LAURA - UNITECH INTERNATIONAL

As part of the UNITECH International network, Laura was able to collect many impressions. In her story she takes us on the two-year journey.

Laura and her time in the USA - internship abroad & Corona

If one had asked me 6 months ago how I thought my internship experience in Indiana was going to be, I would not come anywhere close to this reality and yet, I would not change a bit of it.  

Let’s rewind 1,5 years when this adventure started. I decided to join the UNITECH network through my university in Barcelona. After group and individual interviews, as well as an intensive analysis of my cv: I was in! I was going to be part of a program that offered not only the opportunity to broaden my knowledge in core management subjects from one of the best universities in Italy, but I was also given early exposure to a multitude of careers within different industries.  

After six months of paperwork and decision making, I met Anna through a UNITECH networking event. We had a very engaging conversation about Evonik´s values, business strategy and opportunities and I soon understood there was no other company I wanted to apply for: I wanted to be part of Evonik.  

After some individual research and Anna´s help, I ended up in Indiana, USA and finally fulfilling my dream of working in the states. I am now six months through my one-year contract and the learning curve has been exponential.  

Urs, my manager, and the person that made this internship possible in the first place, has given me the opportunity to learn new tools that are currently driving the industry. He taught me that a true leader is someone, who can be close and friendly to their employees, while helping them reach their full potential.  

The reality of home office was not what I was aiming for or expecting when I decided to come and work in the United States. The truth is, that even though I am typing this from the comfort of my home instead of the office, I have still managed to connect with colleagues all over the world, gained significant experience in tools and topics that are driving the industry areas, and have gotten involved in local cultural activities.  

This two-year journey is coming to an end and the only thing I have left to wish for, is that my last six months will be at least as good as the first six. 

See you soon,
Laura

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In the networks@Evonik blog, members from networks with which Evonik cooperates report on their experiences with the network and their work with Evonik.

TAGS

#Networks #UNITECH #USA