Hiii my name is Lilli, in the following I want to share my little daily routine of my internship at AXA with you.
Stepping into AXA’s Paris headquarters each morning, felt like a mix of excitement and curiosity. The office buzzed with activity at half past seven, a testament to the global reach and influence of this insurance giant. My internship in the communication department was a journey filled with challenges, growth, and unexpected connections.
Morning Routine: Diving into Real-World Challenges
Every day began with a deep dive into market research and press releases. Crafting these documents I daily tried to impress my supervisors by showing off with the notes of the theories I learned in university. I quickly discovered that understanding our audience and tailoring our messages to their needs was crucial and made work a lot easier. This wasn’t just academic knowledge – it was a real skill that I was integrate with every project.
One of my first big tasks was working on an entities booklet project. It required gathering and presenting information from various AXA entities worldwide, connecting me from Hongkong to Mexico. I would lie if I wouldn’t admit that it was challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. Seeing how my work contributed to something larger gave me a sense of accomplishment and pride.
Midday Meetings: Learning from a Diverse Team
Lunchtime often meant meeting with my team and fellow interns. These sessions were more than just updates; they were opportunities to bring new ideas to the table. I learned so much from my colleagues, who came from all over the world and gave great new insights. Their different perspectives enriched our discussions and taught me the importance of friendships in a new overwhelming city as Paris.
One of the best parts of my internship was our little half an hour interviews I conducted with each colleague in the communication department. These little coffee chats were enlightening. I got to know everyone’s roles, their career journeys, and their insights into the industry and future plans. Some of these connections have turned into lasting professional relationships, and I’m luckily still in touch with many of them today.
Afternoon Projects: Gaining Practical Skills
Afternoons were often dedicated to bigger projects, like developing the annual reputation report. This task was particularly challenging – I had to distill a massive 79-page document with all the data from 2023 into a concise report that was both informative and engaging. It required a lot of coordination with different departments, but it taught me invaluable skills in data analysis and communication.
Evening Reflections: Navigating Monotony and Seeking Creativity
As the day wound down, I often found myself reflecting on the intense structured nature of the corporate world. While the routine could sometimes feel monotonous at times, it also provided a stable framework within which I could grow and learn. However, I realized that I personally thrive in environments that are a bit more dynamic and allow for more creative freedom. Overall, this insight has been crucial in guiding my career aspirations.
Beyond the professional skills and knowledge I gained, of course some of the most valuable aspects of my internship were the friendships I made. My fellow interns and I became a close group, sharing our challenges and celebrating our achievements together. These relationships have extended beyond our time at AXA, and we continue to support each other in our careers all over Europe.