Zubeda Yusuf

at work

During an enriching eight-week virtual internship with B360 Education Partnerships, I had the privilege of being one of six interns. This immersive experience covered a spectrum of courses, from Career Starter Week to invaluable ICT training, aimed at providing comprehensive insights into the multifaceted professional world while emphasizing essential office etiquette. During my internship with Credit Suisse under Susanne's supervision, my project focused on conducting qualitative research examining the corporate perspective on corporate volunteering. I conducted interviews with employees with direct experience in corporate volunteering at Credit Suisse and alumni of the B360 education partnerships, given its status as a partner organization of Credit Suisse. Their diverse perspectives illuminated various facets of corporate volunteering, ranging from cultural sensitivity to acquiring personal and professional skills that extended beyond their traditional line of work. The research findings substantiated the positive impact of corporate volunteering on employees. Furthermore, I honed new skills, including interview techniques, transcription, and thematic analysis based on the collected data.

My team, mentors and coaches

Susanne was not just an advisor and supporter; she proved to be an invaluable collaborator, guiding me with unwavering expertise and sharing her profound knowledge. With her background in communications, I was fortunate to glean invaluable wisdom on the art of persuasive and impactful writing from Susanne. Her exceptional precision and brilliance have left an indelible mark on my aspirations for the years to come. Throughout my internship I was fortunate to be part of an outstanding team of fellow interns, with whom I collaborated seamlessly on all group projects. Our collective vision was to foster a culture of inclusion and collaboration, where every voice was valued, and every contribution made a difference. Adding to my experience was the unwavering support of my coach, Rita Becker, who provided guidance on multiple occasions and invaluable feedback on my performance.

cultural exchange

The cultural exchanges during the internship focused on four themes: countries and their people, food and culture, music, and transportation systems. Presenters like Barbara, Michael, Mariela, Taylor, and Barbara Graf Horka shared insights on Switzerland's history, food, music, and transportation. These exchanges created a personal and engaging atmosphere. A special mention goes to my mentor, Susanne, who organized a cultural exchange, allowing me to learn about her native Germany and bridge the gap of a virtual internship, making it a rich and memorable experience.

Highlights and lowlights

The most remarkable aspect of this experience was the opportunity to cultivate fresh relationships with my fellow team members and the daily meetings I held with my mentor, Susanne. It was a heartening experience to witness the transformation of professional connections into genuine friendships within the confines of a work environment.

On the flip side, the sole drawback was the recurrent internet connectivity challenges I encountered, which at times disrupted the smooth progression of my work.

My future plans

I have envisioned a path of perpetual growth and unwavering dedication toward achieving my goals, with the ultimate aim of making a significant impact in any field I have the privilege to engage in. My immediate aspiration is to pursue a master's degree in Economics, building a solid foundation for further exploration across diverse domains like humanities and international relations. My overarching objective is to harness the knowledge gained during this internship to position myself as a pioneering leader in my chosen field.

Personal Message

I wish to extend my deep and sincere appreciation to the B360 Education Partnership and the University of Lusaka for bestowing upon me this remarkable opportunity. The internship has proven to be an enriching journey, fostering a profound sense of community and the exchange of valuable knowledge.

I offer my heartfelt thanks to B360 and all the stakeholders who made this experience possible.