As March quickly approaches, I enjoy reflecting on all of the memorable experiences that I have had thus far in this experience. Undoubtedly, one of the most impactful aspects of my journey has been my international internship. I am thankful to have the opportunity to meet and become close with native Florentines while gaining a more diverse business perspective.

When I first started at BCargo, my initial interactions with my supervisor left a lasting positive impression. I observed his enthusiasm for the company he founded and the considerable time and effort that he dedicated to ensuring clients receive an outstanding service experience and the highest value product. My supervisor actively engaged me in the company’s vision, eagerly brainstorming new ideas for marketing and strategy. This collaborative process involved absorbing detailed outlines and posing follow-up questions to enhance my understanding. This early phase required a form of perspective shifting, a skill inherent to cultural intelligence, as I navigated through the nuances of the company’s goals and strategies.

While I learned early on that my supervisor would be supportive, there was still an adjustment period. At first, expectations were not drawn out beyond a simple role description, and this would have to be something that we collaborated on. There was unfamiliarity on both sides, making our initial planning conversations pivotal to identifying a scope of work. In the same vein, my supervisor assigned more structured projects at the start as he familiarized himself with my skills and experiences. However, as time progressed, a growing trust in my judgments and ideas became evident. This trust translated into increased freedom in managing current projects. This has allowed me to be more confident in my ideas while I have become more acquainted with BCargo’s ideology and mission. 

One particularly exciting project that originated from my brainstorming is the creation of a professional video for advertising purposes. This endeavor involves capturing the essence of BCargo, featuring footage from the bike lab, interviews with the CEO explaining the company’s origins and purpose, and testimonials from past customers. The inclusivity of customers, both businesses using BCargo bikes for deliveries and individuals for personal use, adds a diverse and authentic dimension to the video. An enjoyable aspect of this project was the opportunity to interact with employees during filming sessions, fostering connections such as a lunch and chat with a local catering company’s staff.

Reflecting on my internship experience, it has been immensely fulfilling thus far, and I eagerly anticipate what lies ahead.