Earlier in September I decided to go back home to Luxembourg and embark on a new journey by agreeing to do an internship at Cargolux. Most of you may not be familiar with this company, but believe it or not, Cargolux has played a crucial role in the transport of goods on worldwide networks over the last 50 years. It is the single largest all-cargo airline in Europe. This means that Cargolux is cargo focused and does not transport passengers. It was launched as a start-up in 1970 and is now one of the most recognized airlines in the world, as well as a fundamental player in the thriving local economy. The company grows with each passing year and the setting is quite international.
This seemed like the perfect opportunity to develop a working experience in a corporate environment. Moreover, the department that I work in, Corporate Communications, offers a detailed view of how communication flows effectively within a company.
My role revolves around numerous day-to-day tasks that include drafting articles for the staff newsletter and corporate magazine that is sent out to our customers and partners on a quarterly basis, as well as preparing material for our social media profiles including Twitter and LinkedIn , and finally, collecting and drafting an overview of news related to the cargo industry for our staff Intranet. In addition to these tasks, I am also involved in long-term projects that Cargolux wants to launch next year, when celebrating its historical 50th anniversary. These projects include: conducting video interviews with former VPs and other employees for our anniversary website which will be solely dedicated to the company’s history; preparing necessary content for the anniversary website including the selection of archived videos and photos; meeting event agencies and discussing preparations for our year-long anniversary celebrations; assisting in drafting or an effective employer branding campaign to attract new pilots and crew members.
Life in the Corporate Communications office can be quite unpredictable. You may be working on a new article for the staff newsletter or a press release regarding the latest outsize shipment to China, when suddenly there is an unscheduled request from the pilot’s chief’s office regarding a new plastic-free initiative. As a Corporate Communications officer my main duty in this case is to coordinate communication between all parties involved. Whether it is between the media and the CEO, or an IT technician and the head of marketing, I am to assist in their communication. I am halfway through my internship and very satisfied with my choice as I realize I am currently developing new skills and knowledge about this particular line of work within the communication sector.