Internships offer an invaluable bridge between academic life and the professional world. They provide hands-on experience and allow emerging professionals to explore potential career paths. At the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the United Kingdom, placements within the Foreign Trade Department present a unique opportunity to engage with the dynamic landscape of international business, contribute meaningfully to the Chamber’s mission of strengthening bilateral trade, and develop both professionally and personally.
Supporting Spanish Companies Entering the UK Market
At the heart of the Foreign Trade Department’s work lies its mission to support Spanish businesses seeking to enter or expand into the UK market. Whether identifying potential distributors, facilitating commercial meetings, or advising on market entry strategies, the department’s activities are both varied and impactful.
A key component of this work is the design and execution of Trade Agendas—tailored services that involve researching and identifying potential British partners for Spanish companies and coordinating commercial meetings. Interns take an active role in this process: conducting market research, identifying key contacts, reaching out to prospective companies, and helping to build commercial bridges between Spain and the UK. Trade projects often span a wide range of sectors simultaneously, enhancing organisational and adaptive capabilities, as each case demands a bespoke approach and responsiveness to distinct business contexts.
Project Highlight: Supporting the Asturex Trade Mission
One of the recent key initiatives led by the Foreign Trade Department was the Asturex Trade Mission, a major project that brought a group of Asturian companies to the UK. For our interns, contributing to this large-scale initiative offered valuable exposure to a diverse portfolio of businesses across sectors such as food and drink, technology and sportswear. The experience marked a significant learning opportunity, helping to develop essential research and communication skills, while also deepening understanding of Asturias’s export potential.
More Than Trade Agendas: A Multifaceted Role
Beyond Trade Agendas, the internship provides a wide-ranging insight into the Chamber’s day-to-day operations. Responsibilities include:
- Client & Project Meetings: Attending calls and meetings with current and prospective clients, gaining first-hand insight into how the Chamber supports business development.
- CRM and Member Services: Assisting in the management and enhancement of the Chamber’s CRM system, maintaining Member records, and supporting onboarding and withdrawal processes.
- Event Support: Collaborating on various initiatives and institutional events, from formal receptions to internal training sessions.
- Trade Shows and Sector Reports: Attending trade fairs across the UK, compiling reports, identifying key contacts, and helping Spanish companies identify relevant opportunities.
Adapting, Learning, and Contributing
A key strength of the internship is its flexibility. Interns are encouraged to take initiative and engage with multiple departments. Whether supporting the drafting of institutional communications, analysing event feedback, or updating the Members’ Directory, there is always an opportunity to take on new challenges.
Equally valuable is the collaborative work environment, where each team member brings distinct skills and perspectives. The Chamber fosters a supportive culture that values individual contributions while encouraging growth in areas of interest or potential. This allows interns to expand their capabilities beyond core responsibilities.
A Foundation for the Future
The internship experience within the Foreign Trade Department provides a rich and practical grounding in international trade and a deeper understanding of Spanish–British business relations. Interns emerge with strengthened professional skills, meaningful insight into bilateral commerce, and a foundation upon which to build future careers. The Chamber’s supportive Team and dynamic environment play a central role in shaping this rewarding experience.
Blog post written by Paolo Zenere
