Global Internship Spotlight – Megan Deschapelles, Hiro + Wolf, Artisans & Adventurers

Megan Deschapelles is a Pre-Business major set to graduate in May 2022.  This summer she interned for Hiro + Wolf, Artisans & Adventurers in London, England.

If you worked on a big project during your internship, please describe what you did to help.

Just recently, the major project I have been working on is remodeling and updating the website. This project is headed by one of the store managers, but she is letting me do most the work since she knew that I wanted to take on a lot of responsibility. This was a major assignment given to me and I have been able to help make the website more organized and consumer-friendly. Completing a major project such as this really made me feel accomplished in that I learned so much from it and positively impacted the company.

What did you find most challenging about your internship?

The thing I found most challenging about my internship was getting comfortable with my colleagues. At first, I was having trouble figuring out my place in the company and how I was supposed to act around my colleagues since the work culture is so different in London than the US. However, within the first two weeks, once I got to know my colleagues better, I was able to feel more comfortable around them. This was very important to me because it helped be more open about my questions and inputs.

What advice do you have for other students that are also considering interning abroad?

The main advice I have for students who are considering interning abroad is keep your mind open when starting the internship. Before arriving in London and starting my placement, I had this whole idea already made up about what my internship was going to be like and that completely changed when I arrived. I expected to be working in an office and in a large company but in reality, I work in a smaller open office with four other people. The work culture is so much different in London, you really need to be open to different and new things when starting your Internship.

How did Eller (or your previous coursework) prepare you for your internship?

As a student who did this program the summer after their freshman year, I cannot say that much of the courses I have taken, have helped me. Although, having an understanding of your internship placement area helps, it is not required. I have learned so much this summer about business and marketing than I have in the past year. This is because the best way to learn isn’t always courses, but actually getting involved in a business and working with them.