Monica's Internship Adventure in France as a Student Support Manager

Name: Monica
Nationality: Filipino
Graduation class: March 2023
Internship: Student Support Manager at JobTeaser (France)

Before graduating in March 2023, Monica kicked off her career with a Student Support Management intern at JobTeaser. One year has passed since her graduation, so we caught up with her to talk about her time in France and how NUCB and the Global BBA program helped her in this journey.

How did you find the internship?

"My internship experience was a profound journey of learning and personal development. The opportunity to relocate to Paris, a city I had long dreamed of living in, for six months was undoubtedly the highlight of my time there. Working within a diverse European team provided invaluable insights into work-life balance and cultural dynamics. Despite my company's flexible work-from-home policy, I made a concerted effort to maximize my time in the office, seizing the chance to network and engage with colleagues face-to-face."

What does the company do? What attracted you to them?

"JobTeaser operates at the intersection of technology and education, facilitating connections between universities, students, and businesses. My role as a "Student Support Manager" allowed me to serve as the primary point of contact (POC) between students and the company, managing various tasks ranging from CRM administration to spearheading internal projects aimed at enhancing our platform's accessibility for students."

What were your main tasks during the internship and/ or what were you looking to learn?

"Throughout my internship, I aimed to immerse myself in the European work culture and expand my skill set. However, this journey was not without its challenges. The language barrier, particularly navigating Parisian French, presented a steep learning curve. Additionally, adjusting to a more balanced work-life culture proved to be a significant transition for someone accustomed to a different pace (having Filipino roots and being hardworking, as well as being influenced by the Japanese kaizen).
I was very keen to learn what it was like to work for a European company, and to see if I was able to adapt to a culture I knew such little things about. Nonetheless, these challenges served as catalysts for personal and professional growth, teaching me the importance of adaptability and resilience in a new environment."

What did you learn? Any challenges? How was it working in France?

"First and foremost, I was thrown in Paris knowing nobody but one friend, with whom happened to be my roommate for the most part of my internship. The biggest challenge was the language barrier living in France when it came to socialising. Just like many other countries, there are different "dialects" and Parisian french was another learning experience apart from my three-year knowledge on "formal" French back in high school. I had to teach myself how to order food from restaurants, or even in the supermarket. Working in France was and will continue to be a fond memory in my head, and I miss the person that I was in Paris.
Another difficulty was having to deal with a country that had a more balanced work-life balance. Being a hardworking Filipino with Japanese traits I've learnt while living in Japan for about half of my life, it was difficult for me not to "overdo" my work, but I was grateful for my roommates who always kept me in check and reminded me that when I'm home, I should be presently at home and not mentally at work. One of the "need to work on" points my manager once mentioned to me during our 1-on-1 was that I "did the most", and to "tone it down" because I wasn't getting paid for the amount of work and dedication that I was giving. This was an eye-opening experience that I now try to practice to balance with any other career opportunity."

Can you reflect on how NUCB helped you? Did the case method benefit you in any way with your knowledge, critical thinking, social skills etc?

"Reflecting on my academic background, the case method employed by my university played a pivotal role in preparing me for the internship interview process. The emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving skills undoubtedly contributed to my success in securing this internship opportunity."

What do you want to do in the future?

"Looking ahead, my internship experience has solidified my aspirations to pursue a career in Project Management or Customer Success Management. Leveraging my strengths in B2C communication and project execution, I am actively exploring opportunities that align with my career goals and allow for continued personal and corporate growth and development. In conclusion, my internship experience in Paris has been a transformative journey filled with valuable lessons and opportunities for growth. As I embark on the next chapter of my career, I am grateful for the experiences and skills gained during this time, and I am excited about the prospects that lie ahead."

Monica, thank you for sharing your story in such great detail and we wish you all the best for your career!