Beth McIntyre

Back in Edinburgh

After an incredible summer in Dubai, I’m back in Scotland, and back at University.  Looking back through some of my pictures from the summer, I can’t believe some of the experiences I’ve had, and the amazing people I got to meet. 

My internship has been over and beyond what I could have ever expected.  I couldn’t have asked for a better team to work with.  I was made to feel welcome from day one, and already miss heading into work and seeing the team each morning.  My supervisors Anita and Harriett were brilliant and continuously supportive throughout my whole experience.  I appreciate the amount of time they spent with me, wisdom shared, and their efforts to give me as much exposure as possible.  I was able to work on such a wide range of different projects with them, and independently manage some of my own.  Some of the main projects included:

• Jumeirah Living VSG (Visual Standard Guidelines): Working with our agency in Australia to complete this extremely detailed document.
• Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives:  Creating posters, stickers and doorknobs to encourage Jumeirah colleagues to be more environmentally aware, and reduce energy consumption. Also developing recycling initiatives in cafeterias.
• Talise Spa:  Editing articles for the next issue.  Compiling data from each of Jumeirah’s Spas for the 2008 Spa Finder. 
• Sinbad’s Kids Club: Working on designing a new logo.

My experience in Marketing has been challenging, exciting, stretching, rewarding and incredibly varied! My sincere and deepest thanks go out to Harriett, Anita, Sukh, Aliya, Emma, Akvile, Saleem, Shamsul and Anthony, for helping to make my experience so memorable.  I’ll also miss the Bytes staff in our cafeteria, who were some of the friendliest and cheeriest people I’ve ever met (not to mention, also made a mean cappuchino J).

Many thanks also to everyone in the Saltire Foundation who made this internship possible.  I can’t even imagine how much work went on behind the scenes to get us all to our respective countries and sort out visas etc.  Thank you for believing in all of us to make a difference, and taking that step of faith in us.  Thank you also for your continuous support and encouragement throughout our internship experience.

And a very special mention to two amazing people, Peter and Catriona.  It's been an absolute pleasure and I've thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you both.  We have some incredible memories together - Dubai wouldn't have been the same without you! 

I’m still trying to settle back into the UK now.  The biggest change from Dubai is most noticeably the weather! From 40 degrees to 15! I had an absolutely amazing time working with Jumeirah, and living in Dubai .  The past 8 weeks have been some of the best of my life and I have some memories that I’ll treasure for a lifetime. 

Thursday, September 28th: A day full of meetings...

9:00 am:  Met journalists at the Burj Al Arab for a show around and photo shoot. I was accompanying Lisa from Jumeirah's PR team, and was impressed with how many facts and figures she was able to share with the journalists, but still remain friendly and warm.  I was so pleased for the journalists that it was a clear day and the photographer got some amazing shots. I think he took about 5000 photographs in only 2 hours!  From the Skyview bar we had perfect views of "The World" and "The Palm".  I felt quite embarrassed handing over my tiny wee Sony camera over to him when I asked for a shot of us.  Mine was about 1/10th the size of his! 

10:00 am:  Show around continued on to the Madinat hotel for more pictures. The journalist commented just how impressed he was with the Jumeirah hotels and with all the colleagues :)

12:00 pm: Meeting to discuss CSR initiatives within Jumeirah staff cafeterias with the man in charge of running all Jumeirah restaurants.  Turns out he used to be the sous chef at the EICC in Edinburgh– where I’ve done some waitressing in the past!

2:00 pm: Meeting at Jumeirah Emirates Towers with the company who supplies amenities for Jumeirah Hotels to plan a giveaway pack for an upcoming event.  Now, I'm one of these people who love getting free shampoo and bits and pieces in hotels - so this meeting was like being in a candy store for me! So many fun products available…I especially appreciated the range of toiletries called “White Chocolate”. Yum!

4:30 pm: Meeting at the Jumeirah Residences building to discuss their upcoming photo shoot of the property.  I had no idea just quite how much planning goes into shoots! All the items have to be high end luxury items…If there’s a pen lying on a desk – it must be a Mount Blanc pen…a watch? Rolex. Laptop? I book.  Interesting cultural note - there's going to be one photo taken by the pool - so the model must be wearing a one piece bathing costume - or we can't use the shot as we are in Muslim country.

