Day 1: Stepping into the Corporate World
It’s a Friday. Today was my first day as an outlet retail intern at Rituals’ Head Office (CHO). I know, it’s a bit weird to start a job on a Friday. Not a lot of people came to the office today, but that helped me feel less nervous.
Walking into the office, the air was filled with a mix of productivity and calm, characteristic of Rituals. It has a serene yet dynamic atmosphere.
The nerves walking in were inevitable. But I met some new people, and, I have to admit, the welcoming atmosphere from the team immediately put me at ease. It’s clear that Rituals keeps their philosophy in every aspect of the workplace.
Week 1: Learning the Ropes
The first week has been a whirlwind of introductions and training sessions. I’ve been invited to different meetings from different departments just to get a good understanding of the operations that support our job.
This week, I sat in a meeting where we discussed lots of important information with retail coordinators from all our markets all across Europe. It is weird to see so many important people all at once. I feel very small in comparison. But the meeting kept a relaxed atmosphere, which was less nerve-wracking.
I am hopeful for the following months.
Week 3: Finding the rhythm
I’m starting to find my rhythm. This week, I am already assisting in tasks, like analyzing sales data to identify trends, by myself. I feel the pressure a little, but it is still very rewarding to feel some independence.
I also got involved in a project to redesign the layout of our outlet stores based on customer flow and behavior insights. The hands-on experience is invaluable, and I’m learning the importance of combining analytical skills with creative thinking.
Week 6: Facing Challenges
This week presented a few challenges, particularly with tight deadlines for work and university reports, besides personal things. I am really starting to feel pressure from everywhere. It’s very overwhelming.
I know I will get past it, but it has been very hard. These are lots of stressful days, and I fear I will disappoint others or even myself. I just hope all this stress helps me grow. Fingers crossed.
Week 8: Personal Growth
I can feel myself growing both professionally and personally.
I’m more confident in my analytical and presentation skills, and I have developed a deeper understanding of retail operations from a strategic perspective. I have been truly enjoying and feeding on the compliments from my superiors. It is a huge confidence boost. And it makes me feel very secure in my job.
Moments like these remind me why I should be proud of myself for what I have learned so far.
Week 10: Reflecting on the Journey
As my internship draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on this incredible journey. Working at Rituals’ head office has been a transformative experience. I’ve learned so much about retail strategy, supply chain management, and data analytics. More importantly, I’ve learned the value of collaboration, creativity, and creating meaningful experiences for both customers and employees.
Last Day: Saying Goodbye
Today was my last day, and it’s bittersweet. I’m proud of how far I’ve come and grateful for the mentorship and support I’ve received. My supervisors and colleagues have played a pivotal role in my growth, and I’ll miss the camaraderie we shared. As I move forward, I’ll carry the lessons and memories from Rituals with me, knowing they’ve prepared me for future endeavors.
Conclusion
My internship at Rituals’ Head Office has been more than just a learning experience; it’s been a journey of personal growth and self-discovery. From overcoming challenges to celebrating successes, every moment has been enriching. I’m excited to take the skills and values I’ve gained into my future career and life, with a renewed focus on creating meaningful moments. For anyone considering an internship in retail management, I highly recommend embracing the opportunity, as it offers invaluable insights and experiences that extend far beyond the workplace.