So far, my internship and exploring the virbrant city of Berlin has been great. After the first week, I felt settled and comfortable around my colleagues and in the working space. I continue to learn more about the industry and the people working there. For example, on Mondays, there is an event called “Kaffe and Kuchen,” where you are encouraged to take a break from work, have coffee and sweet treats with others in the community. Here everyone comes to meet and talk, and discuss things other than work, like social issues. I can learn about what’s happening in Germany and other people’s perspectives. On Monday, we talked about stereotypes of Americans and Germans, so it was interesting to hear and see others’ opinions.

have encountered a few uncertainties and ambiguities in my internship. My position allows me a great deal of creativity, where I get vague directions for a task, and I get to pick which order I want it to go in. I had to write a blog news article about the Biennale Architettura in Venice, where my company had an educational board game to describe its circular ecosystem.

For this, I didn’t have a length it needed to be or any limits; I had complete freedom. I questioned whether I was doing it right or if my thoughts were clear. In addition, at first, this task seemed like a lot of responsibility to be published on their website; however, once I started breaking down the work, and tried to ease the pressure. I was here doing these tasks to grow, so it’s okay to make mistakes. When I finished this task, one of my supervisors read it over and gave suggestions. She told me not to be nervous or frightened at the edits and that it was important I did it on my own so I could then see who the company writes, like structure.

Other tasks and aspects include lots of more freedom. At first, it was unclear how long I needed to be at work if I had finished all my tasks. My manager I work closely with, told me the work week it’s very flexible, so if I leave work early one day, I can make up those hours another day. I do not have to log my hours, so I have to discuss with my team or supervisors what else they would like me to do and if I should work on helping them with other tasks.

I navigate these by embracing whatever comes to me and realizing that my job praises hard effort, even if it’s not the best. I needed to be confident to take the initiative and use my problem-solving skills. I continue to remind myself that clear communication is key, and gaining feedback helps me to learn and grow.

The company also has a Google Slides presentation that has everyone’s preferences, work style, triggers, how to get in contact, etc., so if something needs to be clarified on how to approach them, this helps me navigate it.

This past week and weekend were hot, and not having AC in most places was a thing to get used to. We went to a beach/lake this weekend to combat the heat, so swimming was excellent. The beach and lakes were pretty clean and nice. It was not a far journey, and it didn’t feel like I was still in Berlin; It was beautiful.

I also explored Potsdam with some of the other Pitt students. Potsdam was a cool place to explore, as it was only a 50-minute transit and felt so European. We saw huge palaces, castles, old paintings, and giant gardens. One was named the Sanssouci Palace, New Castle, and other gorgeous historic architecture. I felt like I was in a fairytale. Another place I explored was a place called Holzmarkt 25 to see the sunset. Its spot by the water felt like a small carnival and had places to eat, drink, and coves to sit by the water. It again felt very mystical and cute as there were gorgeous willow trees.

I continue to notice that the apartment/hotel we are staying in is pretty far from everything, so I have been exploring, learning, and navigating the transportation here. It’s great to get to many places all over Berlin and Germany. I continue practicing my work-life balance as this is my first internship. This is a new experience where I may continue to face uncertainty. I continue to work hard but still like to find time to explore.