10 year internship scheme anniversary (III): How to get off on the right foot in your career

Andra Cazacu was a British Embassy intern in 2007 and is currently working as a Product Marketing Manager at Bitdefender, one of Romania’s leading IT companies. Here’s what she thinks about her time with the embassy as an intern.

8 years ago (I can’t believe how long it’s been), I read about an opening for a temporary internship position at the British Embassy Bucharest in the Communications team. I had no previous experience in the advertised activities – writing internal press briefs, helping oversee regional visits and organize events – only to name a few, but somehow the job required no experience – apart from a good command of English.

I applied and I was very excited – but I never really believed I would get in. Somehow, I did. And it was the foundation of my professional timeline.

Being a part of the British Embassy, even for a limited time, is a bliss. Every department is different. The Political section had the strict and professional people. The Visa section was the place to go for a pick-me-up. The British Ambassador’s secretary was always a joy to have around.

Finally, the Comms team was, in my view, the most balanced one – always alert and on top of things, but never taking themselves too seriously. Roxana is an amazing and kind person, and Raluca is a privilege to work with.

Another remarkable experience is working with the British Ambassador. 8 years ago, I met his Excellency Mr Robin Barnett and I even had the privilege of joining him in a regional visit to my hometown – Ploiesti. We shared a car and discussed the visit schedule, and even discovered we had a common passion for strategy games. His Excellency recommended I played Civilization, and I recommended SimCity 4000 which had just appeared back then.

The outside view of the British Embassy can instill a sense of awe and severity. But its insides are warm and steaming with life. Its employees might be professional and rigorous, but they also put passion and positive energy into every day.