Sara Dionisiu

At work

I received the opportunity to work at LGT Bank in Zurich in the Management International Office and it was indeed a great experience. My first day at work was great, I received a warm welcome from my mentor and colleagues. Everything was well organized and lucky me, I received a couple of gifts. I was introduced to many people that day and I could not remember a single name at the end of the day.  It was quite an adjustment for me, especially learning how to type with the German keyboards.  We were only three in our team, and we supported the front workers on a daily basis. I had several tasks and never got bored because I learned something new every day. Some of my tasks involved writing reports about inflows and outflows, PowerPoint presentations on onboarding trainings and any other trainings for the relationship managers. My mentor was very supportive and always helped me with things I didn’t understand. My department should’ve been called the sweet department because we had sweet treats almost every day. I picked up some traditions from my team like being punctual and always sharing some sweet treats when its someone’s birthday or when someone leaves for vacation.

Host family

I am glad my host family wasn’t vegan. Ruth and Bruno were the best host parents and I always felt at home. I loved that we always had dinner together. Bruno loved to cook and almost every evening we had a home cooked meal. One of Bruno’s specialities is risotto with mushrooms which I loved. We were a sweet tooth family because we loved having ice cream almost every night after dinner. One of my favourite desserts I had at home was the “hot love” which is vanilla ice-cream with hot raspberries. Every time after dinner we would sit around the table, telling stories and cracking jokes. I was able to learn about the Swiss cultures from Ruth & Bruno.

Highlights and Challenges in Switzerland

I enjoyed trying out a variety of cuisines from Italian, Asian, West African, Mexican, Japanese, Lebanese, and Swiss food. Swiss food was indeed my favourite. I enjoyed that I was able to socialize and meet new people. The LGT Casino Royale party was amazing and I got to experience how people have fun in Switzerland.

I only had two challenges; Firstly, I found it hard to balance work and school. The first couple of weeks I was always exhausted and wanted to sleep more. I struggled to manage and plan my study schedules. Secondly, being around people that mostly spoke German.

My Future plans

My motto is “living life without fear” and I live by that every day. I enjoy gaining new insights or experiences in life and I wish to continue doing so. I wish to finish my bachelor’s degree in Accounting this year and further my studies in the Accounting and Finance field. I wish to do my Honours Degree next year and thereafter my master’s degree. I plan on gaining the relevant experience which will help me become a young and qualified professional. I plan on sharing the knowledge I acquire throughout my life with future accountants and students. I love traveling and I plan on doing more road trips around my home country.

Personal message

I am grateful to B360 for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the Northbound program. This program has not only added value to my career path but my life in general. I will cherish the memories and lessons I acquired and carry them with me wherever I go. To the future interns, make yourself, B360, NUST and Family proud. You are destined for greatness, so make the best out of it. Don’t forget to have fun!