During my time in Spain, I’ve been observing not only how people work, but also how success is viewed and measured in the workplace. Coming from the United States, where “success” in a professional sense is often tied to productivity, results, and efficiency, it’s been really interesting to see how those expectations compare to what I’ve experienced here. While many of the core values like being reliable, contributing to a team, and producing good work are similar, the way success is defined and demonstrated in the Spanish workplace is slightly different.

In Spain, professional success seems to be deeply connected to relationship-building and social awareness, just as much as it is to the quality of work produced. People here place a strong emphasis on interpersonal skills, and I’ve noticed that being seen as approachable, cooperative, and respectful can be just as important as being technically skilled. Success in the workplace isn’t just about how fast or efficiently you complete a task, it’s about how well you work with others, how you fit into the team, and how you contribute to a positive atmosphere. This approach values the human side of professional life, and in many ways, it creates a more relaxed, yet still effective work environment.

In my own internship, I’ve seen that a “successful” employee isn’t necessarily the person who works the fastest or speaks the loudest. Instead, it’s someone who is consistent, communicative, and engaged. Someone who participates thoughtfully, asks good questions, and contributes to a collaborative environment. There’s a lot of value placed on professionalism without being overly rigid, and there’s a general appreciation for people who are dependable but also easy to work with. I’ve noticed that people who take time to build relationships and show interest in others are often the ones who are trusted the most.

In contrast, back in the U.S., I think the definition of success is a bit more individualistic and achievement-focused. There’s often more emphasis on competition, speed, and personal accomplishments. Being the first to finish something, hitting measurable goals, or taking on leadership roles can often be what stands out. While teamwork and communication are still valued, the American work culture sometimes prioritizes results over relationships. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, just a different way of measuring and doing things.

These differences have made me reflect on my own professional habits and what kind of employee I want to be. In the U.S., I’ve often focused on being efficient, organized, and task-oriented. I’m used to checking things off a list and moving quickly to the next thing. But here in Spain, I’ve learned to slow down a bit and pay more attention to how I’m interacting with the people around me. I’ve started to realize that success isn’t just about what you accomplish. It’s also about how you carry yourself and how you make others feel in the process.

One specific example of this was during a cooperative project with my supervisor and a few coworkers, where I initially focused more on just getting my part done quickly and thoroughly. I wasn’t as focused on communicating with her, since I assumed doing good work would speak for itself. But I noticed that my they were spending more time discussing ideas, checking in with each other, and offering help, sometimes even before it was asked for. I realized that my more task-focused approach made me seem a little distant, even if I wasn’t trying to be. Once I adjusted and started engaging more in group conversations and informal check-ins, I felt more connected to the team and more in sync with how things operated. The final draft turned out quite nice too.

This experience has shown me that success, especially in international or cross-cultural settings, requires more than just technical skills or strong work ethic. It requires cultural awareness and adaptability. I’ve learned that being a successful employee in Spain means showing up consistently, contributing positively to the group dynamic, and being open to slower, more relationship-based processes. It’s about being present, being respectful, and being genuinely interested in your team—not just your to-do list or the task at hand.

I think one of the biggest takeaways for me is that there isn’t just one right way to be successful. Different cultures value different behaviors, and being able to adapt to those expectations is a skill in itself. As someone studying international relations and planning to work in global contexts, I know this lesson will be valuable moving forward. Understanding how success is defined in different places can help me become a more versatile and effective professional, no matter where I end up working