Geoffrey Chitalu
LGT Bank (Switzerland) Ltd.
Bachelor in Information Systems & Technology
University of Lusaka
February 01 - April 30 2026
Participating in the B360 internship program and having the opportunity to complete my internship in Switzerland at LGT in Zurich has been one of the most valuable and life-changing experiences of my academic and personal journey. As a final-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Information and Technology Systems at the University of Lusaka, this opportunity allowed me to gain practical international experience, develop professionally, and grow personally in ways I never imagined. It was not only an internship, but also a journey of learning, cultural exchange, and personal transformation that has shaped both my career goals and my outlook on life.
At Work
During my internship at LGT in Zurich, I worked in the IT Support department known as Info Line. This department plays a critical role in ensuring that employees receive fast, reliable, and effective technical support for their daily operations. My daily responsibilities included onsite support, troubleshooting technical issues, BIOS resets, staging devices, FRM tasks, Ivanti tasks, user support, and assisting with e-learning systems.
Working in such a highly professional and well-organized environment taught me the importance of precision, efficiency, teamwork, and accountability. I had the opportunity to interact with experienced professionals who were always willing to guide, mentor, and support me. Every day presented new challenges and valuable learning opportunities that helped me strengthen my technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and confidence in handling IT-related responsibilities.
One memorable experience during my internship was assisting in resolving urgent device issues for users whose daily work depended heavily on uninterrupted system access. Quick troubleshooting, effective communication, and attention to detail were necessary to avoid delays in operations. I also participated in staging devices for new employees, ensuring that laptops and systems were properly configured and ready for immediate use. These experiences taught me how important IT support is in maintaining business continuity, especially in a financial institution where time, security, and accuracy are critical.
One of the most exciting parts of my internship was seeing how technology and finance work closely together in a large international organization like LGT. This experience helped me understand how IT systems support financial institutions and how essential technology is in ensuring smooth business operations. It also helped me appreciate how IT professionals contribute directly to organizational success and customer satisfaction.
My Swiss Host Family
My host family in Switzerland was truly amazing and became one of the best parts of my experience abroad. From the very first day, they welcomed me warmly and made me feel at home. Being far away from my family in Zambia was not easy, but their kindness, care, and support made the transition much smoother and more comfortable.
They were understanding, friendly, and always willing to help me adjust to a new environment and culture. I learned many things from them – not only about Swiss culture and traditions, but also about important values such as discipline, punctuality, independence, and respect for others.
We shared many beautiful moments together, from family dinners to meaningful conversations about life, culture, and different perspectives. They treated me like part of their family, and for that,I will always be deeply grateful
Highlights and Challenges in Switzerland
My stay in Switzerland was truly amazing and full of unforgettable experiences. Switzerland is a beautiful country with breathtaking landscapes, clean cities, efficient transport systems, and a peaceful environment. I had the opportunity to visit many beautiful places, experience a rich culture, and meet wonderful people from different backgrounds.
One of my favorite highlights was exploring Zurich and visiting beautiful places such as Lake Zurich, where I experienced the peaceful beauty of the city and its natural surroundings. I was also impressed by the excellent public transport system, where trains and buses operated with incredible punctuality and efficiency. This level of organization was inspiring and showed me how discipline contributes to national development and everyday life.
One of the things I admired most was how organized and disciplined everything is. People respected time, followed rules, and maintained a strong sense of responsibility in daily life. The people in Switzerland were also kind, respectful, and welcoming, which made my stay even more enjoyable and meaningful.
Of course, there were also challenges. Adjusting to a new culture, language differences, and being far from home required patience, flexibility, and adaptation. One challenge I faced was adapting to the high level of punctuality and strict work schedules, where time management was taken very seriously. At first, this was difficult, but it helped me become more disciplined, responsible, and organized in my own life.
This experience also made me reflect on how technology, discipline, and efficient systems can contribute to development back home in Zambia. It inspired me to think about how I can use the knowledge and exposure I gained to help improve systems and create positive impact in my own country.
My Future Plans
As I am currently in my final year at the University of Lusaka, this internship has played a major role in shaping my future goals. It has helped me bridge the gap between finance and information technology by showing me how both fields work together in real business environments.
This experience has motivated me to continue building my career in IT while also understanding the financial systems that depend on technology. I now have a clearer vision of the kind of professional I want to become – someone who can use technology to solve real-world business challenges, improve efficiency, and create meaningful impact.
I aspire to work in IT infrastructure, systems administration, and digital transformation, particularly within the banking and financial sector. My goal is to contribute to organizations by solving technical challenges, improving operational efficiency, and supporting innovation through technology. I hope to continue learning, improving my skills, and contributing positively to organizations and communities through professionalism, discipline, and innovation.
Personal Message
As I reflect on this incredible journey, my heart is filled with gratitude. First, I would like to thank my parents and siblings for their constant love, support, and belief in me. Their encouragement has always been my greatest strength and motivation throughout this journey.
I would also like to sincerely thank the University of Lusaka, B360 for making this life-changing opportunity possible. Your support and investment in young people’s futures is truly inspiring.
To LGT, thank you for giving me the chance to learn, grow, and experience a professional international working environment. I am grateful for every lesson, every challenge, and every opportunity that shaped me during this internship.
To my host family, thank you for opening your home and your hearts to me. Your kindness made Switzerland feel like home, and your support made my journey much easier, richer, and more meaningful.
Finally, to everyone who believed in me and supported my journey, thank you. I wish everyone success, happiness, and strength in whatever they choose to do in life. This journey changed my life, and I will always carry the lessons, friendships, and opportunities with me wherever I go. It taught me that with hard work, humility, discipline, and determination, anything is possible.
