British history is really fascinating- in case you were wondering, Winston Churchill is a beast. The whole royalty thing is really intriguing too, like who is in line for the throne and what the Queen has the power to do. I still think our system of government is a lot better, but this one is pretty cool.
10) So much to do: In the past eight weeks, I have been to the Tower of London, Hyde Park, the British Museum, Westminster, Notting Hill, Abbey Road, Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square, Oxford Circus, Soho, the London Eye and more in addition to side trips to Stonehenge, Bath, Leeds Castle, Canterbury, Brighton and Oxford and weekends in Paris and Rome. Can life get any better?
Oxford and wrapping up London
It's hard to believe that it is my last week in London! It still feels like I just got here, and here I am, completely adjusted to work and life and not ready to go home. Here's what I've been up to since my last post.
On Sunday, MJ, Chrissy and I took the bus to the college town of Oxford. I didn't realize that there is not one "Oxford University": rather, it is a bunch of smaller colleges and universities in one system. The oldest school was founded in 1249, which puts our college system to shame! We spent most of the day wandering around the streets and looking at the beautiful stone buildings. The streets of Oxford lead down to a river, where people lounge on the banks and rent punting boats. We also stumbled into a beautiful rose garden- I was hesitant to go in at first, but luckily MJ made us, and it was absolutely gorgeous.
This week I have been wrapping things up at work and trying to get some of the last minute souvenirs I meant to buy this whole trip. I also finished my 1,500 research paper last night! The whole thing was quite inconvenient because it took up the time we could have been actually exploring the city, but it's over now and I can finally enjoy a school-free summer. I also have to tame the beast that is packing... I'm not quite sure how I got everything over here in the first place!
I will miss London, but I think I am ready for some actual summer relaxation. No doubt I'll be bored in a week without a large, vibrant city to entertain me, but I'm sure I'll figure things out.
On Sunday, MJ, Chrissy and I took the bus to the college town of Oxford. I didn't realize that there is not one "Oxford University": rather, it is a bunch of smaller colleges and universities in one system. The oldest school was founded in 1249, which puts our college system to shame! We spent most of the day wandering around the streets and looking at the beautiful stone buildings. The streets of Oxford lead down to a river, where people lounge on the banks and rent punting boats. We also stumbled into a beautiful rose garden- I was hesitant to go in at first, but luckily MJ made us, and it was absolutely gorgeous.
This week I have been wrapping things up at work and trying to get some of the last minute souvenirs I meant to buy this whole trip. I also finished my 1,500 research paper last night! The whole thing was quite inconvenient because it took up the time we could have been actually exploring the city, but it's over now and I can finally enjoy a school-free summer. I also have to tame the beast that is packing... I'm not quite sure how I got everything over here in the first place!
I will miss London, but I think I am ready for some actual summer relaxation. No doubt I'll be bored in a week without a large, vibrant city to entertain me, but I'm sure I'll figure things out.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Brighton up your day!
Two very great things have happened this weekend so far. First, on Thursday night a bunch of us went to a random karaoke bar near our flat. We were having a lot of fun being silly singing songs like "Man, I Feel Like a Woman". A woman with a cropped blonde haircut and her friend got up to the mic and started singing "Never Had a Dream Come True", a classic 90's tune by S Club 7. Caitlin remarked that she sounded like... and looked like, Jo from S Club 7! It was like my childhood dream come true. She was nice enough to take a photo with us: proof that we met a semi-celebrity in London.
Today, the J-School took us on a trip to Brighton, a cute beach town on the English Channel. Thankfully it was the warmest day of the year so far! We spent all day lying on the rock beach and soaking up the sun. We also enjoyed fish and chips and drinks on the pier. At about 3:45, high tide came in and the rocks washed away to reveal a sandy beach. Even though the water was cold, we jumped in the waves and acted like little kids. IIt finally felt like summer, not just being in alternative reality.
Tomorrow hopefully we're going to Oxford... here's to hoping we find Hugh Grant!
