#INTERNTALKS

Why did you want to intern at oona?

Oya: Funnily, oona actually caught my eye in a list of more than a thousand names (my university’s internship platform). I thought the company had a cool name, so I knew I had to check out the website. Clearly, I was not disappointed with what I came to find. oona was actually the first company I eagerly contacted. Luckily, the internship gods were in my favour, and I soon got to meet Jolien and Isis in my first interview. From then on things only got better!

Nicolas: I first came into contact with oona about 6-7 years ago, during my brief career as an influencer. The contagious enthusiasm of the oona team is something that always stuck with me. Since then, I’ve always wanted to become a part of that team and experience what it's like from the other side.

Alicia: The vibe was calling my name! I used to live in an apartment right across the little oona bridge and could see all the cool people running around. I thought to myself: Well, let’s try, shall we?

Feline: I had been following oona online for a long time and always thought that they had really cool and inspiring projects. They also work with really nice brands. When I finally had the opportunity to do an internship, oona was on top of my list.

What’s the best thing about interning at oona?

Emmy: I enjoyed the informality of oona because it makes the contact between colleagues and clients a lot more personal. It’s what makes you excited to come to the office and create great things as a team #strongertogether.

Maartje: oona has a super fun and great team from whom you can learn a lot.

Nicolas: Since I’m a part of team fashion: definitely being surrounded by all those beautiful clothes. Besides that, it’s also very cool to be able to work with oona’s impressive portfolio of well-established local and global brands. oona agency has strong roots in the PR landscape and I’m very proud to be a part of that.

Oya: What’s the best thing? Oh where do I start… The people, the office, the brands we work for, the coffee machines, the list could go on and on. But I think overall, I would have to go with the people. It amazes me how eager everyone is to help one another. Even though working from home has its downsides, the oonas somehow still make you feel like you’re not alone, and are part of the team at all times.

What’s the most unexpected thing/skill you’ve learned or developed here?

Jelle: 3D Modeling

Feline: Do research on props. I did not think that it was so complicated to order props and make sure they get personalized. You have to take into account the numbers, the delivery time,… , the price changes with every detail!

Oya: For me, the biggest thing I’ve learned is finally starting to get a bigger picture of what I want to do in the future. When I started my internship at oona and asked what I want to do later or where I see myself working, my answer was always just one big question mark. Thanks to this internship, I know for a fact that a career path in PR is the way to go for me.

Emmy: Making 100+ labels for showroom samples!

Nicolas: Probably my incredible talent for vogueing (not)

What’s the most exciting thing you did at oona?

Nicolas: Maybe not the most exciting, but definitely by far the most memorable thing: I participated in a vogue workshop during an ‘epic lunchbreak’ organized by Desperados to launch their Desperados Virgin 0,0%. I definitely did NOT find my calling, but we did have a good work-out (and a good laugh). #YasssB*tchWERK

Margot: I got the chance to draw some amazing women for Women’s day #DREAMINTERNSHIP

Oya: One of the most exciting things for me was the Auping x Tortiga cabins project! I got to go on location multiple times for goodie bag preparation, photoshoot etc. The first day I went there the cabins were still empty, so I really got to see everything come together.

Alicia: Set up a little easter project for Baileys! I’ve never been hungrier than the week I was preparing this project…

Feline: Attend photoshoots! I already did three of them and loved it so much! A photoshoot day is very long and exhausting but would not want to miss it for a thing!

In what way does oona give you responsibilities while interning?

Maartje: You are constantly challenged during your internship. The more you invest in oona, the more you can do. I really like this way of working, because what could be more fun than a challenge?

Margot: I got the chance to do very different things and work on various projects which I didn’t expect. And although I sometimes said ‘I don’t know if I can, because I’ve never done this’, I got the chance to do them anyways and learned so much!

Nicolas: From day one, I immediately felt a lot of trust. As an intern at oona, I get to work very independently on my tasks, which I really appreciate. Everything is well explained and there’s always room for questions or guidance.

How does a day in the life of an intern look? What’s your routine?

Oya: Coffee, coffee, coffee.. I’m one of those people who can’t function before my coffee. So, this is a key staple in my routine. From then on, I really can’t say I had a routine. Everyday at oona looks different, you really can never know how your week will end up looking in the beginning of the week. Most important thing is GO WITH THE FLOW!

Nicolas: One word: coffee. All the rest comes after.

Alicia: Asking a million questions and then ask a billion more 😅 Next to that, it’s different every day. As interns for the fashion studio, we are also responsible for the showroom visits. We’re helping stylists find exactly what they need for their shoots. I got to meet a lot of interesting people!

What are your top 3 emoji’s?

Oya: 🦦🤓❤️

Margot: 🤗 🌿 ✨

Emmy: 📸🌺🌎

Nicolas: 😂 - According to the Gen Z’ers on TikTok, you’re basically an old person if you still use this emoji in 2021. Whatever, I’m still using it.

🙃 This one can be used to express so many different things: “Everything’s going great (not) 🙃”, “I told ya so 🙃”, “You did not just say that 🙃” or “Really, that’s what you’re wearing? OK 🙃” See, endless possibilities.

🦦 (the chilling otter emoji) Do I even need to explain this one? Look at it, such a mood.

oona has a lot of values like equality, inclusivity… Which one stands out to you at your internship?

Oya: I think for me, the value that stands out most is definitely female empowerment! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a team with so many powerful and inspiring women. At times, a little intimidating - not gonna lie. But more than anything, it is motivating. Surrounding yourself with people who inspire you is so important.

Nicolas: Since I’m doing my bachelor thesis on diversity in the media landscape, I’m always very observant towards diversity and inclusivity. And let me say this: “oona, you’re doing amazing, sweetie.”

What cases did you work on at your internship?

Nicolas: I got to work on the launch of Desperados Virgin 0,0%, which was pretty cool and interesting to be a part of. (video)

Emmy: I had the opportunity to work in the team that is responsible for Etam, Monki, s.Oliver, Terre Bleue, Gigue, SHEIN, Comma, HOWL, Clio Goldbrenner and Tres Sis Zero. I could contribute to the #familyfirst campaign of Terre Bleue en the #womansupportwoman campaign. What I also loved to do is the International Womans day campaign of Monki. #strongvalues Love the stories oona tells in collaboration with the brands they work with. Proud I could be part of the team!

Feline: I worked for Samsung, Doritos and Toyota! The diversity was really great, I got to learn a lot of different aspects and see different things about the job.

What are your plans after your internship?

Emanuelle: I plan on studying Digital Marketing in Amsterdam for another 2 years

Emmy: Feeding my wanderlust first and then being lucky enough to find my dream job. Maybe at oona. Who knows what the future will hold? 🔮

Maartje: I want to continue studying after my internship. I would like to broaden my management skills at the Hotel Management School Maastricht or my communication skills in Amsterdam. Unfortunately, I haven’t made a choice yet. But whatever it will be, it will be the right one.

Alicia: Whatever is meant to be, will be. No stress, no rush. I’d love to explore the possibilities within oona agency. If not, I’d go explore Bali and other dreamy islands. Both seem equally adventurous and exciting to me!

Margot: I dream of two things: Working at oona (*puppy eyes*) and travelling. I was supposed to travel the whole year of 2020 but then “The Rona” happened. But I haven’t lost my wanderlust, just yet. I still hope to travel to far away places when I receive my diploma.