For many, an internship is the first step into a corporate career journey, which can be a huge change from academic life at university, or college. With the help of current EG Graduate, Camille, we explore some of the ways to prepare for an intern experience, to really maximise the time.

Camille first joined Expedia Group as an Intern in 2023, and returned in August 2024 as a Commercial Sales & Account Management Graduate. Based in the London office, Camille started the Expedia Group Graduate Program after completing a Master’s degree in European Management at the ESCP Business School.

Find out what the experience of working in the travel industry has been like for Camille and her advice for how to hit the ground running for an intern program, below.

Camille Bocco | Commercial Sales & Account Management Graduate | London, UK

What is your role and how has life at Expedia Group been so far?

I’m part of the Partner Growth & Agility Account Management team, where we work closely with our hotel partners to help them optimise their listings across our websites. This means working on things like improving their visibility, fixing pricing or rate issues, and making sure our partnership is as beneficial as possible. A big part of the role is spent on calls with partners, building relationships and finding solutions together. Although it can be challenging work, it’s rewarding because you get to make a real impact, both for the partners and the travellers who rely on our platform! And so far the experience at EG has been great – we have a very open culture, and as a global company it is such a melting pot for people from different cultures that come together around a shared goal, to power global travel for everyone, everywhere.

What did you enjoy about your university experience and how did the EG Intern Program fit into your academic career?

What I liked most about university was the unique structure of my Master’s degree program, which required us to study on at least two campuses in various European cities. I spent my first year in London and my final year in Paris, which were both incredibly enriching experiences.

Professional experience was also a mandatory requirement of my course at university, and we were required to validate 36 weeks of experience. As I had already had work experience before starting my Master’s I was able to look for a summer internship, instead of a full year placement. I started my search as soon as the academic year started, so in September. By the end of October I had applied to EG, had my interviews, and received my offer to join in June of the following year.

What was the Intern Program experience like?

The Intern Program lasted 10 weeks and was a blend of professional development and social opportunities. We had social events for interns across all divisions, allowing us to connect and make friends as a cohort, as well as learning workshops, and leadership events where senior leaders shared career insights and advice.

As for the work, we were assigned to specific teams and given a summer project that formed the basis of an end-of-internship presentation to our teams. During my internship I was part of the Paris and France Area Management team. My project focused on supporting the team on a local bet by helping improve package compliance for Accor properties to ensure a mutually beneficial partnership. A local bet is a specific day where we share certain timely opportunities and campaigns with partners.

What advice do you have for how to make the most out of the Intern Program?

1. Keep a journal: My biggest advice to maximise your experience is to document it. Make notes of everything you do, everyone you meet, and your daily reflections! This can be helpful if your university requires an internship report, or if you simply want to track your growth. At the end of each day I’d write a few bullet points on what I had learnt, things I had done, and how I felt. This not only helped me stay organised but also allowed me to see my progress.
   
2. Ask a lot of questions: As an intern, you’re there to learn and it is totally normal to feel uncertain or unfamiliar with the work at first. Seeking clarification, and being curious, shows a willingness to grow. Never feel ashamed for not knowing something, your team will appreciate your proactive approach.
   
3. Connect with people: Get to know your fellow interns – you’re all in the same boat and it is nice to have people you can relate to, and to speak with. They can be a great support system and can become valuable connections in the future! Beyond that, reach out to employees at all levels. There is no limit to who you can reach out to in the company, and the help and advice they can give you.

What is the biggest advice you would share with your university self, to prepare for life at a corporate company?

1. Be your authentic self: They key to navigating corporate life and the corporate world is to show up as yourself every day. Being authentic not only helps you build genuine connections with colleagues but also prevents the emotional exhaustion that comes from trying to be someone you’re not. Embrace your uniqueness, it’s truly your greatest strength!
   
2. Cherish your final year at university: Make the most of your last year at university and the flexibility it offers. This could be your ‘last’ period of freedom before embarking on a long and rewarding career journey. Use this time to explore, learn, and enjoy experiences that might not be as easily accessible once you start working full-time.

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