Hello everyone and welcome to my internship experience!
Embarking on my journey as a marketing intern at Robert Walters in Amsterdam has been nothing short of exhilarating. For 38 years, Robert Walters has built their expertise in the recruitment and consultancy sector, helping people find their dream job as well as aiding companies in finding the right employees. Let me walk you through a typical day in this dynamic world of branding and innovation!
07:00: Morning routine
Every morning, the alarm clock became something of an enemy, tempting me to remain in the comfort of my bed. Yet, getting to work was simply something I had to do, so, with determination, I would kickstart my day by blending a smoothie before embarking on my way to the office via the metro.
08:50: Entering the neuro office
Arriving at the World Trade Centre building in Amsterdam’s Zuidas district, I would step into the world’s first “neuro office.” Only a few months prior to my arrival, Robert Walters moved into a new office which was built and designed based on neuroscientific research. Intended to optimize productivity and well-being, the office had different zones where each one stimulated and inspired people differently. The lobby genuinely resembled a five-star hotel, with nice couches and lounge areas. Down the hall was the main workplace which had blue-grey walls without any fuss to promote concentration. In the red zone (“the Arena”) you could make calls, and close deals, which evoked a similar level of excitement as within a football stadium. Lastly, the buffer zone was intended for recovery. This place was like a Tuscan landscape in the middle of the office. There were plenty of plants, swings, several seating areas, and nature sounds to provide relaxation. I was truly mind-blown the first time I stepped foot into the office.
09:00: Flexible work culture
Something that I found to be very refreshing about this workplace was that there were no assigned desks. Regardless of position, everyone had the freedom to choose their spot for the day. After grabbing a warm cup of coffee and exchanging chats with colleagues, it would be time to dive into the day’s tasks.
09:15: Diving into projects
The morning would kick off with collaborative brainstorming sessions setting the tone for the day’s objectives. With Robert Walters undergoing a rebranding, the first few hours of work would then often go to my research where I examined the perception of our new website.
12:00: Feast
As midday approached, the office restaurant would open its doors, offering a delicious lunch that never failed to impress me. From savoury charcuterie to salads and fresh bread, lunchtime became an enjoyable break for bonding with the marketing team over shared meals and conversations beyond work.
14:00: Creative editing
Post-lunch, it was back to the grind, with my tasks revolving around fine-tuning and updating the new website. I made sure the right imagery was used, all the links working, and all the English text was correct. I could also often get requested to edit some images, or it was time to have a meeting with the digital team in London to make sure we were up to speed on the launch of the new website.
17:00: Sweat and success
As the workday drew to a close, I often seized the opportunity for a post-work workout at the gym in the office building. Energized by a coffee and a light snack, I would take the chance to sweat out the day’s stresses, leaving the office feeling accomplished and restored.