Hear from Lizzie her experience in joining the Corporate Communications as an intern
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?
I'm Lizzie Sturges and I am currently on my placement year at Pernod Ricard UK. This is a sandwich year during my Politics and International Relations degree at Bath Uni.
What is your role and how long have you been at Pernod Ricard UK?
I am this years Corporate Communications Executive Intern. I started in June and am here for 13 months before heading back to uni next September.
What inspired you to apply for this role / Pernod Ricard UK?
I always thought the alcohol industry seemed like a really fascinating industry to work in, due to the global nature of it. So when I found out through my university that Pernod Ricard offered an internship I had to apply and learn everything I could from such a large corporation that is consumed and loved all around the world.
What is your favourite Pernod Ricard brand, and why?
I love Lillet – It’s one that I hadn’t tried before joining Pernod Ricard and it tastes absolutely delicious!! I also love its branding and image.
What has been the single most important thing you learnt so far in your job?
The opportunity to meet so many different types of people – Having had no professional business experience before joining Pernod Ricard, I was nervous as to what office culture would be like, how people would interact at work etc. However I realise now there was nothing to be worried about. Having a supportive team, as well as a friendly office environment where everyone is kind, and willing to help has been so valuable in helping me settle in.
What would a ‘normal’ day look like for someone in your role?
Comms is quite a fast pace role with much of my work needing to be completed on the same day. So a lot of my role is managing day-to-day internal comms/messaging that needs to be put out to the business that day. As well as this – I am lucky in that I get to help on larger-scale projects such as know your neighbour and social starters, these are charitable projects that make a real difference to people both inside and outside of Pernod Ricard UK.
What do you find most interesting with the sector you’re in?
This may sound odd – but I have found it fascinating learning the power that messaging has in portraying a brand and its identity. To me it is so interesting how the words that you use can portray the energy/identity and feel of a product.
What is the culture like?
Pernod Ricard do a really good job of caring for each and every employee and making us all feel valued. The convivial attitude of the company is so important. For example – something as small as Convivial Thursdays, where all employees are invited to share a drink and chat is such a great thing to do. I am also really impressed with the wellbeing provided at work through things such as Frankie – our mental health support platform. That just goes above and beyond other businesses.
Have you had the opportunity to get involved in any activities outside work?
There is a convivial bar opening every Thursday for after work! It has been great as you get to socialise and meet more people from the office.
How important is diversity to you and what is Pernod Ricard UK doing in this space at the moment?
I think it is a really important issue today, especially in a company that appeals to a global market of billions of people, all of whom have different backgrounds, identities, religions etc. It’s really important that the people working on Pernod’s brands understand and value the audiences they are pitching to.
How did you find the application process?
Fantastic – the application process was run through Bright Network, who were so helpful and efficient. The steps were very clear, as was the feedback. I found it really impressive how quick the response time was from them too, as often big companies fail to ever even acknowledge your application.
Finally, any tips for anyone who’d like to apply for a role at Pernod Ricard UK?
Be yourself and be confident in who you are. Pernod is a vibrant workplace that I think values peoples individuality, so don’t be afraid to be yourself/ don’t try and be something you are not. Everyone is their best selfs when they are being themselves.