Ransom Luwobo

Bank Julius Bär & Co. AG

Bachelor in Information Systems & Technology
University of Lusaka

February 01 - April 30 2026

At work

Before I started at Julius Baer, I expected a very formal and strict working environment, especially in a bank. I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that in the office, the atmosphere is completely relaxed. Anyone in the office is approachable regardless of position. Collaboration and personal relationships are encouraged, working hours are flexible and people are encouraged to take breaks, which boosts productivity. Having experienced the working culture firsthand, I can attest that it has given me a different perspective on how to approach tasks. I now put more emphasis on the quality of the work rather than the time taken to complete it. Not to say time is not important, but it is not the sole measurement of performance. I have also gotten to experience task scheduling and planning, which increases daily output because you already know what task you are going to be doing at which time.

My Swiss host family

During my stay, I lived with the Friedli family. I had a wonderful stay with the family. They gave me a home away from home. We had dinner together and had time to talk in the evening. We also got to explore new places in Switzerland together. A huge part of my experience in Switzerland was with the family at home or traveling around the country. I got to learn a lot about Swiss life and culture, and I could also share my culture with them. I really appreciate the family for opening up their home and their hearts for me.

Highlights and challenges in Switzerland

When I got out of the airport, the cold hit me like a wall. I knew it was cold, but actually experiencing it was something different. My host mother would tell me that “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes.” With the right clothes, I was able to adjust to the cold. That is just about the only negative experience.

Everything else was good. I got to travel around the country and visited places like Lucerne, Bern, Geneva, and Lugano. I also had the chance to travel to Milan and Rust. The highlight for me was how everything is so organized and on time. The trains are very reliable, and you can get to any place you want. The food was amazing, including the chocolate and the cheese.

My Future Plans

I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur. In the near future, I want to start my own business that will allow me to leverage modern technology to improve the quality of life within African communities. This internship has been a stepping stone towards achieving my goal.