London is such a cosmopolitan city, that it’s no surprise it has such a large number of students and interns who flock to the city every year. Of all the cities in the UK, London has the most diverse range of opportunities when it comes to the workplace. From fashion and finance, to media and makeup, London is the hub for so many exciting experiences.
The city is home to some of the bigger companies in the world, along with the most up-and-coming small businesses and most talented freelancers. So, if you’re looking to intern in a certain industry, you can pretty much count on London to hold the opportunity for you.
I went down the fashion route in terms of my career, and I owe a lot of my success to internships within the fashion industry. Of course, London has always been the number one location for the fashion and retailing scene. You are spoilt for choice with design studios, retail head offices and fashion brands. Trust me when I say, the experience you learn from internships is invaluable.
London is usually quite accessible to get to from most places in the UK, due to the fabulous train services and motorways. However, if it’s too far to commute, London has an extremely high number of people who flock to the city to live – whether temporary or permanently – in order to get their career off to be best possible start.
If internships in London appeal to you, or have been something you have been considering, here’s a number of reasons why you should totally go for it! London could truly be the best choice for you…
It’s a hub for respected companies
There is no denying that London is home to some of the worlds biggest companies. You’ll find a large majority of head offices are based in London, so whether it’s retail buying and merchandising, graphic design and the arts, banking and finance, or journalism and digital media, there will be more than enough respected companies who will be open to taking on interns. With London being such a thriving city, it’s head offices attract a variety of multicultural, meaning that interning in London will connect you with people of all nationalities.
It’s a great place to commute
Sure, London is extremely large and covers good ground – but it’s ever expanding travel routes and modes of transport make London highly commutable. You can travel by tube, bus, train, by foot – it all depends on where you are going to. The underground is by far the fastest and most convenient way to travel around the city, but if you are commuting from further out, you’ll find an extensive overground network too.
It’s full of different languages
London is such a fantastically diverse city. You’ll find that there are more languages spoken in the English capital than almost anywhere else in the world – how crazy is that! This contributes to making London a brilliant place to be bilingual or pick up another language.
If you are interning in London, there is a high chance you will meet work colleagues, or even room mates/housemates that speak another language to you. Not only will you gain experience of understanding other languages, but you’ll be helping others sharpen up their English, too.
It’s a city full of live theatre, music and comedy
If you’re interested in the arts – or even looking at interning within the arts sector, London continues to house some of the best live theater and comedy in the world. Those who appreciate a great show will be familiar with the city’s famed theater district, which is no other than London’s West End. Saving up for a ticket to see one of London’s shows may be a great idea for interns in the city!
A great place for small business
London possesses Europe’s largest economy, but as well as it being home to some of the biggest companies in the world, it’s also a great place for opportunities for the smaller, startup businesses too. Due to the sheer size of the place, you’ll find companies, brands and freelancers big and small all over the city, offering opportunities and inspiration across very industry possible. This means that oncde you have gained your experience and qualifications, it’s an entrepreneurial city for launching your own business with the help of contacts you may meet along the way.
The city is oozing with inspiration, with everything from co-working spaces, to funding companies and beyond.
A city full of historical architecture
If you have any doubts about choosing London as the city to take up an internship in, the stunning structures and great aesthetic the city has to offer could also tempt you. London has so much historical significance from cathedrals and museums, monuments and of course, the spectacular Palace of Westminster. It is also home to Westminster Abbey.
It’s rich in British Heritage
You won’t find as much British heritage anywhere as you will in London. It sure is the home of a good ol’ cup of tea, perfectly paired with a pack of biscuits, so be prepared to enjoy a fair few ‘cuppas’ while your there! You’ll get a feel for the traditional market culture around Camden and Borough Market, along with the hustle and bustle of the central business district, close to Tower Bridge. On the weekends, you can stroll the River Thames and take it all of London’s traditional sightseeing spots along the way (the London Eye, the Gherkin building, and so forth….).
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