Justina Iilonga
Motorex AG
Bachelor in Chemistry
Namibia University of Science and Technology
September 01 - November 30, 2024
Work
As an intern at Motorex, I had the privilege of working in the Research & Development department, focusing on metalworking fluids used to enhance machining operations. Beyond my primary role, I had the opportunity to visit other departments, and this has not only allowed me to gain a comprehensive understanding of the company’s operations but also to explore my interests. My mentor, Parvin and supervisor Awais, played a significant role in my growth, ensuring I not only performed tasks but understood their purpose, which encouraged deeper research and critical thinking. This approach, coupled with the mentorship from my supervisor and other colleagues, significantly enhanced my problem-solving skills and confidence as a chemist. It was also great to connect and learn from work colleagues who come from other countries, and this allowed me to get introduced to new different cultures.
Family
Staying with my host family was one of the most rewarding parts of my experience. They warmly welcomed me into their home and made sure I had a comfortable start of my adventure. From sharing meals to attending excursions, events, concerts and travelling made adapting to a new environment enjoyable. I particularly love the time we spent telling each other stories at dinner and sharing our different musical interests with my host siblings, Pascal and Emilie. Their warm regards each morning before I leave for work and the delicious lunch packages always made my day. Their obsession with the Namibian wildlife and culture has always kept our conversations lively, as they wanted to know more and more about Namibia even though they visited it more than once :) I am looking forward to seeing and hosting them in Namibia as they hopefully visit again.
Highlights
A standout moment was visiting Paris with my host family and fellow interns - seeing the Eiffel Tower was a dream come true. I also cherished presenting Namibia’s culture to my colleagues, who appreciated the exposure. My culinary adventures included discovering Raclette, now my favorite Swiss dish, and enjoying the personalized lunches my host dad prepared daily.
Challenges
Alongside the good memories, and fun experiences, I also experienced challenges. The biggest challenge for me was the language barrier. I met a few people I could not communicate to as much as I wanted to because they can’t speak English. I had to use google translate or even sign language in these situations, lol. Navigating Switzerland’s transport system tested my punctuality, and adjusting to the colder climate was an ongoing effort.
Future plans
With support and possibly sponsorship, I plan to promote sustainability in Namibia, particularly through recycling and green economic initiatives. Professionally, I aspire to work in the oil industry as a research and development chemist or pursue my passion for starting a cosmetic brand.
Personal message
I am deeply grateful to B360 for this incredible opportunity and to Motorex for their support and exceptional training. To my host family, thank you for your hospitality, kindness, and the memories we created. To future interns, approach this experience with enthusiasm and curiosity. Embrace learning opportunities both in and outside the workplace - this is a chance to soar, don’t hesitate to take flight.
