Of course Lesley, I am a 2008 intern, working with SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering in Bellingham, WA.  I am a marketing student, so during the applications I specifically wanted a marketing based internship, rather than a merry-go-round one, so I could hit the ground running.  I arrived with a colleague (Lorraine Cruickshank) to be set a task of market development for their global contacts, which was a lot of market research and data filtering exercises, but a worthwhile process.  It was invaluable to be brought along to boardroom meetings and get down with all the lingo, and also be asked for our opinions and thoughts on certain processes they made.  I was also able to pitch in at new media and PR meetings because of the nature of my degree.

It was an incredible experience, and one that I feel I reap the benefits of so much more now that I am back, since it has given me a whole new perspective on things.  I attacked my final year with so much energy, I really didn't want to let myself down when I felt I had been built up so much by SF.  Things have really paid off for me, since I'm looking good for a 1st class degree (find out in 2 weeks) and as Paul said, I was shortlisted for the Marketing Society's student of the year award. I am delighted to let everyone know that I was announced as winner on Friday night, and it is testament to the SF experience that I felt confident to pursue such an accolade and triumph.

So things are looking really promising for me at the moment, this week has already been really busy and it's barely even Tuesday lunchtime here, my inbox is bulging after getting the award.  I will keep everyone posted as to how I get on, I think things are going to move quickly from here.

Best wishes with all your adventures, I'm loving the blogs and with I was coming back out there this summer! Looking forward to getting a round in when you are all back :)

Iain

oops, I mean I wish I was coming back out there this summer!