Joy Samaria Chellah

At Work

During my internship at Julius Baer, I worked in the Application department on a real-world project focused on event registration flows using Flowable and JIRA. I applied my studies in software development, agile practices, and project management, gaining hands on experience in how IT systems function within a financial institution. Collaborating with developers, project managers, and IT professionals has strengthened my technical skills and boosted my confidence. I am deeply grateful to my mentors Thressiya, Pedro, Giuseppe and our incredible managers Simon and Claudia and the entire BPMs team, for their guidance and belief in me and for helping step out of my comfort zone even though it was challenging at times, and for making my work environment so fun and exciting. My time at Julius Baer was one of a kind.

Host Family Experience

Living with the Rohner family was one of the most eye-opening parts of my journey. From long debates about world issues and fun chats about life, fashion and self-development, I love the Rohner family with all of my heart. They became my second mother and father, and the most amazing, beautiful sisters. While adjusting to a new culture and environment was challenging, it brought growth. We developed mutual respect, and I learned about Swiss values while sharing a little bit about my Zambian roots. This experience did not just teach me communication, adaptability, and the richness of cultural exchange, they helped me discover my own identity.

Highlights & Challenges

Switzerland’s breath-taking landscapes, efficient transport and charming cities amazed me. I explored Zurich, Lucerne, Lugano, Geneva, Milan, Rome, Paris, and Germany, each place offering unforgettable memories. Traveling with friends, trying new foods, and learning how to navigate independently were highlights. Yet, balancing independence and household expectations taught me valuable lessons in responsibility and self-awareness.

Future plans

This internship affirmed my passion for IT and software development. I plan to specialize in system development, agile methodologies and inclusive technologies. In the long term, I want to build educational platforms for underserved communities, including a learning app for children with disabilities in rural Zambia, a goal I have held for a long time. Beyond that, I have also been inspired to use nature and technology to create sustainable systems, an initiative I plan to implement in my country. This experience has even sparked new dreams, like roller coaster engineering! My aspirations have grown far beyond what I ever imagined.

Personal Message

To the B360 team, thank you for this life-changing opportunity. Your support, especially from Sabina, Sybille, and Taylor, made all the difference. To the Rohner family, thank you for your love, wisdom, and for treating me like your own. To my mentors at Julius Baer, thank you for making me feel seen, capable, and empowered. To future interns: say yes, embrace the unknown, and allow this journey to shape not just your career, but also your soul.