Today, the J-School took us on a trip to Brighton, a cute beach town on the English Channel. Thankfully it was the warmest day of the year so far! We spent all day lying on the rock beach and soaking up the sun. We also enjoyed fish and chips and drinks on the pier. At about 3:45, high tide came in and the rocks washed away to reveal a sandy beach. Even though the water was cold, we jumped in the waves and acted like little kids. IIt finally felt like summer, not just being in alternative reality.
Tomorrow hopefully we're going to Oxford... here's to hoping we find Hugh Grant!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Get ready for this... I actually like business journalism.
This has been a mad week in the British business world, and I got a front row seat.
On Tuesday, the new coalition government announced its emergency budget. When I got into the office, everyone was abuzz. Reporters were looking for TV cords to get the cable up and running, and editors were brainstorming potential stories that could come out of the announcement. And as the eager intern, it was my job to go stand outside the Treasury to get a copy of the media pack for the publication.
I took the tube to Westminster and lined up outside the building half an hour early with the other journalists. I didn't realize that the data wouldn't be released until the moment the speech ended, so I didn't bring reading material or anything. Luckily, it was a beautiful day in London, and I watched the suit-clad businessmen and government workers and the large student tour groups walk by. At 1:30 on the dot, the speech ended. I was let into the Treasury gates, presented my ID and then got my hands on the all-important press pack. It was madness on the tube, as it was just about lunch hour, and every train seemed to away from the station as I got to the right queue. I fought the crowds and made my way back to the office, bringing the budget information to the news editor. Within seconds, copies were being made and the reporters were hard at work.
Even though I got the lowly intern duty of waiting in the sun for the budget materials, I got to make a trip down to the Treasury and enjoy some time away from the computer. I have also gotten to write loads of great stories about how aspects of the budget will affect the industry and how people organize their finances.
Sometimes I think business reporting can be a little dry, but I didn't anticipate how interesting it can be sometimes. Business is so interconnected with politics, and the decisions that companies make affect how regular people live their lives. Plus, you don't actually have to have an economic background to report, you just have to be able to learn as you go. Future Wall Street reporter? Probably not, but you never know.
On Tuesday, the new coalition government announced its emergency budget. When I got into the office, everyone was abuzz. Reporters were looking for TV cords to get the cable up and running, and editors were brainstorming potential stories that could come out of the announcement. And as the eager intern, it was my job to go stand outside the Treasury to get a copy of the media pack for the publication.
I took the tube to Westminster and lined up outside the building half an hour early with the other journalists. I didn't realize that the data wouldn't be released until the moment the speech ended, so I didn't bring reading material or anything. Luckily, it was a beautiful day in London, and I watched the suit-clad businessmen and government workers and the large student tour groups walk by. At 1:30 on the dot, the speech ended. I was let into the Treasury gates, presented my ID and then got my hands on the all-important press pack. It was madness on the tube, as it was just about lunch hour, and every train seemed to away from the station as I got to the right queue. I fought the crowds and made my way back to the office, bringing the budget information to the news editor. Within seconds, copies were being made and the reporters were hard at work.
Even though I got the lowly intern duty of waiting in the sun for the budget materials, I got to make a trip down to the Treasury and enjoy some time away from the computer. I have also gotten to write loads of great stories about how aspects of the budget will affect the industry and how people organize their finances.
Sometimes I think business reporting can be a little dry, but I didn't anticipate how interesting it can be sometimes. Business is so interconnected with politics, and the decisions that companies make affect how regular people live their lives. Plus, you don't actually have to have an economic background to report, you just have to be able to learn as you go. Future Wall Street reporter? Probably not, but you never know.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Tourism, football and musicals= my kind of weekend
It finally hit me that this trip is starting to come to a close, and I am freaking out. On Friday after class, I went with some girls in my program to the London Eye. Before we got to go on the Eye, we saw a 4D movie that showed the city of London in every season. The special effects were awesome, but watching the movie just made us all feel sad that we wouldn't be here to see the snow or the flowers blooming in spring. Then, we started our "flight" in the Eye. The sky was gray and rain was drizzling, but the experience was still amazing. It was a good idea to visit the Eye late into our trip, because we were all able to look over the landscape and point out landmarks like Big Ben, St. Paul's, and the QE2 conference center that we had visited during our trip.
