My internship at Giorgio Armani in Italy

Virginia Stuart-Taylor studied Spanish, Italian and Portuguese at the University of Exeter and spent half of the academic year abroad as an intern at Giorgio Armani in Italy .After graduating from university, she currently runs a travel and life abroad blog called "The Well Traveled Postcard", and her updates can be followed on Twitter - @vstuarttaylor.

How did you manage to find an internship at Giorgio Armani?

I was very fortunate in that at our university the coordinator for the academic year abroad had a whole list of employers from different countries who had already accepted students for internships in the past.And it just so happened that Giorgio Armani was also on this list!

So I sent them my CV and cover letter in Italian (ask a native speaker to look it over) and I was offered an internship even without a phone interview - just incredible luck!I also know that many people manage to find internships abroad through connections: either through family friends, or through people they met during their gap year, for example.It never hurts to ask around your friends in another country - if you are looking for an internship position, you are unlikely to be turned down, because you will, in fact, be a staff that does not require payment.

So this internship was not paid?

Paid internships are rare in Italy.The company did not even reimburse me for travel expenses.That's when the Erasmus Mundus (Academic Mobility Program) grant becomes invaluable!

Life in Modena, a small town in the Emilia-Romana region, is not as expensive as, for example, in Milan or Rome.I didn't want to get a part-time job (I already worked from 9 to 5 andI really valued my free time!), but I know that many worked as English tutors, especially in towns like Modena, where there are fewer tourists and exchange students.So it would be quite realistic to teach English or work part-time in a bar or shop.

Video above: Walking tour of Modena (Italy), May 2012. Includes such iconic places, like a cocktail Syringe and aperitifs at the Café Concerto in Piazza Grande, Via Emilia, Giargini Pubblici Gardens, a piece of Piazza Roma, Via Farini and Corso Canal Grande, one of the newest gelateries “La Gelida Voglia” and, of course,cathedral tower, Torre della Chirlandina.

What did you need to do as an intern?

The internship seems much more glamorous than it actually is.I hadn't studied fashion before, so my assignments were limited.For example, I was not assigned to do anything about sewing or measuring samples.However, my advantage as an intern was the lack of a strictly defined position, and for 6 months I worked in the technical department, the department of accessories and shoes, and the department of models.I was able to work with clothes from the new seasons even before they became available, and sometimes they even gave me weird shoes.But in terms of professionalism, I did a lot of translation work (an incredible opportunity to improve Italian), and also gained experience in a large company, learned such nuances as complex systems and processes.

If I could only give one piece of advice on how to get the most experience during the internship:

Suggesthelping employees throughout the company, do not feel chained only to your department.

What were your feelings from working in a foreign language?

In the beginning it was really hard to perceivelanguage in the office.During my two years at university no one taught me such words as "dry goods" or "stitching edges".During my first week, I came across some technical terms that I didn't even know in English, let alone Italian!If I could give advice to anyone who is worried about an internship in a foreign language, I would suggest just smiling and asking again when you don't understand something.Do not worry alone, otherwise misunderstanding will lead to big mistakes in work.If you try to build relationships in a team, it will not only help you improve your foreign language in practice, but your colleagues will be happy to help you when necessary.In the end, working abroad (in my opinion) is the most effective way to improve a foreign language, because you are among the native speakers.So even though the first weeks will be tough, don't give up and it will get easier!

What else did you do to improve your Italian?

I decided that I needed to live with Italians in order to truly integrate into the culture and make new friends.I found a city bulletin board and just started calling those who were renting out vacant rooms.So, I lived in an apartment with two wonderful Italian girls who studied at the University of Modena, they introduced me to their families and friends.I only watched local TV and read books only in Italian - so I didn't even have virtual contact with English!I also started doing charity work through an organization called “Modena Terzo Mondo” and translated their website into English for free.As a result, I ended up with about 17,000 words, and in addition to volunteering, I received an invaluable translation wholesale and really improved the language.

What did you do besides work?

As soon as II got used to the city and got used to it, I just started bursting with the desire to visit other parts of Italy, which I did, in general, every weekend!Every Monday morning my colleagues were amazed at where I managed to visit, and personally I have the feeling that I have seen more in Italy than the Italians themselves!You can find cheap train tickets on the Trenitalia website if you search in advance, and sometimes an InterRail ticket can be even cheaper, especially if you travel long distances.Another very important point is that almost all offices in Italy are closed for at least two weeks in August, and everyone goes on vacation, so do not forget to book everything in advance so as not to pay extortionate amounts.

In your opinion, did this experience help you in your job search after graduation?

Of course.Such a big company name in my CV really helps to attract potential employers, and I know that working abroad, and most importantly, in a foreign language, was a key moment in obtaining the educational program in which I am now.Participating in the Erasmus Work Placement program is a great way to stand out from the crowd, as most graduates will only have summer internships (which are shorter in duration) so you instantly have an edge over thousands of other applicants....

In general, were you satisfied?

Working in Italy was one of the highlights of my studies, and I advise everyone to try it - you will not only have an incredible time immersing yourself in another culture, but you will also become a sought-after specialist with international work experience!

Source
Author of the translation: Yulia Yarmakova