Eniola from Nigeria is currently studying Business Management with French at the University of Essex. She was given the opportunity to do a 12-week marketing internship at the Kaplan Head Office in London.
In this blog, Eniola shares five things she wishes she had known before her internship — offering practical tips on office etiquette, commuting, hybrid working, and lunchtime culture to help future interns feel more prepared and confident.
Office etiquette is more important than you think
Stepping into the corporate world as a university student, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I was new to the office life and felt slightly nervous about stepping into a more professional environment. But excitement of starting something new quickly outweighed the fear of the unknown.
What really surprised me was how supportive and friendly everyone was right from the very beginning. In my first week, I was introduced to my line manager, buddy, and mentor, who were all very welcoming. It was reassuring to know that I had people to turn to for help when I needed it.
It also helped that there were other interns starting at the same time, all experiencing similar things. This created a sense of community and made the experience feel less daunting and more enjoyable. Having that supportive network made a huge difference and helped me settle in much faster.
Plan your commute ahead of time
The office is in a super accessible part of London, which definitely helped ease any commuting stress I had. It’s just a short walk from London Bridge station, with easy connections to the Tube, national rail, and plenty of bus routes. I would still recommend double-checking your route before setting off, especially if it’s your first time there.
I’m lucky to have a direct train that takes me to London Bridge in about 45 minutes. It means I can avoid switching trains or navigating the Underground during rush hour, which I’m very grateful for. The area around the office is also lovely and full of character, so arriving early or having time after work makes it a great spot to explore, grab a coffee, or just take in the views.
Hybrid working takes time to get used to
Hybrid working was new to me at first, but I’ve grown to really appreciate the balance it offers. Working from home for a few days gives me time to focus, while being in the office is great for in-person meetings, asking questions in real time, and feeling more connected to the team.
From a student perspective, hybrid working also helps with the cost of commuting. Not having to travel everyday eases the pressure on both time and money. Plus, the flexibility helps with managing energy levels — you can pace yourself better across the week while still getting a full learning experience. That said, I do love coming into the office, seeing familiar faces and catching up with my colleagues.
Lunchtime culture is a great way to connect
The lunchtime culture is great at Kaplan! Most days, we all sit and eat lunch together as a team, which is a great time to take a break and have conversations beyond work. It really helps you get to know your colleagues better.
One of my favourite lunch places has to be the rooftop — the views of the London skyline are amazing! You can spot the Shard, the London Eye, and Canary Wharf in the distance. It’s perfect when the sun is out!
The office is also just a short walk from Borough Market, so it’s a perfect time to try out all the latest viral TikTok food hypes or explore nearby cafes and restaurants. Sometimes, we interns go out for lunch together — it’s a nice way to bond and build friendships!
It’s okay to not know everything on day one
Looking back, I wish I had reached out to the other interns a bit earlier. We all delved into this experience together, and being able to share experiences, exchange tips, or simply have someone to chat with really enhances the whole internship experience.
It helps create such a valuable support system to lean on, and it’s always great to have friends in the workplace. This makes the work environment feel more welcoming and encourages you to be more confident.
I also wish I had kept my portfolio up to date with what I had done each week from the beginning. Something simple like bullet points of what I worked on and what I learned. It’s such a helpful way to track your progress and achievements. By the end of the internship, you’ll have something to look back on and be proud of — a reminder of how much you’ve grown.
Start your journey to success in London
If you want to follow in Eniola’s footsteps and start your career in London, Europe’s #1 student city (QS Best Student Cities 2026), then Kaplan can help. For many years, Kaplan has helped students kick off the journey to their dream career through through degree preparation courses at Kaplan International College London.
If you’re interested in starting your study abroad journey, reach out to us and one of our friendly Education Advisors will be glad to discuss your options.
