Life as a recent graduate at SumUp
By: Paul O Callaghan
Tags: Public Relations, Company Culture, Graduate, Sumup, Social Media

Luke Hudson reflects on his experience as both a Social Media Intern and a Brit in Berlin.

Luke Hudson in SumUp’s Berlin office

Luke Hudson joined SumUp’s Berlin team in summer 2019, shortly after completing his studies in the UK. “I was doing a journalism degree at Leeds Trinity University, and wanted to move into a Social Media or PR role. I started looking for jobs in Barcelona and Berlin before I graduated. I’d spent some time in both cities and thought that either would be a cool place to live. I ended up with an offer to join SumUp as a Social Media Intern. And right after I moved to Berlin, just before I started the job, I found out that I got a first in my degree, so it was a pretty good summer!”

Luke quickly discovered that a SumUp internship is no menial entry-level role. “Part of me was worried that I’d just end up running errands and making tea. But right from the start, I was taking on big projects that involved a lot of preparation and responsibility. I had the freedom to work independently, but people were always there to offer guidance or support whenever I needed it. So it was really the best of both worlds. Even though I was an intern fresh out of uni, I was made to feel like a core member of the team straight away.”

Even though this is Luke’s first prolonged period away from the UK, he says he’s rarely felt homesick since joining SumUp. “Working here really makes you feel like part of a community. Everyone’s friendly, and there are plenty of opportunities to socialise and make connections outside your team. I feel like I can go up to anyone and ask what they’re working on, and I’ve never experienced anyone asserting their seniority or pulling rank. I think that’s great for morale, and it feeds into this culture of open feedback that the company strives for.”

When asked about the highlights of his job so far, Luke is quick to respond. “I really enjoy creating content about our merchants. I get to explore the city and chat with small business owners about the impact that using our products has had on their lives. So I’ve spent time with an ice cream seller who stays open all year round, even through the Berlin winter. He speaks 6 languages and offers some pretty experimental flavours, like sweet potato or Club Mate. I also visited a shop for hip hop enthusiasts that sells records, vintage clothing and limited-edition sneakers. I love that these quirky businesses can thrive in Berlin, and that SumUp is helping them stay successful. I also appreciate that I’m in charge of the creative process, and that it involves all these different stages–research, interviews, photography, writing and editing.”

Luke is particularly animated when explaining how working at SumUp has allowed him to put his studies into practice. “I’m definitely using many of the journalistic skills I picked up at university. But to be honest I feel like the hands-on experience I’m getting here is way more valuable than anything I was taught in the classroom. Every day, I’m learning so much about our company culture, the tools we use and the way we approach things. And I feel there’s an openness to experimentation and creativity here, which is really inspiring.”

If you’re a student or recent graduate considering your next steps, Luke has some simple but valuable advice. “Practical experience counts for a lot. Rather than do a dissertation at university, I did a 6-month PR and social media work placement instead. This gave me plenty of stuff to draw on in interviews, and it’s ultimately what got me the SumUp internship. I think it’s also good to identify a range of jobs you might be interested in. I was applying for a mixture of copywriting, PR and social media roles, and as it turned out, this position has allowed me to do all of these things right from the outset.”

Although Luke joined SumUp as an intern, we won’t be saying goodbye to him any time soon. “I actually just signed the contract for a full-time role, so I’m now a Junior PR and Social Media Manager. I was asked what I enjoy doing the most, and I really wanted to continue with this dual focus, so I’m really happy that it’s been made official!”

To cap off this uplifting tale, life in Berlin is also living up to Luke’s expectations: “It’s really cool. There’s something going on every day, but at the same time it’s not too crowded or fast-paced. Each area feels like a different city, and the contrasts between the former East and West are really interesting. It’s been easy to make friends, both at work and outside. And pretty much everyone understands English, which was a relief as that’s the only language I speak!”

Want to follow in Luke’s footsteps? We often have vacancies suitable for recent graduates or working students, so head on over to our careers site.