Kimberly is a very nice and hardworking young lady from Germany. She had her internship within Erasmus + project in the 2016 and then she returned to Portsmouth as her work placement invited her to come back.
We decided to meet Kimberly and ask about her experience.
* Tell us about your experience in Portsmouth, UK, when you came for your internship: when and for how long you were here last time, and what you were doing?
I came at the beginning of March until beginning of April for 4 weeks. The first apprenticeship was from school. I also worked at the same company I’m working now.
It was really good – I got an opportunity to gain a lot of experience. I was their first intern even – so it was interesting to see how they work with me.
During the internship, I was doing administration tasks and answering a lot of phone calls, contacted architects, created databases.
* Was it a useful experience for you both professionally and personally?
It was definitely!
I improve my English language skills and get to know how English companies operate, which is very different from Germany.
Personally I grew up much more, as I had to live on my own. Initially I was afraid speaking English, but as I had to take a lot of phone calls, my skills improved. I was afraid at the beginning, but I understood people better with each time I spoke. Also my confidence grew and I now believe more in my skills and abilities.
I have even started to drink English tea – I love it! At the beginning I was sceptical, but then I got fond of it. The perception about English food abroad is very different from reality – they say it is not good, but is not true at all! In UK, you can enjoy the food from various parts of world!
* How did the IBD Partnership help you? How would you describe their services and attitude?
The IBD Partnership organised the work placement and host family. I would really recommend their services. They met me when I arrived and gave me the information pack with useful information. I found really good that they made sure I reach host family and they took me to work placement of the first day.
* Would you recommend these programmes to others? And also IBD?
Yes, definitely!
Every student should gain this experience by going abroad and growing, gaining more impressions and professional experience! Everyone should take this opportunity!
I would recommend The IBD Partnership! They are all friendly and always try to help!
* What are you doing now?
I have returned to UK for another internship in the same company! My company gave me the opportunity to work here. And I have new tasks and duties – I actually now get to supervise other interns!
After my studies I plan to travel more. I have been to Spain this year! Afterwards I plan to work in export and international sales, also cooperate with UK companies!
* Any other comments?
4 weeks always run very fast! I would like to stay longer!