Andy Dillow

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Andy moved to New York from the UK over 5 years ago. He fell in love with the city while running the NYC marathon for the first time in 2001 and has run it 5 times since. It was the combination of the city’s blue skies and endless energy that won his heart. Before launching Intern New York, Andy built a successful corporate career as a management consultant within investment banking. He started out by taking an internship at Merrill Lynch before eventually deciding to join Accenture and then moving to New York with Credit Suisse. He wishes that he’d had the opportunity to get work experience in other industries and countries before making the decision about which was the right career path for him, so he’s passionate about giving people the chance to experience work and life in his favorite city in the world, New York. Andy’s other passions are sports and food. He loves playing and watching any and all sports. He has completed two Ironman races and recently cycled from San Diego on the west coast to the Annapolis on the east coast as part of the Race Across America.

What makes interning in New York a unique experience for international interns?

There is something magical about the time when you’re in a taxi from the airport in New York and you first see the iconic skyline. It’s hard to describe the excitement that it creates and that feeling just builds, as you get closer to the city. However, the reality of living and working in the New York can be very challenging unless you have people on the ground that can guide you through it. The Intern Group’s New York program is designed to give international interns all the tools and support needed to make the most of every second in the city and it provides a full schedule of cultural, social and career development events, so that they not only come out with a new perspective on working in a foreign city, but also a set of memories and friends that will stay with them for life.

New York is a unique city. It’s energy and outlook are famous the world over and by using the service and support that our program offers, interns are able to get a unique eye in to the heart of the city whilst extending their work experience in their chosen field and significantly improving their employability for when they start their careers. If you can make it here…

What can you tell us about the workplace culture in New York?

The working culture in New York varies a lot across the different sectors, but in general the attitude is one of work hard and play hard. New Yorkers are ambitious and driven in their work, but when they eventually clock off, they also love to enjoy all of the social, cultural and culinary delights that the city has to offer.

New York is known for being a financial powerhouse as well the home of advertising and the leaders in fashion, but these are just a few of its strengths. New York has fantastic internships in almost every sector, with superb roles in areas such as journalism, science, IT, politics and entrepreneurship with many more in between.

One of the biggest misconceptions about the New York culture however, is that the people are harsh and unfriendly. New Yorkers do speak their minds, but you don’t have to be here long to realize that in general people are very positive and friendly and love to talk to anyone about anything.

What are some extra-curricular activities students enjoy while interning in New York?

The work placement is obviously the biggest part of the Intern New York program, but it is just the filling in the sandwich. Interns will also enjoy a host of cultural, social and career development activities in and around the city. These include things like taking in the sites like the Statue of Liberty from the Hudson river, to a walking food tour around some of the city’s best eateries. The program also includes a series of career training seminars with topics such as Mastering the Art of Self Promotion to a Career Survival Guide.

What is one piece of advice you would offer someone considering this program?

My one piece of advice for anyone considering our New York program would be to grab every opportunity that comes your way with open arms, so that you can make the most of the experience and that includes trying to make as many positive connections as you can as you never know where your next opportunity will come from.