Chiyamiko Maiba

At work

My internship in Global IT Service Management at Bank Julius Baer provided a dynamic introduction to the corporate IT world. Initially, the fast-paced environment and weekly rotations across seven teams felt overwhelming, but the guidance of my mentor and the collaborative spirit of my colleagues transformed this challenge into a growth opportunity. Each rotation – from IT Service Controlling to Application Operations – exposed me to new processes and frameworks, requiring adaptability and quick learning. A defining milestone was earning the ITIL Foundation certification, an achievement made possible by the generosity of my primary team, who waived the exam fee and would study with me twice a week. The hands-on tasks assigned during rotations, often completed working with team members, deepened my technical and problem-solving skills. Equally impactful was the consistent positive feedback from managers and peers, which reshaped how I see myself and gave me confidence in my ability to handle complex professional environments.

My swiss host family

Living with the families Huber and Bucher-Feller became an unexpected cornerstone of my Swiss experience. My initial worries about cultural barriers and how well we would get along went away within days of arriving. Both families welcomed me with warmth and curiosity, creating a space where mutual learning happened almost every day. We spent evenings exchanging stories about life in Zambia and Switzerland, cooked together, and embarked on weekend excursions to Lucerne, Zug, the Caumasee and Uetliberg. Their patience and their eagerness to include me in family activities – whether watching Swiss football matches or simply cooking together and sitting outside enjoying some sun – transformed their homes into sanctuaries of comfort. By the end of my stay, they felt less like hosts and more like extended family, embodying the Swiss values of hospitality and community.

Highlights and Challenges

The internship’s best highlight for me was finally going up a mountain, where the beauty of snow-capped peaks and green valleys really showed the nature and beauty of Switzerland. Equally meaningful were the connections forged with colleagues and locals, many of whom shared insights that broadened my global perspective. However, the journey was not without hurdles. Adapting to new teams every week demanded mental agility, as each group had distinct workflows and communication styles. Early homesickness also tested my resilience, though the strong support from my host families and mentor helped me reframe this challenge as a lesson in emotional adaptability.

Future Plans

Building on this experience, I intend to pursue a Master’s degree in IT Management or Cybersecurity starting in 2026. The internship solidified my belief in the transformative power of education, motivating me to eventually transition into IT training and mentorship. I aim to design programs that equip learners with practical skills. Certifications such as ITIL will serve as foundational tools in this journey, alongside the interpersonal and technical skills I learned during my time in Switzerland.

Personal Message

To my mentors at Bank Julius Baer, the families Huber and Bucher-Feller, B360 education partnerships, and every individual who contributed to this journey: thank you for turning a three-month internship into a lifelong chapter of growth. Your generosity taught me the value of cross-cultural collaboration, the courage to embrace discomfort, and the impact of kindness in professional and personal realms. As I move forward, I carry these lessons not just as memories, but as guiding principles for my life and career.