Tue, 30/05/2023 - 13:07
Christie Freeman is currently completing her Master of Arts degree and has recently had the opportunity to work for China Petals as part of the DRIVEN project.
The DRIVEN programme provides funding and support to eligible small and medium-sized businesses, to help recruit graduates and students.
Christie says: “Interning at China Petals, through DRIVEN, was a wonderful opportunity to gain valuable experience in the wholesale industry while also learning about the corporate side of business. My main task during the internship was to assist with the preparation of mosaic kits for wholesale orders. This involved packaging the kits according to the established ‘recipes’ and presentation standards. Additionally, I helped to design printouts of the recipes for ease when putting the kits together.”
While this work could seem repetitive to an outside observer, Christie found it satisfying to see the finished products and know that they were going out to customers who would enjoy using them to create beautiful art pieces. In addition to this hands-on work, she was also able to work with China Petals founder, Diane Daley.
Christie adds “Diane is a knowledgeable and kind mentor, who helped me learn about the inner workings of creative businesses. She taught me about the importance of market research, and how to communicate effectively with customers and suppliers in addition to highlighting opportunities that suited emerging artists such as myself.”
“Overall, my internship was a fantastic learning experience. I gained new skills, made valuable connections, and had the opportunity to work with a lovely person who is passionate about the art sector. I would highly recommend an internship to anyone who wants to learn more about the inner workings of creative businesses.”
If you want to find out more about the DRIVEN programme and its eligibility visit the website