During the initial phase of my internship, I was uncertain about my tasks and key responsibilities. To gain clarity, I initiated lots of coffee chats with engineers, which provided valuable insights into the organization and department operations. After two months, I received more concrete projects, which greatly pleased me. One noteworthy achievement was organizing an event that resulted in a significant increase in participants from 20 to 120. This was the first time I took ownership of a project. Following the Hackathon, I embarked on another endeavor called the E2CL training program. This program primarily focuses on enhancing employees’ soft and hard skills. As the main organizer, I was responsible for coordinating between participants and employees. Lastly, towards the end of my internship, I conducted research specifically centered around the communication strategy to improve employee engagement and collaboration. The findings of this study are presented in the accompanying paper. Simultaneously, I actively engaged in open discussions with my colleagues regarding the organization’s OHI (Overall Health Index), providing valuable constructive feedback to enhance its effectiveness. Recognizing the importance of visual communication, I created visually appealing graphics for the monthly area update. These visuals were designed to have a lasting impact and serve as a valuable resource for the department over an extended period.
Throughout my internship, I actively participated in various company activities, which I truly appreciated as they provided opportunities for enjoyment and social connection. These events made me realize the company’s genuine appreciation for talent and respect for ideas. For instance, I joined an international women’s day lunch in March, highlighting their value for female empowerment. Additionally, the Holi festival exemplified their appreciation for diverse cultures and their efforts to create a welcoming environment. In April, I witnessed the remarkable creativity displayed by engineers during the Hackathon. In May, I attended the Ring Fuck Up Night, where I listened to others’ stories of failure, inspiring me to embrace the possibility of making mistakes. In June, I had a meaningful conversation with a senior leader, discussing various topics related to female personal growth. Moreover, I had the opportunity to gain insights into the bank’s performance over the past year and enjoy myself at the big business banking conference alongside my colleagues. Furthermore, our department visited the Eindhoven museum to celebrate our achievements in the second quarter.
In summary, I found ING to be an incredibly enjoyable organization to work with. It prioritizes work-life balance and places people at the forefront. I consider it an amazing organization, and I definitely aspire to join ING in the future.