Towards the end of my time at university, I spent hours trawling through LinkedIn for graduate opportunities. When I came across the Tavistock internship, I was instantly intrigued. Having specialised in geopolitics and the extractive sectors during my degree, the chance to work with both the energy and consumer teams felt like a rare and exciting opportunity.

On my first ever commute into the City, I felt that familiar mix of excitement and nerves. Any worries quickly disappeared the moment I walked through the door. Everyone went out of their way to introduce themselves, and by lunchtime I’d been whisked off to a welcome meal, a thoughtful gesture that instantly made me feel part of the team.

During my time at Tavistock, I worked closely with Nick D and Nick E, which was slightly confusing as they are affectionately dubbed ‘the Nicks’. Their expertise, guidance and ongoing mentorship shaped my time at Tavistock in ways that few starting out in their careers would be privileged to have.  As someone who joined with minimal experience in financial PR and corporate communications, the team struck the perfect balance of challenging and supporting me. They patiently walked me through new platforms, explained unfamiliar terms, and gave constructive feedback that made me better with each task.   

The whole office couldn’t have been more willing to help me learn. From teaching me how to write a press release to bringing me into client calls and taking the time to explain how pitching works, there was always someone ready to share their knowledge. It was even arranged for me to sit in with the natural resources team when they heard about my interests in the sector. At every turn, it was clear they genuinely wanted me to get the most out of my experience.

At Tavistock, the inclusive culture stood out from day one. From casual kitchen chats at lunchtime to Thursday night drinks, the environment was friendly and stimulating. A particular highlight was the summer party, which featured one of the most hectic games of rounders I have ever played. I was also treated to countless coffees, matchas, and even the occasional hojicha (still not entirely sure what that is), with different team members. These moments weren’t just social, they reflected the genuine interest everyone took in making sure I was both comfortable and caffeinated. When I think about my experience, the Tavistock internship has left me with new skills and a clearer sense of where I want to take my career. It is a place where I felt supported, challenged and genuinely valued.