Living the dream as an intern in London

June 14, 2015

“Is this Calli Peterson?”

“Yes, it is.”

“Calli, congratulations, you have been accepted to the London Dream Careers publishing internship program!”

When I first heard these words, the thought that went through my mind was “What?” I remembered applying, and I remembered thinking it would be a great opportunity. But I never wasted my breath on it. I didn’t really stress over whether I would be accepted or whether I should even tell my parents.

After I received that call, I had an important decision to make. Should I leave my friends, family, job and apartment to travel overseas by myself for an internship? Would this internship be worth it? Would this internship really help me decide what I want to do for my career?

These questions kept stirring in my mind until I finally gave in and decided to tell my family. I had an array of responses, but ultimately, it was my decision to make.

Professors, instructors and employers alike advise working as interns for companies. This helps prospective employees discover jobs, gain experience and add more flair to their resume.

I heard of Dream Careers from an email I received. Before really thinking it over, I applied for the London publishing internship. When I accepted the offer, Dream Careers helped me build my resume, prepare for a phone interview and find a company that I felt I could fit in with. After a few weeks of preparation, I called Blake Friedmann Literary, TV and Film Agency and was offered an internship on the spot. Everything seemed to come together and I decided I would be heading to London in June.

Now that I am here in London experiencing this once in a lifetime opportunity, I understand the importance of internships.

My internship focuses primarily on the process authors go through to find publishers. Blake Friedmann, my internship company, works to help authors publish their novels. I have only been working three eight-hour days, and already I have learned so much.

To help me become adjusted to this business, I hold a position as a receptionist. I handle the “post” (what Londoners call the mail), I make copies and I record and file contracts and royalty statements. Though it’s a lot of busy work, I have not been bored once. I always have something to do, and I find the agency process so interesting.

The main role that I carry in my internship that I am most excited about is I get to read and review unpublished novel manuscripts. I actually get to read books for my job! I know I have really only been working a week, but already I’m falling in love with this job. By having this internship, I actually am figuring out what I want to do with my life.

Not only am I interning for a terrific company, but I’m living in one of the most well-known cities in the world. To be honest, when I first arrived, I was terrified. I was lonely. I was scared. I was intimidated. I still often feel that way. Living in the rustle and bustle of big city life, however, has been eye-opening and very rewarding.

I am taking on the world one step at a time and hopefully gaining some relationships as well.