In the world of luxury retail and corporate finance, gaining real-world experience early is key to building a successful career. One such promising talent is Maria Bazhenova, a student at Durham University Business School, who has made remarkable strides through her internship at Aspinal of London. With a focus on accounting, finance, operations, and design, Maria’s story reflects the perfect blend of academic excellence and practical exposure in a prestigious setting.
Background and Educational Journey
Maria Bazhenova’s educational foundation is as distinguished as her ambitions. After completing her International Baccalaureate diploma at TASIS-Switzerland—where she actively participated in the Student Council, IB Council, Varsity Tennis, and tutoring—Maria expanded her academic horizons with a summer program at Brown University, delving into Abstract Mathematics. Continuing her pursuit of academic rigor, she spent a year at Bayes Business School before enrolling at Durham University Business School to pursue a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting and Finance (2024–2028).
This diverse educational background, blending finance, mathematics, and leadership roles, perfectly positioned Maria for dynamic opportunities like her internship at Aspinal of London.
Internship Role at Aspinal of London
In April 2025, Maria joined Aspinal of London Limited for an intensive one-month internship based on-site in Midhurst, England. Despite its short duration, the experience proved to be deeply enriching and multifaceted, offering her insights into both the operational and creative arms of the luxury brand.
Her internship was unique in its depth—unlike many internships limited to mere observation, Maria actively participated in day-to-day operations, finance tasks, product design discussions, and strategic planning sessions.
Key Tasks and Knowledge Gained
During her time at Aspinal of London, Maria Bazhenova undertook a variety of responsibilities that touched on multiple departments:
- Operations Management: Shadowing the operations manager, she learned the logistics behind luxury retail operations and customer service excellence.
- Product Personalization: She contributed hands-on by assisting in the wrapping and personalizing of luxury goods, ensuring quality and attention to detail.
- Finance Department Support: Maria helped process invoice payments, gaining critical exposure to corporate finance and internal financial controls.
- Merchandising and Design Collaboration: She collaborated with the merchandising and design teams, helping determine quantities for the new scarves collection, blending creative intuition with analytical forecasting.
- Photography and Documentation: Maria captured product images for upcoming collection discussions with suppliers, particularly those in India, enhancing her understanding of international supplier relations.
- Market Research: She created comparative pricing documents for home collections (bedding and rugs), offering valuable competitive analysis insights to the corporate team.
- Team Meetings Participation: Active participation in product and team meetings allowed her to see firsthand how cross-functional corporate decision-making happens.
This immersive exposure across various facets of the business significantly broadened her professional skill set.
Skills Acquired and Extracurricular Engagements
Throughout her academic journey, Maria Bazhenova cultivated a strong portfolio of both academic and extracurricular achievements:
- Finance and Accounting Skills: Advanced proficiency through coursework and practical financial operations.
- Leadership Abilities: Proven leadership roles within the Student Council and IB Council.
- Athletic Discipline: Competitive spirit demonstrated through Varsity Tennis.
- Global Outlook: International academic experiences in Switzerland, London, and the U.S.
- Creative Collaboration: Practical experience working with fashion and merchandising teams at Aspinal of London.
These attributes make Maria a well-rounded candidate capable of succeeding in multidisciplinary environments.
Aspinal of London: An Ideal Fit for Maria’s Passions
Aspinal of London, renowned for its timeless craftsmanship and innovative luxury designs, provided the perfect ecosystem for Maria to bridge her dual passions: finance and fashion. The company’s structured yet creative culture resonated with her academic background and her growing interest in strategic luxury brand management.
Working at a company that emphasizes both aesthetic perfection and operational excellence allowed Maria to see how finance, design, and logistics harmoniously drive a brand’s success.
Future Prospects: Maria’s Next Steps
With her rich experience at Aspinal of London behind her, Maria Bazhenova is poised to chart an exciting path forward. Her immediate academic goals involve completing her BS in Accounting and Finance at Durham University, where she will further sharpen her analytical and leadership skills.
Long term, Maria envisions a career that bridges luxury retail and strategic finance—perhaps as a financial strategist for a global fashion house or as a brand consultant specializing in scaling boutique labels while maintaining their artistic integrity.
Given her drive, cross-disciplinary experience, and the foundational skills gained through her early internships, Maria is undoubtedly a talent to watch in the coming years.
Final Thoughts
Maria Bazhenova’s journey with Aspinal of London is a testament to the power of combining academic diligence with hands-on experience. Her ability to seamlessly integrate into both the operational and creative sides of a luxury brand not only reflects her diverse talents but also sets the stage for a bright future in the worlds of finance and fashion.
FAQs
- Who is Maria Bazhenova?
Maria Bazhenova is an Accounting and Finance student at Durham University who interned at Aspinal of London in 2025. - What did Maria Bazhenova do at Aspinal of London?
She worked across finance, design, and operations, assisting with invoices, product meetings, and market research. - Where did the internship take place?
Her internship was on-site at Aspinal of London’s headquarters in Midhurst, England. - How did this internship help her career?
It provided practical experience in luxury brand operations, strengthening her skills in financial analysis and product development. - What is Maria Bazhenova studying?
She is pursuing a BSc in Accounting and Finance at Durham University Business School, set to graduate in 2028.