That day and night we watched the USA vs. Slovenia and England vs. Algeria games and local pubs. Both games were definitely disappointments, especially when the USA was robbed of the goal that could have won them the game! Watching the games in pubs is so much fun because we make American friends wherever we go... I love England, but that little taste of home is great. We went out for drinks and dancing as usual, which was a lot of fun. We even met some British guys at a bus stop who treated us to milkshakes... a night can't get much better than that!
Yesterday there was an event at Leicester Square that I couldn't have even dreamed up on my own... West End Live, a free show in the park in which all of the West End musicals presented free performances. It was packed, but getting in wasn't difficult and we could see the musical numbers pretty well. I have loved every show the J-School has treated us to, but getting to see numbers from the shows I didn't have the time or money to see was awesome. We also explored a little bit around Chinatown, and stopped for a photo shoot at the fountain in Trafalgar Square. It has been a very cold weekend in London so we haven't been able to enjoy the weather too much, but hey, it's London.
I think all of us can agree that we're kicking it into high gear now that our time in London is running out. I will probably cry when I have to leave, and will be reminiscing about this summer for a long time, so you may have to bear with me. Or I can just figure out a way to stay and then we won't have this problem? I wish. Oh well, off for another London adventure.
That day and night we watched the USA vs. Slovenia and England vs. Algeria games and local pubs. Both games were definitely disappointments, especially when the USA was robbed of the goal that could have won them the game! Watching the games in pubs is so much fun because we make American friends wherever we go... I love England, but that little taste of home is great. We went out for drinks and dancing as usual, which was a lot of fun. We even met some British guys at a bus stop who treated us to milkshakes... a night can't get much better than that!
Yesterday there was an event at Leicester Square that I couldn't have even dreamed up on my own... West End Live, a free show in the park in which all of the West End musicals presented free performances. It was packed, but getting in wasn't difficult and we could see the musical numbers pretty well. I have loved every show the J-School has treated us to, but getting to see numbers from the shows I didn't have the time or money to see was awesome. We also explored a little bit around Chinatown, and stopped for a photo shoot at the fountain in Trafalgar Square. It has been a very cold weekend in London so we haven't been able to enjoy the weather too much, but hey, it's London.
I think all of us can agree that we're kicking it into high gear now that our time in London is running out. I will probably cry when I have to leave, and will be reminiscing about this summer for a long time, so you may have to bear with me. Or I can just figure out a way to stay and then we won't have this problem? I wish. Oh well, off for another London adventure.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Birthday in London :)
I am officially 20 years old! This was such a great birthday, and I was so excited to spend it in London with so many of my best friends. I can't tell you about today though without telling you about yesterday first.
Yesterday morning, Melissa, Chrissy, Liz and I went to Notting Hill to explore. It was absolutely adorable- I found my future flat, and I think that if I had the means and I ever lived in London I'd want that to be my neighborhood. There were colorful homes lining the streets, and rows and rows of adorable shops and booths. We also found a Mexican cantina, and had our first Mexican food since we'd been here, a welcome taste of home- plus our server looked just like Hugh Grant :)
We were feeling adventurous, so afterwards we decided try to find Abbey Road. We jumped on a city bus (our first double decker bus ride!) and got off at Abbey Road, but we had no idea which crossing was the infamous one depicted on the Beatles' album cover. We walked for about 20 minutes, and then found one that we thought looked pretty close to it, so we decided to take some pictures of us crossing the road like John, Paul, George and Ringo. It turns out, that was definitely the wrong Abbey Road crossing... the correct one was in fact about 30 feet away from us, and there we were stopping traffic and getting strange looks. It was so funny, when we realized our mistake we were laughing so hard we couldn't breathe! We did go to the real Abbey Road crossing and get some pictures. We also ended up people watching for at least half an hour... it was hilarious to see so many tourists stopping traffic and crossing the road awkwardly to imitate the Beatles' strides.
