Hey guys! This is my first blog and (I’m sure you here this over and over) but what a first week it’s been! My names Rudi and I was lucky enough to get the Product Management intern position with Liberty Mutual in Boston, MA.

My journey started when we touched down in Boston last Friday afternoon (I’ll skip all the boring flight details!) and made our way to the Uni flats we are staying in. I’m staying with 5 other saltire people here in Boston Rhea, Mack, Alex, Sean and Stuart and what a little family we have become already!

 The accommodation is fantastic, so spacious! The only thing I was a bit dubious about was the fact I’ve gotta sleep in an elevated bed...really don’t need that kind of hazard with my history of sleep walking! It’s all good though, Rhea (the girl I’m living with) and I have mastered the art of approached the bed at speed then diving in! Either that or a spider man mission climbing up over my desk.

Our first day here we had our first experience of the mega portions in America when we all got a ‘Kabob’ for lunch. Yup not a kebab (even although it is actually a kebabish thing) but a Kabob! It was incredible, it could fuel your entire day it was so filling! After this monstrous meal we went to the common, which is a big beautiful park, for a wander and fed the squirrels which come right up and sit in your hand! Eat your heart out Dr. Doolittle! After soaking up the atmosphere amongst unpacking throughout the day we went to China Town for a late dinner which was unbelievable! Again the portions are epic and the atmosphere of the whole place just made it a perfect place for a first night out together. 

On Saturday and Sunday we spent most of the day playing American football in the park and soaking up the rays as the weather has been amazing. Rhea and I also made the mistake of buying a cookie dough bar which we thought was a just like a chocolate bar type thing (desertish) but no...It was a meal replacement bar! Needless to say none of us could walk we were so stuffed! Never again!! You would also not believe how much fun can be had in a supermarket! We have literally bought EVERYTHING from this store called CVS. Someone described it perfectly as Boots on steroids. You can buy anything from a mobile phone to medication to a week’s worth of shopping, it’s all in CVS!! I think people think we’re crazy wandering about the aisles oohing and ahhing at all the ‘weird’ stuff we can buy and getting excited at a packet of doughnuts!

My working week began on Monday strutting into Liberty Mutual wearing my ‘grown-up clothes’  and heading to orientation with all the other interns before all of our managers came to collect us and take us to our departments where we were all introduced to everyone. I was left till last and I honestly thought no-one knew I was there because when we arrived there was no record of us at the front door, we were just these mysterious wandering men bouncing about Liberty Mutual trying to find someone that wanted us! But to my relief I was claimed! The people I have to work with are so inviting and I was comfortable as soon as I walked through the door. I have my very own office!! (cubicle) And was provided with LOADS of supplies (stationary). The first week has been filled with meetings and getting to know my team and getting familiarised with the work I will be doing. There was even an ice cream social :D which was a good opportunity to get to know my managers a bit better!...and spill chocolate sauce all over myself!  I have started my first project today which is a company audit. It entails making sure a specific group of policy holders have been given the correct premium, which allows the company to review a small number of policies making sure it is abiding by the rules and not over/undercharging the customer. Was fantastic getting started with ‘real’ work today after a few days of groundwork becoming familiarised with the roles within product management and the workings of insurance within Massachusetts. I have another ice cream social tomorrow afternoon with all the other interns which I am really looking forward to! Have had the chance already to get to know some other interns in Rhea’s department who are all lovely and have a party filled weekend planned for us! :D

(random pic of the city)

Rudi x