Photoshoot at the Burj

Just as I was getting ready to leave the office this evening, I received an email from the PR department asking if I wanted to come along to a photoshoot that they are doing tomorrow at the Burj Al Arab... YES PLEASE!!! :) Some journalists from Brazil are coming over to do a documentary on Dubai as a tourist destination, and are doing a large part of the Burj as the icon of Dubai. I have no idea what to expect tomorrow, but I'm so excited!

My supervisors have been amazing at giving me incredible exposure to so many different areas and departments.  They've just made things happen! Yesterday they brought me along to a meeting to discuss possibilities for new marketing campaigns for the Jumeirah waterpark (Wild Wadi). So many fun ideas! I think further research needs to be done- so I might have to drag myself along to the waterpark this weekend :)    

When was the last time you did something for the first time?

In Dubai , that seems to be every day! :) On Tuesday we were given the ultimate treat by Jumeirah, two free nights in the Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa - a luxury 5 star hotel in the middle of the desert! It was exactly like being in an Oasis in the desert, and we thoroughly enjoyed exploring the resort, chilling out by the pool, riding camels, and chatting to fellow colleagues.  I also took a quick visit to the Spa - as during the past few weeks I've been emailing them so much about various things - so was great to actually see the place! Very Zen… We all went back to work on the Thursday feeling refreshed, energized and sunkissed.  But then we were stuck with how to top that experience.  Sailing trip around “The World” anyone? On Friday we all climbed into a boat for our first sailing expedition.  Thankfully no one fell overboard, and we got to enjoy some spectacular views looking back towards the city, and out towards “The World” which is currently being built.

Following on the sporting theme, to join in with the Olympic games, our offices have decided to hold their very own Wii Olympics.  Each week colleagues have to battle it out at tennis, baseball, bowling and boxing.  Last week I took on one of the IT guys for a baseball game, and thankfully managed to win! Thus upholding our marketing team’s competitive reputation J 

So much seems to be happening each week,that it’s sometimes hard to remember everything that goes on! Highlights from the past week include…

§         Attending Jumeirah Orientation (a little late on – but insightful none the less!) I was extremely impressed that halfway during the orientation, over 20 of the top heads in Jumeirah (including our CEO, senior vice presidents, chief operating officers and directors) joined the group to introduce themselves, and chat with new colleagues during a coffee break.  I have never heard of this happening in other companies! I was blown away that these men would take the time out from their busy work schedules, and make the time to greet all the new employees.

§         One of the guests in the Burj Al Arab specifically asking if he could purchase some of the lavender spray bottles we put in the rooms.  These were the bottles that I helped distribute around our various hotels- to promote Jumeirah’s new residences.  It’s always good to hear when promotion like this works!

§         Being greeted each morning by 46 emails – all with “urgent!” requests.  Everything in marketing seems to “need to have been done yesterday”.

§         Attending an eCommerce meeting – and being blown away by all the programs and systems out there, and how Jumeirah uses them effectively.

§         Finding out that I’ll be working with one of our agencies on getting the next issue of the Talise magazine ready for print! I’ve always loved magazines and worked on my highschool’s yearbook – so I’m very excited about this!

§         Getting artwork back for three of the CSR projects I’m working on – and they all look great!

§         Being asked numerous times if Peter, Catriona and myself are family J 

§         Reaching the final stages of a VSG we have been working on with an agency. The end is in sight!

§         Drawing the winning entries for a competition that was held to promote the new Jumeirah residences.  Next week I’ll get to surprise the winners from each SBU with their prizes! The top 2 winners from each hotel will receive ipods, and the grand winner receives an iPhone. Not bad!

Halfway Mark.

Last weekend we buckled up and had wee adventure into the desert on a safari! No lions and tigers on this safari though – instead we were in a 4x4 racing up and down sand dunes! We also got to try “dune boarding” (using a snow board to glide down the dunes), and the night finished off with a buffet in the desert.  For some reason, Peter was reluctant to try bellydancing when the entertainment arrived.

Work wise, things are still busy.  The realization that we only have 3 weeks left hit me today, and my “long term” projects all have a sudden urgency about them now.

This morning I met the Creative Director of one of our agencies, who is going to help with the designs for several Corporate Social Responsibility projects that I have been working on.  These projects will hopefully encourage environmental awareness amongst colleagues.  I’ve really been enjoying meeting with different agencies this week (especially when these meetings involve lunch!) whether it’s to discuss new logos for our kids club, or the next magazine issue for Talise Spa.

