“Everyone, regardless of their level, takes the time to connect. Fellow Expedians were eager to get to know us interns, offering advice and sharing key insights from their experiences.”

Lauren Marie Cardy, Commercial Intern in London, UK, joined the UK & Ireland Market Management team in June 2024, and had a great opportunity to also experience a short period in the Partner Growth and Agility team. While on the Expedia Group Intern Program, Lauren appreciated the opportunity to work directly with partners, and could identify the transferable skills she had learned at university that helped while she was in each team. Learn more about Lauren’s experience, below.

Lauren Marie Cardy, Commercial Intern, London, UK

What is your role and what team did you join?

I’m a Commercial Intern at Expedia Group for the summer of 2024 and I’m based in the Angel, London Office. I spent the first five weeks of my internship with the UK & Ireland Market Management (MM) team and the last five weeks with the Partner Growth and Agility team. As Commercial Interns, we were placed in various global teams, including South Africa, France, and Italy, and provided with an Area Manager, Navigator, and Mentor. During my time with the UK & Ireland MM Team, I managed a portfolio of London properties, engaging with high-value partners through consultative calls about their property performance, using market stats and insights to build strong business relationships. The Partner Growth and Agility team was based in Prague, and in this team I was contacting partners, worldwide.

While here, I have gained hands on experience in a partner facing role whilst managing data sets, conducting analysis and implementing some transferrable skills I learned at university, all whilst refining my professional competencies.

What does a typical day look like in your role, what tasks do you take on?

I get into the office for 9am, meet up with the other Commercial Interns and have a morning catch up about the week. We had daily meetings with our Navigator regarding our project and any support or advice on the day’s tasks, which was incredibly helpful. Mornings are spent contacting partners, discussing property performance and addressing any questions.  We would often be the first point of call for any question, so being agile and quick thinking whilst being confident was an essential skill we have developed. After lunch, we work on presentations, continue partner interactions, and occasionally attend market visits with Account Managers. This was an amazing opportunity to shadow experienced Expedians who have a host of knowledge we can learn from. Everyone is so welcoming to interns, wanting to learn more and shadow their workflow, so taking initiative and going after opportunities is essential. We would end our day at 5:30pm often going to intern socials and mixing with other interns from across the office.

What is your summer project? And what have you enjoyed about it?

My summer project focused on Stop Sell Properties in the UK & Ireland Market. I strategized my workflow, categorized data, and had constructive conversations with partners about their status on our site. This required a consultative approach, often dealing with pushback and objections. We used tools like Expedia Partner Central, Salesforce, and Tableau to track and manage performance. I thoroughly enjoyed the analytical aspect of this project, as it closely related to my university studies and allowed me to further develop these skills. Delving into analytics and data analysis has become a newfound passion during my time at Expedia Group.

What were your first impressions of EG?

Like all of the EG offices worldwide, the London office based in Angel, Islington, is incredible. The relaxed but productive and supportive environment makes it an ideal working space. You’re surrounded by other interns from across departments and Expedians who have so much knowledge and insight in the travel tech industry, as well as life at Expedia Group. When I joined a global corporate company, I was unsure about the office culture and workflow. I was pleasantly surprised by the welcoming environment, where everyone, regardless of their level, takes the time to connect. Fellow Expedians were eager to get to know us interns, offering advice and sharing key insights from their experiences. This made me realize the importance of networking and taking initiative both within and outside the workplace.

What are the three main learnings you’ve had while being on the program?

1. Establishing goals: during my time at EG, I have come to understand the significance of establishing goals that are both achievable and ambitious to enhance my workflow and productivity.
2. Organizing priorities: I have made it a consistent daily practice to strategize my workflow, which has improved the balance between my tasks and project management.
3. Networking: thanks to my internship at EG, I acknowledge the value of building professional connections and the potential benefits they can offer. Working for a sizable organization like EG presents numerous opportunities that you are actively encouraged to explore and pursue.

What has been the highlight of the summer so far?

The highlight of my summer was attending partner-facing market visits with the UK & Ireland Market Management Team. Shadowing a Market Manager at The Waldorf in London was an amazing experience. I highly recommend taking initiative and seizing any opportunities that come your way. As an active learner, I found this experience incredibly insightful for understanding daily interactions with partners, effective communication, pitching, and building sustainable rapport.

What is some advice you’d share with future interns about the application process?

Take your time with your application, ensuring your personality comes through. By starting early on the presentation aspect of the recruitment process for the Commercial Internship, you’ll have lots of time to make a presentation you’re proud of. While virtual interviews can be challenging, they offer a valuable learning experience for adapting to remote work. Clear communication and articulation of your message are crucial skills that will benefit you in future roles, regardless of the interview outcome.

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