Before I started my work experience at Atalanta, I had no idea what to expect. Two weeks later, I am leaving with a much deeper understanding of strategic communications, social impact, and the people working behind the scenes to drive meaningful change.
From sitting in on client meetings to contributing to research and attending industry events, every day brought a new opportunity to learn. No two days were the same, and it was this variety, coupled with the support of such an exceptional team, that made the experience so rewarding.
To give you a glimpse into my two weeks at Atalanta, I’ll take you through a day that reflects the pace, variety, and learning that shaped my experience.
After joining the daily migration of Lime bike warriors across London, I arrive at Atalanta’s offices in Holborn, where the area's rich history meets the rhythm of city life.
Fuelled by a bagel and coffee from the free office breakfast spread, a perk that never lost its charm, I am ready for the day ahead.
The day begins with the weekly highlights meeting, where the team catches up, shares weekend stories, and discusses industry news that has captured their attention. It quickly reveals what makes Atalanta so special: not only the warmth, humour, and camaraderie that define the culture, but also the curiosity and depth of knowledge brought to every conversation.
After receiving my agenda for the day, I begin my first task: drafting social media posts for Leadership Lab-Yetu, a pan-African non-profit championing intergenerational leadership. Having sat in on one of their check-in meetings earlier in the week, it feels especially rewarding to create content for an organisation and team I found inspiring.
Next, I sit in on a meeting between another client, Lantra, and an MP. It provides a valuable insight into public affairs and demonstrates how strategic stakeholder engagement can help bring important issues to the forefront of policymaking.
At lunch, Izzy, one of the Senior Account Executives, takes me to explore the abundance of cafés, restaurants, and food stalls nearby, including the bustling Leather Lane Market. It provides me with the opportunity to learn more about her career journey, ask questions about the industry, and hear first-hand about the lessons she has picked up along the way.
Full of noodles and advice, I spend the afternoon researching an impact case study on the Airbus Foundation's conservation work in Peru. By providing high-resolution satellite imagery, the Foundation is helping researchers gain unprecedented insight into the Andean bear, one of South America's most vulnerable and understudied species. Like many of Atalanta's clients, its impact extends beyond immediate action through education, training, and advocacy that support long-term conservation efforts.
Today, I leave the office a little early to attend the launch of a new AI research report by the Chartered Management Institute. Any preconceptions I had about AI and networking events are quickly dispelled. Despite discussing one of the most transformative technologies of our time, the panel consistently returns to questions of people, leadership, and culture. I leave with a far more nuanced understanding of the role humans will play in shaping the future of AI.
As I head home, I realise that this day captures exactly what made my two weeks at Atalanta so memorable: meaningful work, constant learning, and a team that was generous with both its time and expertise.
