This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to spend time in London and connect with many participants from The Intern Group’s international internship program. With interns joining from over 80 countries and speaking 42+ languages, our programs in London, Madrid, Colombia, and Hong Kong continue to welcome a truly global community.
Each person I met brought unique stories, perspectives, and ambitions. One of those amazing individuals was Divyalayka Balakrishnan from Singapore, who shared her inspiring experience of interning in London’s fashion scene.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Divyalayka, and I’m from Singapore. I’m currently in my third year at the National University of Singapore, majoring in Communications and New Media.
What brought you to London?
I’m here interning at Paolita, an exciting and emerging swimwear brand in the UK. The fashion industry in London is super competitive, so it’s been amazing to be right in the middle of it all—learning and contributing in a fast-paced, creative environment.
What’s been the highlight of your internship experience so far?
Definitely exploring London with the friends I’ve made through the program. The city’s diversity is incredible—it feels like the world comes together here.
How does London compare to what you expected?
London exceeded all my expectations. I came with a checklist of places to visit, but I keep adding more based on local recommendations!
Also, I’ve grown to love the pub culture here—everyone comes together, no matter the setting. Even without a seat, people stand, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company. Another pleasant surprise was how safe and easy it is to get around, especially using the Tube, which was something I was nervous about traveling solo.
If you could start your internship journey again, would you do anything differently?
Honestly, not much! I’ve had such a positive experience with The Intern Group. If anything, I wish I had a bit more time to prepare before flying out—things got a little rushed at the end. But the program, especially all the events planned by Intern London, made everything worth it.
What’s next for you?
I hope to break into the fashion industry and eventually launch my own clothing line. This internship has been eye-opening—it’s not just about design. I’ve learned about branding, marketing, customer service, and how to bring products to life in a competitive market.
More than just professional growth, this experience gave me lasting friendships and valuable global connections. I never imagined I’d be living and working abroad like this—and I’m incredibly grateful for every moment.
Ready to experience London for yourself? Apply now for an internship abroad!