On to today. First, we had a media visit this morning at The Telegraph. Our visit was surprisingly uplifting... the editor who gave us the tour told us that there would definitely be newspapers and jobs for young journalists, we would just have to figure out how to use our technological skills to redefine the industry. Then, we went out and explored Oxford Circus and the Soho neighborhood... I didn't end up buying anything, but I spotted a couple things I might come back to later.
At about 5:30, most of the IU Journalism kids met up at this Portuguese restaurant near the theater for dinner. It was so sweet that everyone came, I felt so loved. I had a great meal and the best sangria I've ever had in my life, and to top it off my roomie bought me dessert :) Just when I thought it couldn't get any better, one of the waiters brought me a little custard topped with a candle and everyone sang to me. I might have teared up just a little bit, it was really sweet! Then, we went to the theater and saw Les Miserables. I had no idea what to expect, and honestly, it was one of the best shows I've ever seen. I don't think I could listen to the music on loop, but the singing was spectacular and it really was an epic play. I was so upset though- apparently Nick Jonas is starring in the same production starting June 21! Missed it by a week!
It has been such a great weekend, I'm kind of sad it's over! On to another week in Londontown :)
Yesterday morning, Melissa, Chrissy, Liz and I went to Notting Hill to explore. It was absolutely adorable- I found my future flat, and I think that if I had the means and I ever lived in London I'd want that to be my neighborhood. There were colorful homes lining the streets, and rows and rows of adorable shops and booths. We also found a Mexican cantina, and had our first Mexican food since we'd been here, a welcome taste of home- plus our server looked just like Hugh Grant :)
We were feeling adventurous, so afterwards we decided try to find Abbey Road. We jumped on a city bus (our first double decker bus ride!) and got off at Abbey Road, but we had no idea which crossing was the infamous one depicted on the Beatles' album cover. We walked for about 20 minutes, and then found one that we thought looked pretty close to it, so we decided to take some pictures of us crossing the road like John, Paul, George and Ringo. It turns out, that was definitely the wrong Abbey Road crossing... the correct one was in fact about 30 feet away from us, and there we were stopping traffic and getting strange looks. It was so funny, when we realized our mistake we were laughing so hard we couldn't breathe! We did go to the real Abbey Road crossing and get some pictures. We also ended up people watching for at least half an hour... it was hilarious to see so many tourists stopping traffic and crossing the road awkwardly to imitate the Beatles' strides.
On to today. First, we had a media visit this morning at The Telegraph. Our visit was surprisingly uplifting... the editor who gave us the tour told us that there would definitely be newspapers and jobs for young journalists, we would just have to figure out how to use our technological skills to redefine the industry. Then, we went out and explored Oxford Circus and the Soho neighborhood... I didn't end up buying anything, but I spotted a couple things I might come back to later.
At about 5:30, most of the IU Journalism kids met up at this Portuguese restaurant near the theater for dinner. It was so sweet that everyone came, I felt so loved. I had a great meal and the best sangria I've ever had in my life, and to top it off my roomie bought me dessert :) Just when I thought it couldn't get any better, one of the waiters brought me a little custard topped with a candle and everyone sang to me. I might have teared up just a little bit, it was really sweet! Then, we went to the theater and saw Les Miserables. I had no idea what to expect, and honestly, it was one of the best shows I've ever seen. I don't think I could listen to the music on loop, but the singing was spectacular and it really was an epic play. I was so upset though- apparently Nick Jonas is starring in the same production starting June 21! Missed it by a week!
It has been such a great weekend, I'm kind of sad it's over! On to another week in Londontown :)
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