My first few days interning with Orchidea Preziosi have definitely been eventful and interesting; I have learned a lot about the way Italians do business with one another, as well as with American companies.
In regards to getting to my internship, I am one of about six taking the bus. I know this seems super easy and almost silly of me to say, but it has been quite stressful. Throughout my time dealing with the bus schedule and figuring out where to buy the bus tickets, I have come to realize that Italian bus times do not run like they do in America. For example, one of my bus times states 8:02 and then 8:32. Luckily, I've gotten accustomed to it though and figured it out and am able to work my schedule around the bus times! Interning with a company such as Orchidea Preziosi is very interesting. Orchidea Preziosi is a specialized Italian gold and jewelry manufacturing company. What started with an idea from my employer's, Fabio, father, turned into Orchidea. It means gold locks and idea. The first day, Fabio showed me what all they make, to better explain it I think of it as the more "practical" jewelry items. Orchidea makes locks, magnetic clasps, tennis bracelets and earrings as well as ring holders. Fabio and his family are very friendly and speak a little bit of English, which is nice to be able to converse with my co workers. At first I was hesitant because I knew that Fabio primarily wanted me to call English speaking companies, mainly American as well as a few British companies. I was glad to help out and very grateful to practice my selling tactics over the phone, but I wanted to be a little bit more hands on with Orchidea itself. Since there is a legit factory downstairs, and you need a license as well as knowledge on how to work the machines, working downstairs was not an option. The first day I asked who designs the locks and clasps, and Fabio replied that the machines of course create the designs. Then I asked if there was an Instagram that I could help run, but Orchidea does not have one nor do they necessarily need one since they make such practical jewelry items and sell to other jewelry companies, who add on their own jewels and designs. I admit I was a little uneasy about how I was going to get in ten hours a week, just by calling American companies off of an Excel spread sheet. But after my first internship class yesterday, I learned some tricks and helpful tools to use while interning. Fun fact, most Italians consider it rude if you openly yawn; I'll be honest, I yawned once and looked around, terrified that I would accidentally offend my bosses (luckily no one saw). On a more serious note, it is definitely a good idea to speak up and ask about things you aren't sure of. For example, I wanted to know the Wifi code, since I take the bus alone ( I wanted to notify people I made it to my internship safely) and yesterday I finally spoke up and received it. I also told Fabio that I did not mind doing "practical" work as he calls it, basically more hands on things like sorting jewelry pieces. To me, it is not only a nice break from calling companies, but it gives me more flexibility with my hours; I can now come in the mornings and help out! I am excited to work with Orchidea Preziosi and cannot wait to see what all I get to do during my time here in Arezzo. Ciao!
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Kristin GilesMy thoughts and experiences while interning in Arezzo, Italy Archives
April 2018
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