I spent some time with our Corporate Communications team, and received a great deal of insight into the wide range of activities they are involved in.  I was especially interested in how they work with local newspapers, and how this differs from foreign newspapers.

This week I also developed a new found appreciation for Bollywood movies! Following the recommendations from my marketing colleagues, we saw “Singh is King” at the cinema, and had an absolutely fantastic time! Plans are already underway for a group marketing trip to watch the next movie that comes out.

I had an interesting cultural observation on the way home tonight.  While we were stopped at a red light, the driver of the lorry next to us hopped out, laid down his mat infront of his lorry, and began his evening prayers.  We watched anxiously hoping the lights wouldn’t change before he had finished! Thankfully he made it back into his lorry just as the lights turned green.

Ultimate Saltire t-shirt Pictures

After making it past security, Elizabeth and Catriona pop out of their taxi to don the beautiful Saltire t-shirts.  Thus creating the ultimate promotional photo of our 7 star internship experience.

Undercover...

This weekend I took off my Jumeirah ID badge, and went undercover.  My family was over visiting for a few days, and we decided to stay in one of our Jumeirah hotels, the Madinat Jumeirah.  Ever the realist, I arrived in the hotel armed and ready with a critical eye. It is a completely different experience working for a hotel group, compared to being a guest in one.  I found myself immediately checking everything...

“Is the Talise Spa magazine displayed in the room and lobby?" Check. 

"Is the name ‘Jumeirah’ used in the right type font on that piece of collateral?" Check.

"Is that English sign also displayed in Arabic?" Check.

Despite my efforts – I couldn’t fault the hotel, or employees at all.  I was blown away, and extremely proud to be part of a company that consistently maintains such high standards (even when they don’t know that there’s a secret shopper about!).  It was also extremely rewarding being able to see how all the Marketing work we do in head office gets implemented within each of the SBUs, and how it all comes together to create the complete experience for the guest.

The hotel itself was beautiful, and walking out onto our balcony in the morning to be greeted by a breathtaking view of the Burj was a treat.  It was lovely to finally have a chance to properly relax- as we’ve been constantly on the go since arriving in Dubai, and have been trying to make the most of every opportunity. 

I did pop on my employee badge on Saturday to give my parents a tour of the Burj.  Most people try to spot celebrities when they visit the hotel, but it was my younger sister that tourists were stopping to  take photographs with. Oh to be young and cute again!

After a refreshing weekend I headed into my 4^rd week of work.  This week, my two supervisors are away to London for business trips, so I’ve been left manning the office.  So far I’ve been involved in editing VSGs (Visual Standard Guidelines) for our new serviced apartments, investigating legal issues regarding the use of Arabic signages, dealing with deliveries of thousands of bottles of lavender sprays – and then distributing them, various CSR projects, working on team websites, and even arranging photo touch ups to be done! My role in marketing seems to be increasingly diversifying every day.  I’m trying to get as much exposure as possible, and this week I have various meetings set up to learn more about different departments such as ecommerce, sales, partnership marketing, and PR. 

Even though we’ve only been here for three weeks, already I know it’s going to be hard to leave Dubai.

Second week over already?!

Well I know they say time flies when you are enjoying yourself – but this is ridiculous! I can’t believe we have been here over 2 weeks already! It’s been absolutely amazing! I’m feeling a lot more settled and into more of a routine at work – although that doesn’t mean surprises don’t still happen! 

My schedule each week is working out as working 3 days in head office, and the other 2 days I have meetings in Jumeirah’s various hotels in town.  There’s never a dull moment at work and I’m constantly kept busy.  My supervisor commented that in Marketing you should never have nothing to do – which is proving true so far! But I am absolutely loving it J I had a meeting today in the Jumeirah World Trade Centre Residences with one of our agencies who had flown over from Australia to discuss a document I had been working on. No pressure! J

Along with giving me valuable work experience, this internship is also helping me get over my fear of heights! Honestly, the number of Jumeirah hotels with huge glass elevators is unbelievable.  And all the staff seem to think you WANT to look down at the bottom! “Oh just come over here Miss, you get a great view of the 1,000 ft drop!” Ah!

We’ve been getting to know our way around Dubai pretty well these past few weeks, and one of our Jumeirah colleagues commented that we’ve already done more in our 2 weeks here than he has in all the months he’s been living here! We got to drive onto the Palm man -made islands the other day, and all had fun picking out our future houses. 

