Jack's an Economics and Politics student from the University of Nottingham. He secured a Partnerships Internship at PayPal in London through Bright Network. 
First, we’d love to find out a little more about yourself.
“When I was growing up, entrepreneurship and creating something yourself really interested me, after my dreams of becoming a footballer were made forever unrealistic.
I decided to go to university to gain a fresh perspective, meet new people and learn new things after being in my hometown my whole life, which did not disappoint.
My motivation for working in this sector is to be a part of a company that is at the forefront of Fintech innovation, which excites me because it offers the opportunity to shape the future of global commerce.”
What motivated you to apply for your role?
“My motivation to apply for this role was driven by PayPal’s reputation as a global leader in Fintech and its commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions.
I was drawn to the Partnerships Intern role specifically, as I find great satisfaction in building and nurturing collaborative relationships that drive mutual success.”
What was the application process like?
“It consisted of a cover letter, recording a video interview answering three questions and then finally an in-person interview.
I prepared for the role by thoroughly researching PayPal’s mission, values and product offerings, as well as the broader Fintech landscape. I reviewed case studies and industry trends related to partnerships to better understand how strategic collaborations drive business success.
The aspect I was most nervous about was ensuring I could effectively communicate how my skills and experiences align with PayPal’s goals. However, I found preparing concrete examples of past successes helped build my confidence.”
How did Bright Network help you secure your role?
“I discovered this opportunity and applied to it on the Bright Network site.”
What have you learnt from going through the process?
“Going through the process, I learned the importance of aligning my personal values and career goals with the company’s mission. I was surprised by how collaborative and engaging the process was, reflecting PayPal’s culture.
One thing I wish I had known beforehand was how valuable it would be to dive deeper into the specifics of PayPal’s partnership strategy, as it provided great talking points and insights during discussions.”
What are you most proud of about your journey?
“I’m most proud of the persistence and determination I showed throughout the application and interview process.
Landing an internship at PayPal was not an easy feat, and I really had to push myself to stand out in such a competitive field. I took the time to thoroughly research the company, its values and the role, which helped me tailor my application and responses to demonstrate how my skills and goals align with PayPal’s mission to democratise financial services.”
What are your tips for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
“My advice would be to do your research. Make sure you deeply understand the company, its mission, values and products. PayPal, for example, is heavily focused on financial inclusion, digital payments and security, so having a strong understanding of these areas will help you demonstrate your genuine interest during the interview.
My second piece of advice would be to build relevant skills – whether you’re in tech or business, make sure you’re building the skills the company you’re applying for is looking for.”
Tell us about the future. What’s next?
“I’m looking forward to continuing to learn and grow during my internship at PayPal. This phase of my career is all about building foundational knowledge, developing practical skills and understanding how strategic collaborations drive impact.
I’m eager to absorb as much as I can from my colleagues, contribute meaningfully to projects, and gain a deeper understanding of the industry to prepare for the next steps in my career.”
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