Munyaradzi Chadenga
Mediaschneider AG
Bachelor in Communication
Namibia University of Science and Technology
February 01 - April 30 2026
At Work
Over the course of a three-month professional internship at Mediaschneider in Zurich, I was fully integrated into the demanding environment of a leading media agency. My time at Mediaschneider provided a comprehensive deep dive into the mechanics of modern media planning, strategic client engagement, an ethical use of AI and the practical application of emerging technologies within the industry.
A cornerstone of this experience was the mentorship provided by Andreas Weiss, the chief strategy officer. Under his guidance, I transitioned from academic theory to professional execution. Andreas played a pivotal role in my development, offering consistent support across a plethora of responsibilities. Our collaboration was characterised by a transparent exchange of ideas, where I was encouraged to contribute to media strategy, pitch presentations: crafting compelling narratives and visual assets for high-stakes client acquisitions, market research, business analysis and AI integration.
Additionally, the operational standard at Mediaschneider is exceptional and they hold a high degree of professional constructive collaboration. The workplace is structured yet fluid, allowing for seamless communication across departments. The culture was remarkably accommodating. The team demonstrated a genuine commitment to my growth, ensuring I felt supported throughout the three-month tenure.
The internship at Mediaschneider has been an invaluable chapter in my journey. It provided the perfect environment to refine my skills in media strategy and AI application while experiencing the high standards of a premier Swiss agency. I conclude this period with a profound appreciation for the mentorship received and the sophisticated professional culture at Mediaschneider.
The Rothlin Family
The Rothlin family was exceptional. There was never a dull moment or a time where thoughts of feeling unwelcome would creep unto me. Claudia and Walter are down to earth people, amazing parents to their sons, Lukas and Tobias who I got along with very well. We often shared stories of how different our cultures are. We accepted the differences and appreciated the similarities. Staying with the Rothlin family gave me a distinct set of eyes on how to manage different life situations.
My time would not be complete without mentioning how good a cook Claudia is. She always made soul food that I enjoyed all the time. My colleagues at work would usually drool over my food and complimented how good it was. Nothing comes close to how good her morning cereal is. I will remember will always remember how caring she is.
Walter is composed, witty, and highly intelligent. We share a deep appreciation for classical music but the most profound lesson I have learned from him comes from observing his daily habits. He possesses a remarkable Do It Yourself spirit, whether it is a mechanical failure, an electrical issue, or a software glitch, he always insists on tackling the repair himself before ever considering outside help.
Lastly, thank you Rothlin family for taking time to tour Switzerland with me.
Highlights and Challenges
Reflecting on the past three months alongside my internship at Mediaschneider, my time in Switzerland has been defined by incredible mobility, stunning landscapes, and a few unique seasonal adjustments.
My Highlights:
Swiss Travel Pass: The Swiss transit system completely unlocked the country for me. I was able to extensively explore diverse cantons and regions, with standout visits to the Mediterranean flair of Ticino and Locarno, the historic capital of Bern, and the beautiful alpine environments of Laax and Braunwald.
Additionally, the seamless international connectivity: The efficiency of the transit network extending beyond Switzerland's borders was astonishing. The ease of cross-border travel made visiting neighbouring countries – such as my weekend trips to Austria and Liechtensteincompletely frictionless and accessible.
Breathtaking Landscapes: Whether on a local train or crossing international borders, the scenic beauty of the region remained consistently spectacular and was a defining backdrop to the entire experience.
My only challenge was a brief clash with the winter weather during my daily routine. Cycling home from the Wangen station in the middle of a snowstorm proved to be quite the physical challenge, though thankfully, it was a one-time occurrence!
My future plans
Upon completion of my Bachelor of Communication degree. My primary objective is to drive the evolution of the communication and advertising sectors across Africa. I aim to implement innovative media strategies and sophisticated messaging frameworks that elevate industry standards and ensure African brands resonate powerfully on a global stage. By bridging the gap between traditional practices and modern digital insights, I intend to foster a more dynamic advertising ecosystem that empowers local voices and delivers clear, impactful narratives to diverse audiences.
Building on this vision, I plan to integrate my expertise with the tourism sector to champion the untapped potential of Zimbabwe and the broader African continent. My goal is to craft and project a deliberate, authentic image of the region, utilizing high-impact storytelling to reshape global perceptions and drive sustainable growth. Through these efforts, I am committed to ensuring that every campaign not only reaches its intended audience but also leaves a lasting, positive footprint on the continent’s landscape.
Personal message
Many thanks go to B360 for this initiative. It opens doors and I will forever be grateful for taking part in this exchange as I was able to learn and enlighten those I have I have come across. The cultural exchange was beneficial, and I had the opportunity to teach colleagues about Africa.
For those who will come after me, my message is: The greatest lesson I have learnt in this life is to keep trying, no matter what. The next day is always better, it does not matter how desperate today is or how desperate things appear now, there is always a possibility of turning things around. Failure is a normal, embrace it as the teacher it is, always use it as a reference point for failure is not the issue, rising is!
Lastly, it is important to have an independent thought process, it can be difficult to make decisions in this life. Eventually, you will discover that people will respect you for making decisions and sticking to them.
