Paulus Nanguti

AT WoRk

I was an intern at the LGT Private Bank in Bendern, Liechtenstein. I worked in the Group Accounting department, under the management of Patrick Egger and my supervisor and mentor Serena Zoller. My internship was particularly special because Richard and I were the first cohort of interns from B360 to intern at LGT and in Liechtenstein. I worked with a lovely and warm team that understood that this was my first industry experience and that I would be lacking in certain areas. They used this fact to educate me and relate the company systems to what we are taught in the classroom. I was responsible for the booking of payable and receivable invoices of an entity that I was assigned. I further assisted in the month end reconciliation and reporting.

Every other morning, Group Accounting and Bank and Business made their way to the second floor. Here, while sipping on some warm coffee, we would exchange cultural experiences, they would make suggestions of places I could visit and always listen as I spoke on my latest weekend adventures around their country. 

This internship has not only allowed me to evaluate my inherent abilities and potential, while further allowing me to gain the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience within the financial sector, but it has also been a learning moment into the Swiss and Liechtenstein culture.

Host Family

I had the pleasure of living with the Biedermann’s. A family of four, consisting of Peter, Helga, Regina and Judith Biedermann. The four welcomed me into their home and personal space, ensuring that I am always fed and taking on the role as my local tour guides. With the Biedermansn’s, there was never a waste of a day when the sun was out shinning. If we were not in the mountains of Tschappina, we would be on a hike trail in Malbun, at the Walensee, in Konstanz Germany or strolling through the streets of Feldkirch in Austria. When we were not travelling, we were in the kitchen baking fruit cake or cooking away some Rösti and Sausages or Capuns, with a glass of apple cider on the side. Conversations at the dinner table will always be one of my most treasured moments. This was where we exchanged various life experiences, we have all, as individuals, gone through.

Highlights and Challenges in liechtenstein

A huge highlight for me would always be how hospitable my host family was. How they took on the responsibility of elevating my swimming skills from beginner to intermediate level and the scenery in Liechtenstein. The forest and lakes never ceased to amaze me with how beautiful they were.  

A challenge I experienced was the language barrier. Locals here speak German, and some could not understand English, so one had to be creative in sending across the message when talking to them. I had online classes every other week while on weekends I had to do assessments. Finding a balance between the two required a lot of energy and commitment, because by the time I knocked off, I would be too tired to even study and on weekends, rather than going on certain excursions, I had to write tests.  

My Future Plans

I would want to complete my bachelor’s degree, get an honors degree in Accounting and hopefully a master’s in Financial Risk Management.  

Personal Message

No amount of words would ever be enough to express my gratitude towards the B360 team for organizing this opportunity. The LGT Private bank for availing its resources to my disposal during the internship and my hosts for making my stay comfortable. 

To the future cohort of interns, remember to make use of this opportunity to broaden your horizon, both in the office and outside of it. Use it to build a network that that can be of service if you ever find yourself on this side of the world again.