Why did you decide to do an internship at BOC Group in Austria?
I took part in a school project where BOC Group was assigned to me. At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I soon discovered a welcoming and well-organized environment.
How were your first steps during this internship and how did you experience working abroad?
At the beginning, everything felt new—the country, the workplace, and the people—but the team was very kind and helped me feel comfortable. Working abroad strengthened my independence and gave me a new perspective on how companies function in different cultures. Although I did not know what to expect at first, I was happy in the end to gain experience in the administrative field within an international company, as well as confidence for my future career path.
What were your tasks and objectives during your internship?
I worked in the administrative and finance area, supporting my team members with their daily tasks. They took the time to explain processes to me, which helped me develop practical office skills and gain insights into a real business context.
What were the main challenges you faced during these three months? How did you manage them?
One of my biggest challenges was the language. I was supposed to speak German at work, but my vocabulary was sometimes limited. When needed, I asked my colleagues to explain things in English, and they were always very understanding and supportive. Another challenge was working in a foreign country for the first time. As a rather shy person, even asking questions or requesting help felt difficult at the beginning. However, I knew I had to speak up if I wanted to learn. Little by little, I became more confident, and with my team’s support, I was able to enjoy the experience much more.
Which skills and qualifications helped you most during your time abroad?
One of the most important things that helped me was the courage to communicate, especially when I didn’t understand something. I learned to ask questions and not to fear making mistakes.
What would you tell your friends and colleagues about your time at BOC Group?
I would tell them it was a very special and positive experience. I learned a lot, improved my language skills, and grew both professionally and personally. What made the biggest difference for me, however, were the people. My colleagues at BOC Group were kind, patient, and supportive. Even when I struggled with the language or didn’t understand something, they were always there to help. I truly appreciate them and feel very fortunate to have worked with such great people.
