Name: Martin

University: Bournemouth University

Course: Business Studies

Heading to: Sydney, Australia

For how long: 6 months

Starting: June 2010

Programme: Marketing Internships programme

Martin is currently doing his placement year in Sydney with Intern Options. To read about Martin and why he chose Sydney for his marketing internship.

Check out Martin’s Marketing Internship Pre-Departure Feedback

Talk me through the first week in Sydney?

My first week in Sydney was very interesting. At first when I stood outside Sydney airport and had to find my way to my accommodation in my head I thought ‘what have I done’. But as soon as I got to my room I passed out for a couple of hours. To be honest the first week I was too jet-lagged to feel any emotion. But what a great city.

What do you like most about your internship company?

The thing I like most is the people I work with are really cool. And down the road is a park where I can go sit in the sun for my lunch break.

What are three things you have learnt on your placement?

1. People aren’t scary even if they are from Australia
2. You actually have to listen alot unlike lectures.
3. Go to bed early because 9-5 day is harder than a university year.

How have you found applying the theory from your studies on your internship?

Applying theory to the workplace is easy it comes everyday, but actually experiencing the theory will be a great help in my final year as I can relate to the textbook.

What is the best “touristy” think you have done in Sydney?

As I am playing rugby on the weekends not much but I did manage to take a trip to the Blue mountains good views. But I had more fun (and always will) at the beach. So probably surfing at Maroubra beach.

Have you found it easy to meet people in Sydney?

Sydney people are really friendly, but to meet people you have to be confident and go out there and not be afraid to meet people.

If you were planning your internship again, what would you do differently?

Definitely persuade my best friend to come out with me, would have been unbelievable.

Any other feedback you can think of!

Accommodation – its pretty tricky to find good accommodation in Sydney at a reasonable price but the place I am staying is excellent with a great landlady (who is like a mum) and would recommend it to anyone.

Cheap places – Cheap places to eat is the Landsdown at Sydney university, Scary Canary, The gaff. If people are looking for cheap places to eat there are many, but the best will be to start looking around backpacker they always have offers because backpackers never have lots of money.

Join a Club – When you come join a club of some sort if its rugby, cricket anything because it puts your into a great social network when you get here they make you feel like your at home. And they will always look after you and help you out.

If you’re interested in a placement year marketing internship or a graduate marketing placement, check out the Marketing Internships page for full details on the programme and example marketing internship company and positions descriptions.