As you knew from the previous blog, I wanted to do an internship as I believe the practical experience is just completing the theoretical knowledge. And I was right, the learnings outcome was even more than what I expected. Despite it was very challenging and so stressful but I confess all the difficulties turned out into a beautiful learning journey. I went through many challenges that I wanted to share with you!

The first challenge was that my background or my previous study was social science, but the internship was based on natural science and a lot of chemistry. Thus, I had to read and study a lot to just understand what I observe and learn during the internship. However, being outside my comfort zone was really stressing but also enjoyable as I learned a lot about chemicals and production.


The second challenge was to analyse specific data to define a solution for the company’s problem. In order to analyse these data, I had to use “value stream map” which is a tool where you can use to overview materials used in any production line and examines the balance between waste and the cost efficiency. Thus, I also had to watch many videos on it just to understand how I can use this tool and create it myself.

The third challenge was to calculate numbers, which I really do not like at all 😊 but I had to do it, but I asked for a help from my supervisor at the company. The idea was to calculate how much waste that we can expect in yields for the coming years in the materials and the products at the same time. I did not enjoy it at all, but I would confess that I get a grasp on how to work on forecast for specific strategy.

The fourth challenge, to get in contact with externals and run meetings to seek the possibilities on the approaches the company can adopt to solve their issue. For this task specifically I had to be careful when I run these meetings for the sensitivity of the information that I talk about. So, what I did before these meetings I did quick research on materials and information that I need to discuss to just find generalize description for each substance as these materials sort of a secret ingredients for the company’s products.

The fifth and last challenge was to give a talk about the whole internship, the tasks, the data, the findings, and final consideration that the company can adopt. This challenge specifically was the hardest one as I need to give this talk to people that I do not know, and they are even more knowledgeable than me in this field. So, I was so careful of every detail that I wanted to present and to be ready for any question. However, the talk went very well, and I was happy with the people reaction.

Despite all these challenges but I am really happy and proud of myself and satisfied with all the learnings. Thus, I decided to write this blog post to just tell you that get yourself out of your comfort zone no matter what you will go through but at the end the results will surprise you!
Expose yourself to knew people, knew experiences, and knowledge and do not fear to do that as it will just get out the best of you.

//Heba
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