Before beginning my internship, I remember being worried about nearly every possible element, from the commute, to potential language barriers, to whether I could contribute to the company. I can confidently say that within the first day, all of my worries were eased. Working in Barcelona has been nothing short of an eye-opening experience that has introduced me to a new corporate culture, and lifestyle. The work that I have been given has been incredibly meaningful and has only enhanced my passion for the supply chain industry.
This summer I have the opportunity to intern at Singularis, a construction company that creates ephemeral structures for corporate clients, including Google, Mazda, and Hard Rock Cafe. In addition to their standard operations, they have also recently sought to expand their clientele to include weddings and special events. I have had the opportunity to work directly alongside the CEO to work on several tasks that advance the company’s interest and align with my professional goals. Early on, I emphasized that I wanted to gain a deeper insight into the operations and logistics of the company, as that is most relevant to the supply chain field. I have had the opportunity to really immerse myself in these sectors of the company, while also exploring related fields such as market research and finance. The corporate culture here is in stark contrast to the United States, where hierarchy often dictates professional relationships. Throughout my internship, I have been able to develop a personal relationship with my supervisor. She has helped me navigate life in Spain and has always been willing to support me however possible. I have also enjoyed getting to work in different locations here. The two primary work environments are in a typical office space, shared by several companies, and the company’s warehouse and manufacturing center in the Poligon Industrial. Within the office space, there are individuals from several different companies and sectors, but they all spend time together and often have conversations before/after work or during breaks. Working in the company’s warehouse area is a bit different as there is a small office space attached to the remainder of the building. Here, I am able to complete my work, much of which happens on my computer, while also getting to see the construction in real-time. Additionally, my supervisor normally briefs me on meetings or relevant conversations she has. I noticed how many of them occur over WhatsApp or in person at a local coffee shop. Contrarily, in the United States, many business discussions often occur in a very formal setting.
Overall, I have had an incredibly positive experience in my internship thus far, and I am excited to see how I continue to grow and learn from this experience.
