Hello Saltire Universe. For some reason, my first blog post did not upload, but that means you have a double scoop of information from me. No seriously, i wont bore you with what i did in my first week outside of work, read the other Saltire interns in Bostons blogs to find that out, i was with them. But trust me, i am absolutely loving Boston.
I am working in the Group Benefits department of Liberty Mutual, with the focus being on marketing and product development. The task i have been given to work on over the internship is the complete re-vamp of the internet page for the department. A small task you may think? Wrong. This requires learning about how to write for the internet, and i thought i already knew how to write. This lead me to coming up with a draft presentation that i could be presenting at the next department team meeting...watch this space.
Everyone in my department has been so welcoming. Whether it be from small chit chat in the elevators (fully Americanised now) or helping me with any issues i have had (everything from how do i log on to which sandwich shop is the best for lunch) they have been amazing. I have worked closely with Erin Finnemore, my manager, who was the one who set me this task. I have also attended quite a few internal meetings, including one which unveiled the entire companys new logo, very exciting. Nazneen Vimadalal, the head of the department has asked me to have a project plan on her desk for around two weeks time, so it really is becoming the live project that Saltire Foundation promise you. Another fantastic part about the internship is that the people in my department are more than happy to allow me to network with people in different departments, depending on areas of my own interest. I have a meeting with the woman responsible for running the companies Facebook/Twitter/LinkedIn sites.
Outside of work (okay i lied but seriously, i didnt want you all to think i just worked), i have simply been enjoying every moment of living in such a fantastic city. The Scottish contingent has been fully emmersed with the other Liberty Mutual interns and they are showing us around and inviting us to get together (read: parties). Personal highlights of the first two weeks have included: wearing a smart suit everyday because it makes you feel like a BOSS, having Manchester United staying only a few "blocks" away, having the fantastic Boston Common literally on our doorstep, meeting some amazing and interesting people, both in and outside of work, enjoying the beach, going on the high speed boat trip "Codzilla", being part of an American audience for Captain America at the movies and then cheering at the end (you just have to join in with these things) and finally, the simple pleasure of wearing flip flops....everywhere! And there is still so much more we have to do!
That is all for now folks, and i hope everyone else on placement is having just as much fun as i am.
Stay classy guys...
Mack