It was a unique experience: Beyond career growth, living and working abroad offers invaluable personal development.
Eimear
Communication and Media student moved to Belgium for her internship
Meet Eimear Stockmann, a third-year International Bachelor of Communication and Media student at Erasmus University Rotterdam. As part of her studies, Eimear moved to Belgium for her internship. If you are considering an internship abroad, read on to learn from her experience!
Why Belgium?
Eimear chose Brussels for her internship, joining Capgemini, a leading consultancy and ICT company. She specifically looked for an international experience, and Brussels, being close to the Netherlands, was the perfect destination. While studying in an international programme, she realised that going abroad would enrich her academic journey and professional growth. Initially, Eimear was searching for a consultancy internship. After numerous applications, she secured a position in Capgemini's life sciences team. Her responsibilities included internal and external communication, organizing workshops, creating slide desks, and coordinating meetings.
Work-Life balance in Brussels
Balancing a full-time internship while exploring Brussels came with its challenges, especially due to unreliable public transport. However, she made the most of her time, discovering the city’s charm. Being close to the Netherlands also meant frequent visits from family and friends.
Highlights of the internship
For Eimear, the highlight of her internship was the people she worked with at Capgemini. The company gave her independence, allowing her to attend meetings and participate in workshops. Her international background was valued and Capgemini appreciated her dedication to working in a new country. Through this experience, she gained valuable insights into how large international companies operate and improved her cross-cultural communication skills.
Living abroad for the first time
This internship was Eimear’s first time living outside the Netherlands. Initially, she was nervous but soon she realized that living abroad is very rewarding. The experience has inspired her to explore more international opportunities, starting with her upcoming master's programme in Ireland.
Advice for future interns
Eimear strongly encourages other students to consider an internship abroad. She highlights two key reasons:
- More opportunities: The job market in the Netherlands is highly competitive, so expanding your search internationally increases your chances of securing a great position.
- A unique experience: Beyond career growth, living and working abroad offers invaluable personal development.
Her top tips for finding an internship abroad:
- Use your network, tell everyone you’re looking for an internship.
- Respond quickly to companies’ messages.
- Research available scholarships early, Eimear missed out on the Erasmus+ scholarship because she wasn’t aware of it in time.