Hileni Wilbard

At work

When I came to Switzerland I knew that, I was going to work in a bank, and I only had few  things in mind about the banks as for Borrowing, Depositing and investing. Today I held my head high and with confidence I can give a proper explanation about what Banking really means. Working at Credit Suisse gave me an opportunity to explore what a working environment feels like. I worked in the Asset Management department with the investment accounting Team. When I started working I find a newly introduced program, which means everyone was getting to learn about it, so It took me about a month to actually understand what was happening in my team. I was lucky to have Melinda Wong (My Mentor) and the team members as they made time for me to explain whatever I asked, adding to that they also invited me out for lunch and dinner from time to time. I had a daily tasks after lunch, and before lunch I had variety of tasks to do. I have become an expect in using different software’s especially excel and outlook. I am so excited to try them out as I return home. I had attended different trainings where my knowledge was broadened more about asset management department and the Insurance Linked Strategies department.

My Swiss Host family

I wouldn’t ask for better family compared to the Graf family. From the very first day  I arrived at their beautiful home, I received  a warm welcome and had a beautiful room prepared for me and on top of that my host mother (Catherine) had warm clothes ready for me too.The love and care I received during my stay in their home really touched my heart, I barely missed home as I felt home already. Catherine was like a mother to me, she treated me as if I was of her own. I was indeed treated like a princes. Whenever I am late for dinner, had a trip out of Zurich or even spending a weekend out of Switzerland she will always check up on me to know if all is well. Thats how my safety was important to her. She had showed me places from time to time. Furthermore, I didn’t only live with a mother but a chef too. Her meals are magnificent, Almost every day she cooked something new and more delicious. I was never bother about meals during my stay. Moving forward I had beautiful 2 host siblings, who tot me some games that we used to play together. I will forever be Thankful for their kindness and generosity. All the laughter and fun we had together will forever be part my memories. I wish I could restart or extend time, I am going to miss them and wish/hope to see them again.

Highlights & Challenges in Switzerland

At this point of my life, coming to Europe is the most beautiful thing that ever happened in my life. Three months is really a short of time but I made most out of it. During this period I was able to visit neighbouring countries which are France (Paris) and Italy (Milano). But of course I did most of my explore within Switzerland as much as I could. I was able to visit Basel, Zug, Bern, Geneva, Dubendorf and Obfelden. Yes, I had best moments and enjoyed my self during my stay but I was faced with challenges too. My challenges that I mostly faced was the program I worked with at work, it has German words in it and this made it difficult for me to complete my tasks on time as I had to ask for assistance every time. I had communication barriers too as not everyone has good speaking skills to explain, so it took time to get what the person was saying at times. It was challenging to balance school and work. And lastly, In the beginning I had challenges with money spending, I spent more in the first month but later learn how to stop spending unnecessary. But despite of all this challanges I have managed to get to the end.

My Future plans

Education is the most powerful weapon which one can use to change the world (Nelson Mandela). Today this quote made more sense as education was able to change my world for three months, and I would love to do the same for others too. I would like to finish my studies, search for a job, find also other ways of making income. My long-term goal is to help the lives of children who are unable to achieve their dreams because of finance.

Personal message

All my life, I have been reading fairy tale stories. And I recall making wishes from time to time whenever I read them. But it never came across my mind that my wish to go abroad will come true. Here I am today all in the name of B360 program. I am returning home with more knowledge about work and banks all thanks to my mentor and team. I had been living with a loving family who made me feel at home and I felt home indeed. I do not have the words to describe my Joy and how grateful I am to everyone that contributed to my successful stay in Switzerland. A wise man once said it always seems impossible until its done. From the bottom of my heart I would like to say thank you to everyone, for their time and effort to make me happy and provided me with all that I needed during my stay. Thank you very much once again, I am going to miss you all and wishing you all the best for the future.