Hello, fellow readers! Today, I am excited to share my thrilling internship experience with you. Over the past months, I had the incredible opportunity to work as a “digital champion” intern within the eBusiness team at HEINEKEN, a global leader in the beverage industry. Join me on this journey as I delve into the world of digital transformation, innovation, and collaboration.
A Glimpse into the Digital Era
In this rapidly evolving digital era, companies are racing to embrace the power of technology. HEINEKEN recognized the importance of digital transformation and established the eBusiness team, a group committed to setting new standards in digital solutions across multiple markets. As a digital champion intern, I had the privilege of being part of this innovative team.
Exploring B2B eCommerce and Agile Principles
My internship revolved around working with B2B eCommerce platforms and learning the intricacies of Agile principles and Scrum methodologies. These concepts served as the foundation for developing and leading the way in digital within HEINEKEN. Collaborating with the Product Team, I assisted in the development of new products and maintained and improved the product backlog based on Agile principles. This experience not only enhanced my technical skills but also provided insights into the efficient functioning of a dynamic and agile team.
Establishing a Communication Strategy
One of my key responsibilities was establishing a robust communication strategy for the Distributor Data Exchange (DDE) product across various stakeholders globally, regionally, and locally. I quickly learned the importance of tailoring communication approaches to align with the preferences and cultural nuances of diverse stakeholders. By developing a feature release calendar and providing clear and concise feature descriptions, I successfully engaged operating companies across South Africa and the Asia-Pacific region. Effective communication became the backbone of our digital journey.
Hosting the Quarterly Townhall Meetings
As a digital champion intern, I had the opportunity to take part in hosting Quarterly Townhall Meetings with the 10 operating companies. These gatherings served as a shared platform to showcase the capabilities of our products, such as DMS, Sub-D app, and Field app, as well as the level of customization we could offer. It was a moment of pride to witness the engagement and enthusiasm of the stakeholders as we presented our digital innovations.
Building a Professional Network
Beyond the technical aspects, my internship experience allowed me to build a valuable professional network in the field of communication science. Collaborating closely with my manager, a product owner, I established a strong working relationship that provided guidance and support. This relationship opened doors for me to connect with key stakeholders in operating companies across South Africa, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, and more. Engaging with these professionals allowed me to gain insights into their experiences and broaden my perspective on global business practices.
My internship at HEINEKEN has been an incredible journey of growth and learning. From embracing digital transformation to honing my communication and collaboration skills, I have gained invaluable experiences that will shape my future career. I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals who are dedicated to setting the standard for digital solutions.
As I wrap up my internship, I am filled with gratitude for the knowledge gained, the challenges overcome, and the network built! I look forward to applying these learnings and making a significant impact in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