I celebrated my 21^st birthday on Saturday, and what an experience to have a birthday in Dubai! Had a great time being taken out for lunch by my marketing team, and then going to the Wild Wadi water park with Catriona and Peter for the day on Saturday.

A special mention should go to Catriona, who this past week asked the CEO of the Jumeirah group which department he worked in! Thankfully he took it in good humour as he’s a fellow Scot! J

One of the great things about Dubai is their random holidays.  Due to the moon’s position, Thursday has just been announced as a national holiday, so looking forward to a long weekend ahead of us.  And as a bonus, and my family coming out to visit! Hopefully I’ll be a good enough tour guide for them!

Week 1

Wow! We’ve been here a week already! Time has flown by so quickly but I have been loving every single moment! Work is fantastic.  I’ve been thrown right into my work from day one and am loving getting “stuck in” to projects already J I’m based in the group marketing department, and have been working closely with four other ladies.  However, one of them left on holiday this weekend, so I’m now in charge of all her projects (yikes!) These include working on marketing for the Jumeirah Living accommodation (Jumeirah owns many hotels but have recently started developing apartments for buying), and working on the Talise Spa magazine (a new magazine for our range of Spas), and anything else I get assigned! :) I’ve learned so much already and am just absorbing as much information as I can! We’re working in the main head office just outside of the city centre – ie. We’re actually in the desert! We’ve even seen a few camels on the way to work. J

On Tuesday I got to go on a “site inspection” of Jumeirah’s three largest hotels; The Burj Al Arab (ie. The sailboat hotel with the helipad), The Jumeirah Beach Hotel, and the Jumeirah Madinat.  I got to meet the marketing departments in each of the hotels, and I was told by head office to ensure that all the hotels were displaying the Talise Spa magazine – which basically meant I got a right wee nosey of all the hotels and rooms! All I can say is – WOW.  I was so excited when I arrived at the Burj Al Arab – I think it was my jaw to the floor must have given it away, because the manager said he could tell it was my first time visiting there! :P Oh and I saw one of the actors from the X-men movies checking in J The restaurants in each of the hotels are incredible as well – one of them won awards before it had even opened! I took a trip in the lift to the very top floor, where there was a bar that serves the most expensive cocktail in the world (only a meager $7,450 !!).  Any guesses what’s in it? Scottish whisky of course! I was so proud.

One of the founding principles of Jumeirah is “I will always smile and greet my guests before they greet me” – and I’ve found that this doesn’t just apply in the hotels, but even in our head office! Every single colleague we’ve met so far has been so incredibly warm and welcoming.  Jumeirah takes such good care of its workforce and the results really show in how happy everyone is at work.  We get free transportation to and from work, all our meals are free – oh, and we also get 90% discount off in all the hotels!!! We’re definitely planning to stay in one of them! J If any of the Saltire staff feel that they need a trip to Dubai – purely for business reasons of course – then we can easily arrange for a few rooms in the Burj Al Arab J

There are so many Filipino workers in Dubai, which is lovely cuz it means that I’ve felt instantly at home here J I’m enjoying making friends with them and getting a chance to practice my Tagalog.

Now, I’ve heard that some of the other interns are saying they’re finding their countries hot… let’s get this straight though – Dubai wins in the heat competition by far!! We reached 52 degrees the other day .“How ya feeling? Hot hot hot!” – indeed! :P

J

Dubai seems to follow the principle, “work hard, play hard” – and it’s definitely a city that comes alive at night.  We had a night out this weekend with one of the guys from work, and somehow we managed to take over 100 pictures! We even managed to do some networking while we were out and exchanged business cards with other people!

Bring on week 2!

Day 1

Horray! We all arrived safely last night in Dubai :) The three of us (myself, Kitty and Peter) have just used today to get settled into our apartments and have even managed a wee trip to the shopping mall next door to us to get some groceries.  The shopping mall is HUGE and each different section is decorated in the theme of a different country.  We're all sitting in a coffee shop in "China" at the moment :)

I'm looking forward to our first day of work tomorrow with great anticipation.  It will be great to meet our colleagues and get right into work :) The working week in Dubai is from Sunday to Thursday - so that will be a fun change :) We're still debating whether or not to take a camel to work tomorrow, or just to take the shuttle bus. Well that's all for now! Hopefully my next post will have more details on what I'm actually doing work wise :)