Written by Claire, a United Planet team member.
When people ask me why I went from working in public relations for Givenchy to doing public relations for United Planet, I tell them it is all about culture and sharing it.
Where does this come from? First, I studied art history for two years in Paris. Then I worked for Louis Vuitton which allowed me to discover that there is a lot more to the high end fashion industry than just making money. People that are not familiar with the French fashion industry do not realize that what it is really about is historical heritage, hand craft, unique pieces and, above all, French culture.
So, when I joined Givenchy’s PR team, I discovered a couture and perfumery house which is among the most interesting in its industry. Its founder Hubert de Givenchy is still alive and the brand has a fantastic history. Legendary film star Audrey Hepburn was Hubert de Givenchy’s first and only muse. What I enjoyed most about my position was the opportunity to promote the brand history and legacy of the new products. Working for Givenchy was really about culture and discovering the French perfume industry. It was my job as a public relations intern to share what I was learning with as many people as possible.
I think this is also what United Planet is about. Everyone is passionate about something, is proud of his or her culture, or has knowledge others do not have. It would be a waste not to share it. The knowledge or passions we have should not be kept confidential or to a happy few.
United Planet, through its different volunteer abroad programs, gives people the opportunity to meet, talk, and like in The Little Prince by A. St Exupery, “to tame and be tamed”. At the moment, I am working as a member of the Communications Team for United Planet. Inside the organization itself the diversity of the people makes it a really rewarding experience. I have a lot of expectations for myself and United Planet and, hopefully, I will be able to participate actively in many United Planet’s programs.
I love culture and I love learning from others. That is why I worked for Givenchy and that is why I joined United Planet.
Volunteer Abroad with United Planet!
ABOUT UNITED PLANET
United Planet is a non-profit organization with a mission to create a global community, one relationship at a time. Established in 2001, United Planet offers volunteer abroad, virtual internships, internships abroad, gap year volunteering, and global virtual exchange in more than 40 countries.
