From February to July, I had the amazing opportunity to do my internship at KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. The world of aviation has always been a passion of mine, so I was beyond excited when I was accepted for an internship at this airline. Specifically, I worked for KLM Engineering and Maintenance, which is responsible for the entire operation of the aircrafts. I formed part of the Data and Strategy team of the Information Management Office, a division that supports KLM’s business by continuously optimizing processes by introducing and implementing new software or leveraging existing technologies. This internship gave me a look behind the scenes of a major global company, and how they try to improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
Crafting connections and creating content
In my role as communication intern, I was mainly responsible for managing internal communication processes. Throughout my internship, I worked on outlining a communication plan that would facilitate smooth communication and connections within and between the different divisions, departments, and teams of KLM E&M. Also, I was tasked to assess what communication channels are most efficient for internal notifications and news updates. By investigating these topics, I got to meet various employees within KLM from all roles and levels. Not only did I get to apply my Communication Science knowledge in practice, but it also provided networking opportunities.
One of the most exciting projects that I worked on aimed at enhancing the onboarding process for all new E&M employees. The project was unexpectedly assigned to me and my fellow intern, and we were given a three-week deadline to finalize the video from start to finish. In this short amount of time, we managed to write a script, film and direct the scenes, and edit all parts to create a clear and concise video that will be shown to all new employees for the upcoming years. With no knowledge in this field, it was a great challenge that paid off well.
Key takeaways
Communication is key
After being immersed in a major company like KLM, it has become even clearer how big of a role communication plays in a company’s efficacy. Communication does not only ensure clarity, alignment, and efficiency of workflow, but it also has the ability to boost collaboration and engagement among employees. There were times during my internship when I noticed a clear lack of communication, and especially how such shortcomings can disrupt daily operations. Conclusion: communication is key.
Taking initiative
In the first couple of weeks, it can be quite difficult to make sense of all the new information and different ways of working. Personally, I found it challenging to reach the right people and I was often too hesitant to take risks. Over time, I realized that you need to put in that extra bit of effort to get what you want, especially within a big company where everyone is busy. Once I started being more proactive and taking action quicker, I noticed an instant improvement in results. Conclusion: don’t be afraid to take risks!
Final thoughts
Looking back on the internship, I can happily say that I am grateful for the experience and the skills I gained at KLM E&M. The challenges I faced definitely put me to the test, but most importantly, they played a crucial role in my personal growth. For anyone considering interning at KLM, I can only encourage that! Empowered by a new set of skills, I’m excited to see what the future holds for me!
