Moin! That’s simply a regional
greeting from where I have been living these past few months, Hannover, Lower
Saxony (Niedersachsen). When I got the job as the Facilitation and Program
Manager working for a niche leadership, technology, and advisory service firm and
moved to Germany for the summer I had no idea what would be in store for me. I
knew I would be designing and facilitating learning sessions for various
clientele. I would be helping to improve the company for which I worked. I
would be working hand in hand with the CEO to help refine business processes which
focused on human centered design and systems thinking methodology which I was
able to master at MIIS in my previous semesters. What I did not know was how
much networking my boss wanted me to do. This happened to be the highlight of
my experience this summer, as well as what I learned most from the work I got
to be a part of these past few months.
There was a steep learning curve to
the work my boss wanted me to do and for the first month of work I felt
completely incompetent and I had a terrible case of imposter syndrome. “Why am
I here and why did I think I could do this job?” Then I remembered something I
learned from my days on the stage and in theater, I simply had to fake it to
make it. I also remembered countless teachings from MIIS about what I needed to
do and how I could do it. So, for the next few weeks I did as much research as
I could on what he needed from me, how I could shine through it all, and
lastly, ways in which I could help the company grow.
I came up with a social marketing
plan and launched it to the CEO, to my surprise he loved it! I was shocked. I
had no idea what I came up with would ever make it anywhere. He was thrilled
with the idea of networking to get closer to clients and supporters in Germany
and he was happy he had a friendly person willing to do the ground work to make
it happen. I got in touch with InterNations, a company working with Expats in
Germany looking to make connections in the area to help build businesses, NGOs,
and friendships abroad.
There are a number of experiences
which I was a part of this summer that impacted not only my personal life, but
my professional career. My immersive learning experience provided to me
affected how I view myself in a professional setting. I would say this affected
me on a personal level because before this summer I was not sure I could
consider myself a professional. Now, after having several successful projects finished
with clients and feeling positive about the work I submit to the CEO I feel
confident in my skills and abilities as a professional in this world.
As for the professional setting, not
only did I gain skills in Dynamics 365 CRM, I also created a training
curriculum for the program, and started a networking template to build and expand
the company. I was able to meet people from all over the world through
InterNations and I know these connections will also aid in my future career
prospects. My experience this summer was an unforgettable one, one which would
not have been possible without the support of my home institution Middlebury at
Monterey, the Immersive Learning Experience program, and also my own
determination, to seek out opportunities wherever I may be.
Danke und auf Wiedersehen (Thank you and farewell)
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