Tamandani Mwalusaka
Credit Suisse,
Quality Control and Performance
Master Student in Economics
University of Zambia
February 01 - April 30, 2023
at work
My time as an intern of Credit Suisse was exciting and a rich learning experience. I received a very warm welcome from my mentors and work colleagues. As I worked there I got to understand the structure of the company, the tasks of my team, and the accounting software and tools they used. I received lots of guidance and help from my mentor and team mates which made adapting to the work easy. The work environment was very flexible and accommodating. During the internship, I had the opportunity to contribute positively to the work of my team by developing some new files that sped up certain analytical tasks we did. This made me happy as it was a contribution to the team's productivity that would last even after I had left. Interestingly, my internship took place during the period when Credit Suisse faced serious challenges that necessitated the intervention of the Swiss National Bank and the takeover by UBS. It was interesting to see these events unfold and see how my colleagues and the company handled them.
My Swiss host family
My host family was nothing short of amazing. I lived with Jeannette and Martin who welcomed me into their home in Wangen Im Doernler with open arms. I truly enjoyed my stay with them. They took very good care of me and ensured I got to see and explore the beautiful country of Switzerland and its rich, unique culture and heritage. They explained the Swiss transportation system, taught me how to find my way around, and shared many wonderful Swiss meals with me such as Raclette, Cordon bleu, and Spinach Tart. I also got to meet some of their close friends and family, and visit places with them like the renowned Zurich zoo and the beautiful, expensive city of Zurich.
My highlights and challenges
The following were some of my highlights from Switzerland: Observing and learning from how organized and orderly the country is, e.g. the buildings, infrastructure and architecture, how well maintained the surroundings and environment are; Exploring beautiful and interesting locations within and outside Switzerland such as Zurich city, Lucerne, Zug, Geneva, Milan Italy and Konstanz Germany as well as seeing sites like the Chapel bridge, Mount Rigi, Lake Zug, the Geneva water fountain, the Duomo Dimilano Cathedral and the Galleria Vittorio shopping gallery; I also got to go bouldering (indoor climbing), ice skating, and have a snow ball fight. Seeing and experiencing snow for the first time was very exciting; Interacting with the other interns and preparing for the final presentation with them was also very refreshing and thrilling. I did not face any notable challenges during my stay in Switzerland besides the cold weather. However, this was easily overcome thanks to the warm jackets B360 provided, clothes suited for the cold, and the air conditioned/heated buildings and vehicles.
My future plans
After I complete my Masters studies in Economics at the University of Zambia, I desire to work for the Central Bank of Zambia as a financial economics analyst. I am also open to working in other financial institutions such as Zambia’s National Tax Authority in similar roles that focus on finance. I intend to later further my studies by pursuing a PhD in financial economics, lecture in Economics on a part time basis, and I hope to one day be able to start up my own financial consultancy.
Personal message
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Sabina Balmer, B360 education partnerships, and all B360 partners and associates who made this entire program possible. This is a truly phenomenal program and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in it. I am leaving this internship with invaluable skills, knowledge, exposure and experience that I will use to help improve and develop my country, as B360 intended. I encourage whoever has the opportunity to participate in the work of B360 or support it in any way to do so whole heartedly as it truly is worth investing in. To the future interns, enjoy your time in Switzerland and make the most of this unique, life-changing opportunity.
