As each intern leaves us, we ask them to write about their time with us and their experiences! Everything they say is in their own words (without changes from us) and we promise we don't bribe them for the good bits! Every intern who comes through our doors is unique, and each brings something to the business that we haven't seen before or will again; what sometimes happens however is you get an intern you'll miss forever and who really you just don't want to leave!
The following post is from Rebecca Browning who joined us for a 10-month placement and only left recently after more than 18-months. Unfortunately, her University timetable and workload means she cannot continue to juggle both, but she will be sorely, sorely missed! For anyone who gets the opportunity to employ Becky in the future - you are getting a true gem who's diligent, hardworking and an asset to any business!
To put her post in perspective (so you'll understand the references), everyday, Becky rode to work on her purple bike; she fell off on the way once or twice, so we bought her some stabilisers, and her last Secret Santa gift was a large comedy horn!
When I first found apt I knew straight away this was the company that I wanted to spend my University placement with. After reading all of the leaver blogs from past interns, I hoped that I would end up with adding my own to the collection … and here I am a year and a half after joining apt!
Before joining apt, my only work experience had consisted of working in a local community centre so starting a full time internship, 9-5:30 every day was definitely a shock to the system! I had completed a marketing module as part of my degree but I’ve learnt so much more about marketing through my internship that you could never be taught in a lecture.
Working at apt has been fun and eventful since day one. On my first day the whole office was filled with conversation and laughter and I knew that I would love working here. One of the best things about working at apt is that you’re thrown in at the deep end straight away. I was working on real projects from day one, writing blogs for not only apt but some of their clients too. When I went home each day I was able to show my family and friends what I had been working on that day, whether it was new blogs, new webpages or social media posts. It would be near impossible to list everything I have worked on at apt but some of the main parts have been; blogs, social media, contacting suppliers, arranging quotes, populating and amending websites, SEO, e-marketing campaigns, researching and so much more! Some of my personal favourite parts have been taking part in Chelt52, working closely with Sarah and taking part in #TTOT (travel talk on twitter), writing apt blogs, email newsletters, updating websites and not forgetting growing my elastic band ball!
There are many reasons why I loved my time at apt, but for me the main reason is because of the whole team and the friendly, relaxed environment that surrounds the office on a daily basis. Not every day is smooth sailing (or cycling) but the office always finds a way of cheering anyone up … which is handy if you’ve just fallen off your bike on your way to work! From hearing Debi’s random singing outbursts to Steve’s cheesy jokes to laughing at something Victoria has done, no day is ever the same and this is what I’ll miss the most!
Before I started my placement I liked to play things safe and stick to what I knew and how to do it, now after my placement at apt I’m not afraid to take a risk or try anything new and apt has helped me to build up my skills as well as my confidence to be able to take off my stabilisers and cycle further into the big wide world!
On my final note, I would like to say a huge thank you to Angie, Victoria and everyone at apt for making my time with you all so enjoyable and memorable! I wish you all the best of luck in the future and if you hear a strange bike horn in the middle of the street … have a look around because it will probably be me! J