Kateule Musonda
bob Finance AG
Bachelor in Information Systems & Technology
University of Lusaka
February 01 - April 30 2026
Work Life: Bob Finance
My internship at Bob Finance AG was a highly transformative experience that bridged my academic and cultural background from Zambia with the Swiss professional environment. Through full immersion in the organization’s office culture and work practices, I developed both technically and professionally while gaining valuable international exposure.
Under the guidance of my mentor, Björn Scheiwiller, I learned to structure complex initiatives into manageable components, applying strategic planning and risk mitigation techniques to ensure sustainable project outcomes. My line manager, Olaf Haase, fostered an open and inclusive working environment that encouraged collaboration and idea‑sharing, enabling me to integrate quickly into the team and contribute confidently from an early stage. Adapting to the high Swiss professional standards strengthened my resilience, work ethic, and commitment to research, precision, and continuous improvement.
Working in a shared co‑working space further enriched my experience through networking, collaboration, and cultural exchange with professionals from diverse backgrounds. During the internship, I worked on an AI project and proof‑of‑concept AI chatbot designed to support customer service Agents by handling real‑time FAQs and reducing reliance on human agents. I used Microsoft Copilot Studio as the baseline technology to build and configure the chatbot, gaining hands‑on experience in applied AI solutions.
Overall, the internship significantly enhanced my strategic, technical, and interpersonal skills, while providing a valuable global professional perspective.
Swiss Home Life
Living with a Swiss host family for three months was a profound cultural exchange experience. I stayed with the Ochsner family, where I observed a family dynamic rooted in independence and open dialogue, particularly the way children are encouraged to take responsibility and openly engage in meaningful conversations – an approach that contrasts with more traditional norms from my upbringing in Zambia.
I never felt like a guest; I felt fully included as a family member. Daily shared meals, birthday celebrations, and regular check‑ins about my challenges and successes highlighted the value of open communication and strong family bonds. Through activities such as trying new foods and participating in local traditions like Easter chocolate hunts, I experienced genuine cultural immersion. My host family was consistently helpful and supportive, ensuring I understood unfamiliar aspects of daily life and had everything I needed during my stay.
Highlights and Challenges in Switzerland
I faced very few challenges while living in Switzerland, largely due to the strong support of my host family. One minor challenge was communicating with individuals who did not speak much English; however, this did not significantly affect my overall experience.
Travel throughout Switzerland and neighbouring countries was easy and convenient, thanks to the GA Swiss Travel Pass provided through One Peaks. During my stay, I visited several cities and regions, including Konstanz, Geneva, Basel, Interlaken, St. Gallen, Rapperswil, Zug, Lucerne, Milan, as well as destinations in France and Austria, among many others. The efficient public transport system made traveling seamless and accessible.
Through these travels, I was able to explore new places, experience different cultures, and participate in activities that broadened my perspective and opened my mind to new possibilities, both personally and professionally.
Future Plans
My immediate goal is to complete my bachelor’s degree by the end of this year. Thereafter, I plan to gain further international experience in the IT and AI field while continuing to train individuals and organizations on AI, structure, leadership, and business. In the long term, I aim to launch entrepreneurial ventures in AI, technology, and sustainable economic and environmental initiatives that contribute to positioning Zambia and Africa in the global digital and sustainability landscape.
Personal Message
I extend my sincere gratitude to the entire B360 team, host families, partners, and companies who made this life‑changing opportunity possible for Southern African students like myself. The exposure, skills, and values I gained will not be kept to myself – I am fully committed to sharing this knowledge and contributing to the growth and development of my home community. To everyone involved in this program, thank you for making a meaningful impact by empowering students to grow, give back, and positively influence society.
To future interns who may be reading this while preparing for or during their stay, I encourage you to embrace this opportunity with an open heart and an open mind. This experience has changed my life, and it has the power to change yours as well. Make the most of your time in Switzerland, fully engage with every experience, and cherish each moment – you will leave with memories, lessons, and perspectives that will stay with you for a lifetime.
