You study and live in France, why did you decide to do an internship at BOC Group in Austria?
“Deciding to take a gap year provided me with the opportunity to explore the world and grow both personally and professionally. The first six months were dedicated to traveling and experiencing new cultures, while the latter half was an opportunity to immerse myself in the working world, leading me to an internship at BOC Group in Austria. As a student at an engineering school in France with a partnership with BOC, this opportunity was perfect for me to explore consulting, sales and business development, areas different from my engineering background. Additionally, the chance to improve my German language skills made Austria an ideal destination.”
How were your first steps during this internship and how did you experience working abroad?
“During my first steps at BOC Group in Austria, I was able to learn a lot of new things, which was extremely enriching. However, coming from a different area of expertise, it sometimes felt a bit overwhelming. Of course, the beginning of any new job can be a bit challenging, so I embraced this as part of the unique experience of working in a different country. Interestingly, despite being in Austria, I sometimes barely felt like I was working in Austria, as my colleagues came from all over Europe, creating a highly international office and a great environment to work in. Furthermore, my team often communicated in French, which helped bridge the gap. The supportive environment and the camaraderie of my colleagues made me feel right at home. These experiences not only enriched my professional skills but also highlighted the importance of a welcoming team and a familiar language in easing the transition of working abroad.”
What were your tasks and objectives during your internship?
“During my internship at BOC Group, my primary task was to work on a significant project aimed at creating a comprehensive use case for the company’s product, ADOGRC. This project involved building a sample repository for analysis, evaluation, and action on risks related to information systems, based on the French method EBIOS. My objective was to develop a detailed ‘how-to’ guide for prospective French ADOGRC clients. At the beginning of the project, the scope was very broad, and I am grateful to my team for trusting me and allowing me to take the project in the direction that seemed most relevant to me as I gained a deeper understanding of the EBIOS method and the BOC tools. Besides that, I supported the business consulting team in their client projects and assisted the BOC France team in answering ADOIT and ADONIS tenders.”
What were the main challenges you faced during these six months? How did you manage them?
“In the very beginning, it was quite difficult to grasp the full context of discussions in meetings, as the vocabulary and communication style of the sales team were unfamiliar. Transitioning from an engineering background, where I was accustomed to technical vocabulary, processes, and product-focused approaches, to a sales environment that was entirely new to me required a conscious effort to immerse myself. I actively engaged with my colleagues and addressed any uncertainties I had, which enabled me to effectively contribute to the team. Additionally, the tasks for the project I mentioned earlier were challenging at first, as I needed to intensely familiarize myself with both the company’s products, which I had not previously worked with, and the EBIOS methodology, which was also new to me. Through this project, I had to dive deep into the working mechanisms of both, which provided me with a solid understanding and valuable knowledge.”
How did you benefit from your studies during your internship?
“Although my engineering studies were not directly related to the field of my internship, they provided a strong foundation that greatly benefited me in my role. My engineering background taught me how to approach problems efficiently, which proved invaluable. I have a passion for learning new things, and this enthusiasm, combined with the analytical skills and systematic approach I developed through my engineering studies, enabled me to master these new tools and contribute effectively to the team.”
Which skills and qualifications helped you most during your time abroad?
“I would say that being able to speak German to some degree eased my experience, as it allowed me to understand, communicate, and integrate more smoothly into the local environment. More broadly, the ability to adapt quickly and maintain an open mind was crucial in navigating the new challenges I faced. Embracing the unknown – by not being afraid of not knowing something – and being proactive in learning new concepts were essential skills that enabled me to thrive in the setting and contribute positively to the team.”
What would you tell your friends and colleagues about your time at BOC Group?
“My time at BOC Group was an incredibly rewarding experience that provided a deep dive into the professional world. From the outset, I was warmly welcomed by my team, with my team lead offering constant support and guidance, which made me feel genuinely valued and at ease. The main takeaway from my time at BOC Group is the importance of allowing yourself to explore different areas of expertise. Even though my role wasn’t directly related to engineering, the knowledge and insights I gained were immensely valuable and broadened my perspective in ways I hadn’t anticipated. I would encourage anyone to step out of their comfort zone and explore new fields, as it can offer unparalleled growth and learning.”
