After a long journey of applying for countless internship listings on LinkedIn and many other job platforms, filled with moments of hope, disappointment, non-responses, interviews, challenging assignments, and heart-wrenching rejections, all my efforts finally paid off. I finally found an internship opportunity at a company that caught my eye.
What is The Social Hub?
Let me introduce you to The Social Hub, a dynamic and innovative company within the hospitality industry, offering its guests a hybrid accommodation opportunity. The 16 hotel locations host students for the duration of one semester or a full academic year, and normal guests can choose between short term stays (max. 2 weeks) and long stays (up to two months). Having a strong company culture and set values: Fun, Bold, Curious, Entrepreneurial and Conscious, The Social Hub is “more than just a hotel”, it is a place where people create life-long connections and fun memories.
My experience
My experience in this company has definitely changed my life in the best way possible. Over the course of these past 6 months, I embarked on a journey of professional, as well as personal growth. Not only that I have gained valuable skills and knowledge that has given me more confidence in a professional context, but I have also nurtured my social skills, connecting with people of various backgrounds. I have recognized all the company’s values within its’ employees, hence, these similarities brought us together.
Apart from the professional aspects of this internship, this opportunity gave me memories that I will never forget, such as the Summer Party, where all the employees, from all our hotel locations, flew to Amsterdam for a fun costume party with an enchanting theme.
What did I like the most?
One aspect that I truly loved about this company is the laid-back and also social vibe in the office. As long as we were on time with our work, we were encouraged to take as many breaks as possible in order to avoid burn outs. The office provided us with ways of relaxing and having fun, such as a ping pong table, a piano, a rooftop terrace, where we could sit and chat with our friends, and free massages once a month.
Mental health was clearly prioritized by the company, and in fact, it was made more accessible for the employees, as we had free unlimited access to OpenUp, a platform that allows people to interact with psychologists. All these, together with other employee benefits, such as discounts in all The Social Hub hotels, merchandise, and amazing food, make The Social Hub “the place to be at” as an intern.
Although at times I felt slightly overwhelmed by the fact I was working a 9 to 5 job while still studying full time, my overall experience was a good one. I am sad to leave this company after I have formed so many beautiful friendships, but I am extremely grateful for everything that I learned. If you are a student and would like to do an internship, The Social Hub is the place for you! 🙂
