As I finish my fifth week in Berlin, it is hard to believe that I am already halfway through my internship experience. This week was a great balance between work and enjoying the city. After spending last weekend traveling in Greece, it felt nice to settle back into life in Berlin and have what felt like a classic German week. One of the highlights was spending an afternoon in Tiergarten with my roommate. We rented a rowboat and spent a few hours on the water enjoying the nice weather. By the time we finished rowing, we were exhausted, so we treated ourselves to a hearty German meal afterward. I also spent some time shopping, trying new restaurants, and exploring more neighborhoods around the city. Another highlight of the week was meeting up with everyone from our program and visiting a Tempelgarten together. As each week passes, Berlin feels more familiar, and I continue to find new things to appreciate about both the city and German culture.
Throughout my time abroad, I have developed a variety of “soft” skills that will be valuable in both my professional and personal life. The skill that has grown the most is communication. My workplace is located in a coworking space that brings together people from many different countries and professional backgrounds. Throughout the internship, I have had opportunities to interact with people from across Europe, North America, Asia, and other regions. Even when everyone is speaking English, communication styles can vary significantly based on cultural background. I have learned to listen more carefully, ask clarifying questions, and be mindful of how I present my ideas. These experiences have helped me become a more effective communicator in diverse environments.
In terms of technical or “hard” skills, my internship has given me valuable experience working in marketing, social media, and event promotion. Throughout the summer, I have been responsible for creating content for social media platforms, writing captions, planning promotional campaigns, and helping communicate information about upcoming events. I have gained hands-on experience adapting content for different audiences and platforms, which has strengthened my understanding of digital marketing strategies. Additionally, I have learned more about the Web3 and blockchain industries, which were relatively unfamiliar to me before beginning this internship. Through research, content creation, and attending industry events, I have developed a stronger understanding of the terminology, trends, and business applications within this sector.
My global competencies have played an important role in helping me navigate cross-cultural situations throughout this experience. One competency that has been particularly valuable is cultural awareness. Growing up, I was exposed to different accents, cultures, and perspectives through both my family and my travel experiences. Research suggests that early exposure to a variety of linguistic patterns can increase cognitive flexibility and make it easier to adapt to unfamiliar communication styles. Looking back, I believe these experiences helped prepare me for living abroad. Rather than becoming frustrated or uncomfortable when encountering cultural differences, I tend to approach them with curiosity and an open mind.
My previous travel experiences have also taught me the importance of observing and respecting local customs. When visiting another country, I believe it is important to understand that you are a guest in someone else’s culture. Throughout my time in Germany, I have tried to pay attention to social norms and adapt my behavior accordingly. Whether it is waiting patiently at crosswalks, learning basic German phrases, or understanding workplace expectations, these small efforts demonstrate respect for the local culture and make interactions smoother and more meaningful.
Perhaps the most important global competency I have developed is perspective-taking. Living abroad has reminded me that there is rarely only one “correct” way of doing things. Different cultures often approach problems, communication, work-life balance, and social interactions differently. Experiencing these differences firsthand has challenged some of my assumptions and helped me become more open-minded. In a global business environment, the ability to understand and appreciate different perspectives is essential for effective collaboration and leadership.
As I continue my internship, I hope to further develop these skills and competencies. Every week presents new opportunities to learn from the people around me, both professionally and personally. This experience has already strengthened my confidence, adaptability, and cultural awareness, and I know these lessons will continue to benefit me long after my summer in Berlin comes to an end.
