’Ello! I hope this post finds everyone well. Unfortunately, I don’t have much to update you on. This week was mostly spent finishing up my internship, and anything in comparison to having my family here last week just seemed a little anticlimactic.
Monday through Wednesday my work was mostly the same. I spent it reading voucher proofs and manuscripts. The office was buzzing with talk of the holiday rush, which had just taken off with the passing of December 1st. Publishing, like any business, has been greatly affected by the global economic downturn, but the Christmas season is still crucial for book retailers and publishers alike. The publicity department was especially busy promoting recently published titles of October and November. I had more quotes than usual to upload onto Amazon in the hopes that they would appear on the homepage, thereby pulling in potential customers.
Thursday was my last day, and I have to admit that I was very excited. Please do not misunderstand me—I have loved my internship, but I am excited to have some time just enjoying London. Plus, I hate to admit it but I am tired of working. I know this sounds really sad, seeing as how I have less than a year and a half until I graduate and therefore have to be a real person, but I very much believe in crossing that bridge when I come to it. In addition, I’m ready to really be abroad in London and just attend my class. I feel like that’s more of a normal abroad experience.
To be honest, I was not positive that anyone would remember that it was my last day. I’m an intern, so it wasn’t like I was going to go around reminding everyone. I hadn’t been in the office ten minutes when I received a pleasant surprise! My supervisor emailed me asking if I would be interested in coming to a farewell lunch for me! Come noon about six or so of my co-workers took me out for a lovely lunch. We talked about how I’ve liked working with Simon and Schuster, my favorite things about London, etc. It seemed that they genuinely wanted my opinion of my time at my internship and my plans for the future.
When we got back to the office I continued my work, thinking that was the end of my farewell festivities. So, as you can imagine, I was thrown off guard when my supervisor approached me again saying that they had cake for me! The office had bought two cakes and written me a very nice card. Everyone gathered for about a half hour wishing me well and thanking me for all of my hard work. I was beyond touched. I had no idea that they were all aware not only that I was leaving, but even what my name was. I mean, it was kind of a big office and I really only worked for the editorial department. I even asked my supervisor about this and she jokingly said that the UK was less corporate than the US Simon and Schuster offices. Not so sure this was a joke, however… I couldn’t stop thanking everyone for their kindness. Some of them even offered to write me recommendations for any of my future publishing endeavors.
I feel so completely grateful for my experience at Simon and Schuster. Everyone was so warm and welcoming, and because I had no prior experience with publishing, I know it must have taken a great deal of patience for them to explain each and every task that they wanted me to complete. The working environment was perfect to work in, particularly for a beginner like me. I found myself truly sad to be leaving, especially after the nice send-off.
The rest of the week was spent relaxing and celebrating being done with work. Tuesday I am going to Prague with my older sister, so I’m sure my post then will be much more interesting J I hope you all have a wonderful week!