I’ve been at Strands for 5 months, but it’s already proven to be an incredible experience, with lots to learn and a team that felt like family within no time. So, when Miriam asked me to do a short interview about what my experience has been like so far, I jumped at the opportunity. I hope you enjoy the read, as much as I enjoyed taking part!
Gabriel Moreno, Strands’ Golden Boy
After completing his first two years at Newcastle University, Gabriel Moreno jumped at the opportunity to work at one of STRANDS’ headquarters in Barcelona as part of their marketing team.
With a penchant for the world of business and innovation, Gabriel quickly learned the ropes and felt like he had learned more in a week than in six months of studying at university – and in particular in relation to FinTech.
We recently checked in with him to learn more about his experience. Here’s what he had to say:
1. Why did you decide to do a non-compulsory internship during your university course?
I chose to take a year out and do an internship after my 2nd year of university because I felt that I needed to do something to make myself stand out.
Every year thousands of people graduate with a degree in Marketing, making securing a job after uni so much harder – I needed something that would help differentiate me from the rest. Unlike the majority of my peers, if I have a year’s experience in such a highly-regarded company’s office (not to mention in a different country, Spain) I’m in a better position to enhance my future job prospects. Or at least that’s the plan!
2. What specifically attracted you to do an internship with STRANDS?
I thought STRANDS was an extremely attractive place to work with after learning about their core values. Their 4 core values are “People, Simplicity, Design and Innovation” which was music to my ears. They are values which I too believe are key to a successful organisation.
The company also works with 100 million customers around the world and has 5 international offices – so for anyone interested in business and marketing, this is the smart place to come and work!
3. What’s the best part of your internship?
The best part of my internship so far, is the responsibility I have been given, and being made to feel like I’m a valued member of the team.
I am responsible for marketing our content to thousands of our followers each day, and the teamwork is evident in our brainstorming sessions and regular meetings where I am kept informed about going-ons in the organization.
4. What’s the most challenging part?
I have really appreciated the way STRANDS has let me adapt to working life and slowly given me more responsibility, making it easy to settle in. However, after 2 years of a very “relaxed” university timetable, getting used to a regular 9-6 timetable has been tough to say the least. The only answer is to try to get to bed earlier, which is a struggle when living in a top city like Barcelona with so much to do in your free time!
5. What advice would you give to someone considering applying for your an internship with STRANDS?
I would say go for it!
I have already learnt more about networking, marketing and FinTech in the last 2 months than I had previously thought possible. I have great colleagues from whom I am learning everyday. STRANDS is a flexible, innovative company that really values its employees, so it’s a pleasure to come to work!
Find out more about careers roles at STRANDS careers website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Gabriel Moreno
Sales Development Representative at Strands
