Spending my summer working in Madrid has challenged many of my assumptions about what it means to be a successful professional. In the United States, success in the workplace is often measured by productivity, efficiency, and the ability to meet goals quickly and independently. There is a strong emphasis on metrics, constant output, and ambition. Promotions and recognition are often tied to how much an individual can accomplish in the shortest amount of time. However, my experience working at Fundación ACOBE has shown me that the definition of success can vary widely depending on cultural context. Here in Spain, professionalism is deeply rooted in human connection, emotional intelligence, and creating a welcoming environment. Tasks are not simply to be completed—they are opportunities to build trust and communicate with care.
At my internship, I have been responsible for answering phone calls, responding to messages, greeting clients, and handling paperwork, all in Spanish. While these tasks may seem administrative, they hold greater meaning in the context of ACOBE’s mission. Clients who walk through our doors are often dealing with complicated legal, social, or immigration issues. Success in this environment does not mean rushing through forms or speaking quickly to maximize output. Instead, it means showing patience, understanding, and empathy. My coworkers take the time to explain complex processes to clients who may not speak fluent Spanish, and they are intentional about making people feel heard and supported. This relational approach has taught me that being an effective employee is just as much about interpersonal skills as it is about completing tasks.
One of the first things I had to adjust to was the slower pace of communication. In the United States, I am used to sending an email or message and receiving a response within a few hours, if not immediately. In Madrid, communication is less about speed and more about comfort and clarity. People take time to talk, whether in person or over the phone, and the idea of “urgent” looks very different. At first, I was frustrated by how long it would take to receive direction or feedback. I felt unproductive, like I was waiting around instead of moving forward. Over time, I came to see this pace not as a sign of inefficiency, but as a sign of cultural difference. Spanish work culture prioritizes presence and emotional intelligence over quick results. There is more flexibility built into the system, and that allows for a healthier balance between personal and professional life.
I also noticed a difference in the way hierarchy plays out in the office. In the U.S., I have often worked in environments where there is a clear separation between interns and full-time employees. Titles and experience determine access and decision-making, and there is an unspoken formality between roles. At Fundación ACOBE, the structure is much more horizontal. My supervisor interacts with me casually and supportively, and I never feel like I am “just” an intern. I am encouraged to contribute, to ask questions, and to learn without fear of making mistakes. This dynamic has allowed me to develop more confidence and take on responsibilities that I might not have sought out in a more rigid structure. Being treated like a valued member of the team helped me grow faster and feel more engaged in my work.
This experience has also sharpened my global competencies, especially my ability to interpret and adapt to different cultural expectations. At the beginning of the internship, I applied the American lens of success to my work in Madrid, assuming that speed and independence were the most important traits. However, I quickly realized that cultural humility was essential. I had to listen more carefully, observe how others interacted, and adjust my own behavior to align with the environment around me. That shift helped me become more open-minded and more comfortable with ambiguity. I learned that being globally competent is not about imposing one model of professionalism—it is about recognizing that success looks different across contexts and learning how to thrive in each one.
This new understanding of professional success has also influenced the kind of leader I hope to become. Before this internship, I would have described my leadership style as reserved. I preferred to work quietly and independently, and I avoided taking up too much space. But watching my coworkers model leadership through collaboration, kindness, and consistent presence showed me that leadership does not have to be loud to be effective. It can be relational, grounded in empathy, and built through everyday actions. I now see that being a successful leader includes the ability to adapt, to support others, and to create environments where everyone feels respected and heard.
As I prepare to return to the United States, I know that I will carry these lessons with me. I now understand that professional success is not only about what you achieve individually, but also how you show up for others. It is about knowing when to slow down, when to listen, and when to support. Working in Spain has expanded my definition of success beyond productivity and reminded me of the value of emotional intelligence and cultural awareness. Whether I am working in an office in the U.S., abroad, or in a hybrid setting, these are the competencies I will continue to develop. This internship did not just teach me how to do my job—it taught me how to approach work with humanity, patience, and cross-cultural understanding.
