I’ve been lucky to have the opportunity to do my master’s summer internship at Katrium, a distinguished business process outsourcing firm located in Europe. With headquarters in Estonia, Katrium provides a diverse range of services, including market research, contact centre solutions, and business consulting. I started my journey in July 2024, which was the ideal time to be in Estonia, which is famous for its cold winters. During the period of two months, in order to gain some realistic experience in the European market and make meaningful contributions to actual projects, I’ve worked on researching and writing blogs. Moreover, I participated in the recruiting process, operated and edited databases, as well as translated transcriptions. As a whole, I had the pleasure to be a member of a small yet dynamic team, which made my summer internship experience both engaging and profound.
A close-knit team environment
Working in a team of just eight people offered me a unique advantage. I collaborated closely with team members from different countries, and each member contributed their distinct knowledge, working culture, and insights to enhance our project. Fewer team members necessitated my active engagement. I participated in discussions, contributed to brainstorming sessions, and played a role in the execution of projects. This degree of involvement allowed me to gain a solid understanding of the company’s operations and the nuanced details of the services it delivers.
Diverse learning opportunities
Katrium’s complex structure as a company allowed me to experience and engage in a variety of tasks and responsibilities. Throughout my summer internship, I engaged in a variety of projects that involved several departments, ranging from market research, running job application interviews, data operations, and translation. Every task I engaged in presented unique challenges; which were essential in enhancing my overall skill set.
One of the most significant projects I worked on was collecting and editing a database for the company and interviewing applicants to recruit for a temporary project in Europe. These projects presented significant challenges. However, they also rewarded participants by enhancing their analytical skills. Furthermore, they emphasised the necessity of thorough attention to detail.
Mentorship and guidance
The mentorship I received at Katrium was one of the highlights of my summer internship. Regardless of their individual positions, each team member was continually eager to share their expertise and offer assistance. The team’s commitment to collaboration was clear.
My supervisor played a crucial role in my professional growth. They frequently provided constructive feedback that helped me to improve my work skills and inspired me to adopt a more independent and critical approach to my work. My colleagues were also helpful and enlightening to me during this journey. The mentorship provided in the workplace established a supportive atmosphere that helped to ask questions freely without any reluctance.
Overcoming Challenges
Like anyone in a summer internship, I encountered a variety of challenges. I worked in an office, but because of the nature of the company, the CEO was located in another country, which required exceptional communication skills and effective time management skills. However, the team’s use of digital tools and regular check-ins ensured a seamless experience in remote collaboration. Furthermore, adjusting to the dynamic pace of work at Katrium required me to quickly assimilate and apply new principles, which not only pushed me outside my comfort zone but also refined my problem-solving skills.
Conclusion
My time at Katrium as an intern was a valuable experience that enhanced my professional skills and personal development. The experience I got through, paired with a supportive team environment, provided me with skills and a real-life experience in the Baltic countries. I’m pleased for the privilege to work with such an amazing team and participate in tasks and projects that had a meaningful impact on the company and its clients.
As I move forward in my professional journey, I’ll remember my experiences at Katrium fondly. The experiences I had, the difficulties I navigated, and the friendships I formed will certainly play a significant role in my future activities. Katrium has played a crucial role in advancing my career while also being an environment where I recognised the essential qualities of cooperation, determination, and continuous learning.
If you want to join the team and start your internship, you can apply here.
