Ronnie Philander
Credit Suisse,
Investement Accounting COO/Operations Asset Management
Bachelor Student in Accounting CA, Economics/Finance and Accounting
Namibia University of Science and Technology
February 01 - March 17, 2020
AT work
From the first day, I started working at Credit Suisse the team that I was assigned to were really friendly and welcoming. I was welcomed with a box of chocolates and a short welcoming note. Some would always invite me to lunch if I didn’t have other plans. They were a pretty diverse group and we made use of the lunch and coffee breaks to get to know each other's cultures, they would advise me on the different career paths and must-see places of Switzerland. They were really helpful too, letting me know that if I had any trouble, I could come to either one of them whenever I struggled with something. My mentor was really helpful and supportive as well and would always recognize the work I've done by either thanking me for actually doing what I was supposed to or telling me I did a good job. That was pretty uplifting. During my time at Credit Suisse, I managed to obtain a lot of skills and knowledge. Through the presentations and introduction sessions, we got to know what the bank is really about and how it operates, especially the asset management division. With the tasks I was given I learned better time management and how to organize my tasks in a way to not only get them done in time but actually do it correctly and understand what I was doing. Another thing I picked up from my team was punctuality. That’s just how all Swiss people are. Through the tasks I was given, I managed to improve my Excel skills and computer literacy. Overall, the work environment was truly conducive.
My Swiss Host Family
Life with our hosts was really amazing and interesting at the same time. They received us with a very warm welcome at the airport, with our host mother giving both me and the friend that I was living together with tight hugs, already giving off that motherly love. Our host mom Elizabeth was pretty hands-on from the get-go. From her amazing cooking to the Sunday walks she always strived to make us feel welcomed and at home and to be honest we did. She checked up on us regularly. Every day after work actually she would ask us how our day was if we had any challenges and always ensuring that we were good. She was pretty interested in getting to know our cultures too. I mentioned her food was amazing and it was pretty amazing alright. We were fed until our bellies couldn't take it anymore. I remember the time we had a test week, she gave us advice on how to study and how long we should sleep. She was really supportive during that time which was a bit stressful, but she just made it a little bit more bearable. Our host father Hans was pretty dope too. He would always inform us about the weather conditions or tell us about any transport issues that we might encounter as he was always up in the mornings when we got up to go to work. He struggled a bit with English but as time went on his English drastically improved and we started having chilled conversations. The time we spent with them was great, we felt part of the family and to be honest, we felt like Kings because we didn't do much except wash dishes sometimes. Elizabeth and Hans would take us exploring whenever we had free time especially on weekends, they would travel with us somewhere in order to make sure that we get to see as much as we could. I am really grateful to both of them for an amazing time!
Highlights and Challenges in Switzerland
I explored a lot while I was in Switzerland with both my hosts and friends. What really stands out was the time we went to Amden, which is where I built my very own first snowman or should I rather say snowwoman and went sledding for the first time. Our host mother took us there and we spend almost half of the day playing in the snow and having fun. The only challenge I was getting used to how introverted Swiss people were. Coming from a country where people are extremely open and like socializing it took me a while to get used to but eventually, I did as I realized that Swiss people just really like doing their own thing.
My Future Plans
My time in Switzerland opened my mind to a lot of possibilities. I realized that you shouldn't limit and at the same time put a lot of pressure on yourself to have everything figured out. Things take time to really come together and what matters is to do the little things that lead to everything coming together. My goal has then and still is to complete my degree in accounting and become a CA. I have also set my sights on identifying more opportunities to be able to travel abroad, network and gain experience to bring back home.
Personal Message
I would like to extend my gratitude and humble things to everyone that made this opportunity of a lifetime possible. I truly gained a lot of personal development, soft skills, was able to network and explore. I would also like to encourage B360 to continue with the southbound and northbound programs as well as encourage those that are exposed to such an opportunity to make use of it. Thank you B360, Credit Suisse, host families and all partners involved. I had an amazing time!