I embarked on the journey of my first internship back in November. Although the weather was starting to change, making the cloudy Amsterdam colder and colder, I was absolutely sweating with nervousness and excitement as my first day was approaching. With very little knowledge about sustainable transportation, I was afraid of making a fool of myself in the office, but little did I know how this experience would open my eyes towards sustainable transportation in ways I never imagined. This short blog aims to take you through the highs and the lows of my first experience as an intern, as well as bringing a bit of insight about sustainability. So, grab your helmets and let’s pedal through the ins and outs of this adventure.
The first month as an intern was the scariest, from getting accustomed to the office, the 5-day working week, the colleagues, the fast-paced environment, and even to the coffee machine that seemed so hard to understand, they all looked like a challenge. My tasks grew in responsibility and difficulty as time passed by and the fear of failing was at its peak. However, I learned that it is normal and inevitable to make mistakes. And you will too. No matter how hard-working and passionate you are, mistakes are bound to happen. And that’s okay. It’s part of growing and learning in a professional and mental way. But with that comes success, and even more passion for the work that you’re putting out there alongside your colleagues – from brainstorming creative campaigns, to shooting on-site candid pictures for the social networks of the company, to even engaging with customers in order to get their feedback, it feels like a dream. The biggest takeaway of this experience is do not be afraid. Don’t be scared to ask questions, to get involved in projects that are not related with your team, to talk to your colleagues, to network, or to just introduce yourself. Create opportunities and tackle them!
As I previously mentioned, I started off this journey with very little information about the world of sustainable transportation. However, I never imagined how being a marketing intern at A-Bike Rentals would open my eyes to sustainability. I became aware of the advantages bicycling has for the environment, including how it lowers carbon emissions and encourages a greener, healthier method of transportation. Seeing how something as basic as deciding to ride a bike instead of driving a car may have a big impact on protecting our world for future generations was astonishing.
Reflecting upon this experience, I can’t help but be thankful for the priceless knowledge and experiences I’ve learned as my internship draws to a close. Through this journey, I have improved my marketing skills and gained a deeper grasp of sustainability. Most importantly, though, I now have the knowledge and self-assurance to follow my goal of changing the world for the better. Perhaps the most significant thing I took away from this experience was the strength of tenacity in the face of difficulty. Whether it was overcoming obstacles or navigating unforeseen difficulties, I found that perseverance is essential for success in any endeavor.
My internship with A-Bike Rentals was a life-changing opportunity that altered my outlook on marketing and sustainability. It was more than simply a job. Now, as I take on new adventures, I encourage everyone to embrace the challenges that lie ahead, recognize our achievements, and never stop pushing for a more sustainable and greener future.