Simon Privat

Where are you placed and what do you do?

I currently work within Snakes and Lattes, a public company with over 300 employees, established in 2010 in Toronto, Canada. It is the first and largest board game bar and restaurant across North America, with eight locations spread across the United States and Canada.

As part of my internship, I am responsible for promoting the company through crowdfunding campaigns. I also handle shareholder relations, which involves reassuring investors, establishing and maintaining contact with them, as well as keeping them informed about decisions and changes. In addition, I study the financial aspects of the company, analysing financial data and contributing to financial planning.

Currently, I am working on organising networking events for entrepreneurs. It is an exciting project that allows me to connect with professionals from various industries and create opportunities for meaningful connections and collaborations. I am enthusiastic about facilitating a platform where entrepreneurs can exchange ideas, share experiences and build valuable relationships.

What support did you get from Solent in finding this work placement?

Solent enabled me to go to Canada on exchange, without which I would never have created the opportunities I’ve seized today. What’s more, Solent was able to help me financially during my exchange, which was a great help – I’m very grateful.

Have your studies prepared you for this work placement?

My studies in international business management prepared me well for my internship abroad. The knowledge I acquired in areas such as international marketing, cross-cultural management and financial markets enabled me to understand global issues, communicate effectively with people from different cultures and grasp the financial aspects of the industry. These skills were essential to my success in this role with a public company in charge of investor relations.

Any highlights so far?

Yes! There have been several highlights: successfully executing crowdfunding campaigns; receiving positive feedback from investors; working closely with the CEOs and founders, gaining insights into their strategic decision-making processes; and being part of a dynamic team – these were all particularly rewarding. These experiences have not only deepened my passion for the business field but also fuelled my aspiration to become a future business leader. Witnessing the dedication and expertise of the executives has inspired me to strive towards a leadership role in the future.

Would you recommend to students that they opt for a placement year, and why?

Absolutely – a year-long internship offers a transformative experience. It takes you out of your comfort zone, exposes you to new experiences, allows you to collaborate with influential professionals in the industry, enables you to apply your academic knowledge in a real-world context, and helps you better define your career goals. This assists you in making more informed decisions about your career and education, providing you with a clearer understanding of what you truly want – and what you don’t want – for your future.