Milambo Chanda
Swiss Life Investment Management Holding AG,
Economic Research
Master Student in Economics
The University of Zambia
February 01 - March 17, 2020
At worK
My internship experience was very rewarding and has prepared me for further career advancement. I was the first intern at Swiss Life Asset Managers, and I worked in the Economic research department headed by the Chief Economist Marc Bruetsch. The team I worked with is exceptional and focused on carrying out economic forecasts, research and analyzing macroeconomic and real estate indicators in both emerging and developed countries to support investment processes and sales. The internship helped me understand some aspects of being a successful economist as it provided me with the chance to apply theoretical aspects of my studies to the real world. I realized the importance of understanding and been abreast of economic trends while considering various outcomes and making projections about the possible economic outcomes. The internship has enriched my knowledge in data analysis, creativity, research, and writing and presentation skills. I learned new statistical software and had opportunities to write some columns of monthly publications. In one of the real estate projects I worked on I had the opportunity to present ideas about the content of the publication to other colleagues situated in another country. It was a learning and networking opportunity as I have amassed and shared a lot of information with great economists who I believe will remain influential guides in my academic and career life. I recognized the importance of teamwork and appreciated how tasks were given in complete confidence that they will be done the right way. The knowledge I acquired during my internship has equipped me with essentials to thrive in any work environment and meet the expectations of prospective employers. The team and mentors were supportive, accommodating, and interested to learn about Zambia and how different or similar life maybe as in Switzerland. Additionally, I got to interact with other employees in the company who worked in other departments.
My Swiss Host Family
I had the privilege of living with two wonderful families that really made my stay in Switzerland worthwhile. Jasmine and Marcus welcomed me in their home like their own, this made it easy for me to feel at home. In the third week, I moved to Agata and Rupen’s home, it was so easy to integrate into the family, their two children Mila Rose and Luca were delightful, and I consider them the younger siblings I never had. I highly appreciate the two families for the love and care shown to me during my stay. They were accommodating, we had meaningful conversations and they prepared several delicacies which I tried and really enjoyed. I learned a lot of different family practices and visited many places in Switzerland accompanied by them. Furthermore, I met their friends and shared experiences about work and our countries.
Highlights and Challenges in Switzerland
The biggest highlights of my internship were travelling to Europe, experiencing a different culture, acquiring the experience and skills I acquired, and visiting mount Rigi, Rheinfall, Zug, and Giacometti Hall to mention a few. I challenged myself to learn a few words in Swiss Germany per adventure I was in a public place and needed to ask something although language was not a barrier for me either at work or at home as my team and family conversed in English. A major Challenge faced was that of prematurely ending the internship due to the Corona Virus.
My Future Plans
My immediate plan is to complete a Master of Arts in economics. I hope to find a job that is aligned with my career aspirations and apply the knowledge I have acquired during this internship. In the future, I hope to further my studies in the economic field in order to expand my knowledge.
Personal Message
B360 education Partnership exchange program is a great initiative that presented me with a life changing opportunity of not only working in a Swiss work environment but also be able to have a cultural experience of how Swiss people live. I would like to take this opportunity to thank B360, my host family, mentors and team for the great opportunity that was given to me and for investing their time in me, it is one that I will live to remember and that will contribute to shaping my future. I would also like to encourage B360 to continue with this initiative as it has a positive impact on me and really make what seemed impossible at the time possible (travelling to a different world to work and have a sociocultural experience). This program has enabled me to see the world in a whole new way and has increased my zeal to make actionable change and groom others for the future and I am proud to be an alumna of B360.