The Added Value of an Internship

Joining Philips

I joined Philips on the 1^st of June 2017, so quite recently as an Intern, while continuing my studies at Tilburg University. I decided to pursue an internship in order to practically use the theoretical knowledge obtained during my bachelor. Moreover, I believed that doing an internship in an international corporate, would further improve my skills.

One of the main reasons why I wanted to do an internship was to see how my studies relate to the business-working environment. Moreover, due to the importance that Digital has earned, I strongly believed that I could provide added value in The Digital and Online Marketing. As far as I know these roles did not even exist a few years ago. Besides what I could bring to the table, I also thought of what I could earn and learn from an internship opportunity.

Insight Philips

I could get an insight of the working environment in an international brand like Philips, in terms of relationships with colleagues. I could test my knowledge, skills and culture to a wide range of employees from all around the world. This could help me grow in the future and affect the choices that I make in terms of my career perspective. I could learn more about specifications of a particular product like vacuum cleaners, since I am part of the Floor Care department. Understanding how a company manufactures its products and how it does business with retailers and third parties is important.

As a prospect intern, I was open to every opportunity, even though I had my personal preferences. Besides the brand recognition that Philips has, personally I shared a strong predilection due to the fact that my father retails its vacuum cleaner bags in his business. Familiarity always helps, even it is for marketing a product or deciding on the company you will work at.

Experience

After two months, I can definitively state that it was the best choice I could make in terms of my professional career. In terms of my personal development, I can firmly say that I have learned a lot in these two months, regarding the product, the business aspect and the path I will choose for my career in the coming years. It is interesting to see the career path of your colleagues and understand the choices they have made. Confronting your perspective and ideas definitively provides a better insight for the near future.
What astonished me was the ease of changing the direction of their career. For example, I encountered colleagues who studied accounting in their bachelor and now are working as Product Marketing Managers. I had a completely different perspective during my studies.

Advice

Furthermore, I would definitively recommend it to every student doubting on doing an internship. Especially for international students, since I strongly believe that it really helps to understand the Dutch working environment and the difference you may encounter with your own. The comparison will definitively help on developing yourself and prioritizing cultural dimensions in their working ethics.