Victoria Shuuya
Microbiology and Molecular Biology
Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW)
Bachelor student in Medical Laboratory Sciences
Namibia University of Science and Technology
August 01 - October 31, 2018
Working at ZHAW
Even though my time working as an intern at ZHAW has not been too long, my experience there was incredible. Being able to apply the skills I had learned in class provided me with a sense of accomplishment. I was working on 5 different projects and at first my role in the projects seemed small, but it became clear to me that it was crucial to the overall success of the projects. I got hands-on exposure to research projects carried out in close cooperation with industrial partners. The people whom I worked with were outstanding, they were very helpful and supportive. I had the best supervisor who made my job easier by providing clear guidance and helped me work more effectively and efficiently. I learned a lot of new things, some are not even related to my career path. Apart from practical experience, I also gained transferable skills like teamwork, project management, research and analytical skills, networking, communication and flexibility. I also learned to be independent and this helped me to make better decisions and be more open to people and new opportunities.
My Swiss host family
My host family was very welcoming and generous. My host family helped me get to know Switzerland better through a local perspective. They made me feel comfortable in a foreign place and helped me gain a better cultural understanding. Despite the language barrier, my host father went out of his way to make sure I was comfortable. Living with my host family pushed me to immerse myself into new things like trying out some new food.
Highlights and challenges in Switzerland
I enjoyed my Switzerland travels, especially my visits to the town of Lugano and Saas Fee. Lugano felt like being in a different country because it had a bit of everything, it gives you Switzerland with an Italian accent. I enjoyed the splashy, zesty, Mediterranean ambience. I will never forget my visit to Saas Fee, seeing snow for the first time was a very special moment for me, it was just so magical. I was faced with significant language barriers especially at work and public places like public transport and shops. There have been many moments where I felt left out or I just felt silly.
My future plans
I plan to complete my honors degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences. After that, I leave everything in God's hands because He alone knows the future and He will make it all work for my eternal good.
Personal message
This opportunity was something new and it really pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow as a person. This internship allowed me to take what I have been studying in school and actually apply it in the industry. I will forever be grateful to B360 education partnerships for this amazing opportunity.