La vie de stagiaire: my internship at MyFrenchLife™ – Beth Holding

MyFrenchLife™ – MyFrenchLife.org – Beth Holding internship articleFlashback to one year ago. I had only recently graduated, I was proud of my degree, but I didn’t know where I wanted it to take me. I loved languages, especially French, but I couldn’t envisage a viable path. My internship changed that.

Eventually, I fell into an administrative role. The work was enjoyable enough; I had responsibility, I felt challenged.

Yet, there was something missing.

I didn’t feel fulfilled.

I’ve always been a very ambitious person, and I wasn’t content with what I had. I felt the constant, restless pull to strive for something more, something bigger.

My feelings were muddled; I had a good graduate job, but it felt insufficient.

I wanted to put my degree to good use. And, I wanted to feel like all those years of studying French amounted to something, in the end.

That’s where the internship idea came from.

My internship: impressions & expectations

Admittedly, I wasn’t really looking for it, and yet there it was, in front of me; I just stumbled across it one day. Straight away, it seemed perfect. I had no hesitations about applying. It was as if something had shifted within me.

  • It was editorial work, something I already knew I enjoyed
  • Plus, it would expose me to the French culture and language, something I’d always felt deeply connected to

Initially, I didn’t really have many expectations. This was a form of self-defense, I suppose; I didn’t want to let myself feel disappointment. Secretly, though, I was hoping to learn a great deal about the world of publishing, I was hoping for first-hand editorial experience.

But, most of all, I was hoping for fulfillment.

MyFrenchLife™ – MyFrenchLife.org – Beth Holding internship article

My first impression was a whirlwind. Within days, I was speaking to Judy on FaceTime. She was kind, warm, and full of information. We talked and her words resonated with me; I was captivated.

From the outset, I knew the experience would be intense, especially factoring in my full-time job. But, I knew that it would also make a huge difference to my mentality. I was in it for the intensity, I was in it to make a difference.

Making an impact: the overall experience

Everything about the internship was exactly what I needed it to be.

It was more than just a job role, it was a holistic experience. The entire internship process was fully catered to me; my aims, my expectations, my areas of interest. Judy let me take ownership of my own development, and that was particularly valuable to me.

I spent time evolving the skills that mattered to me the most. I constructed my own direction. Judy gave me the guidance I needed, but I was in charge of the execution.

  • Using SEO tools, I learned to increase website traffic
  • I managed my own workflow and content plan
  • Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram gave me an insight into social media marketing
  • I coordinated projects and training for new interns
  • I researched articles and reviewed work from in-house and external contributors

MyFrenchLife™ – MyFrenchLife.org – Beth Holding internship article

Above all, I enjoyed the creative freedom, I was at liberty to explore the deepest corners of publishing. I think that’s one of the things I’m most grateful for.

Working for a small business, grants a lot more exposure. You’re not lost amongst masses of faceless employees. You’re one of a few.

Immediately, you’re at the forefront of the business. Everything you do and say has a direct impact. Your actions and suggestions have scope to shape decisions. There was nothing more rewarding than this.

A special connection: internship & community

The MyFrenchLife™ community is nothing short of incredible. Everyone has lived different lives, in different cities; we’re scattered far and wide across the globe.

And yet, there’s a mutual connection that transgresses all of this to bring us together. It’s a unique and special link.

I would more than recommend anyone to apply for an internship – not only for the unparalleled experience but also for the sense of community that accompanies it.

MyFrenchLife™ – MyFrenchLife.org – Beth Holding internship article

My internship at MyFrenchLife™ has helped me to recognise who I am, and who I want to be – both personally and professionally. I’ve learned a lot about what makes me happy.

Judy has been the most incredible mentor – I can’t thank her enough.

Her enthusiasm and positivity have inspired and motivated me to believe in the best version of myself. Now, I’m in a full-time job using my French skills daily to create educational content, and I couldn’t be prouder of my progress.


Are you our next potential intern? Click here to kickstart your dream career and learn more about working with us. Or read about the experiences of other former editorial interns here.


All images © Beth Holding

About the Contributor

Beth Holding

As a French and Spanish graduate from the University of Southampton, I'm obsessed with all things French. I'm a passionate linguist and an advocate of foreign language education. I love nothing more than taking in the sights at Montmartre or exploring the marché aux puces in Saint-Ouen. Follow me on LinkedInInstagramTwitter and Google+.

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