From First Steps to New Goals: My Internship Journey at LNDS
Welcome back inside LNDS! I am Pauline, and over the past few months, I’ve had the privilege of working as an intern in the LNDS Communications team. This blog series has been one of my key projects and I’m thrilled to share how it helped me continue my journey with LNDS. Follow along as I share with you my communication internship journey, from first steps to new goals at LNDS, in this edition of the inside LNDS blog series.
What brought me to LNDS?
My journey to LNDS started with my passion for creativity and communication. Before pursuing my master’s in Digital Marketing at IAE Metz School of Management, I completed a bachelor’s in Management. During this time, I explored fields like accounting, communication, sales, and recruitment. An Erasmus+ exchange in Spain made me realise how much I value versatility and creativity.
I discovered LNDS through my school about 6 months ago and immediately got intrigued by the missions offered. The interview with Catharina, our Head of Communication & PR reinforced my desire to join the team. I felt that I shared the vision and values and I knew this was where I wanted to do my internship. My main goals for this internship were to improve my communication and marketing skills while enhancing my English in a business context. I was eager to work in a diverse environment where I could learn from colleagues with various backgrounds and perspectives, gaining valuable insights that would help me grow both personally and professionally. Those expectations were far exceeded, and now, as I continue with my second internship, I’m excited to further develop my skills and contribute to new projects.
Integrating into the LNDS culture
From day one, I felt a genuine sense of warmth and inclusion at LNDS. The company’s culture is one of kindness, support, and mutual respect—a true “safe place”. I was welcomed as a full member of the team, not just as an intern. The way LNDS integrates its interns is remarkable. Indeed, we are given the same legitimacy as full-time employees, and our ideas and contributions are genuinely valued.
Building connections in a welcoming and supportive environment
One of the highlights has been connecting with the other interns. Sharing experiences has helped us support one another and build lasting friendships. Team-building activities organised by LNDS also played a key role. It helped me integrate and form relationships with colleagues from different departments.
The people I have the chance to work with are consistently attentive, and ready to help. Asking questions and seeking guidance is encouraged, and mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities. The pedagogy at LNDS provide me with constructive guidance, balancing the freedom to explore new ideas with the tools needed to succeed. This approach to feedback and learning empower me to grow both personally and professionally. It gives me the confidence to take on new responsibilities with the assurance of a strong support system.
Learning, growing and contributing in my role at LNDS
Since the start of my internship, I’ve been given a range of responsibilities that have helped me develop professionally. One of my primary missions was to develop and manage the Inside LNDS blog series. This project that allowed me to improve my writing skills in English while learning the various steps of content creation, which was one of my key goals for this internship. I’ve been involved in preparing interviews, writing blog content, and publishing the posts on WordPress. I also focus on SEO optimisation and designing engaging blog covers. Thus, this hands-on experience has built my confidence in content creation.
Taking on new responsibilities in my second internship
In my current internship, I’m excited to support the promotion of our flagship event, the Data Summit Luxembourg 2024, which will take place on 11 December. In addition, I’m continuing to develop the blog section, focusing on both Inside LNDS blogs and Data Project blogs. I’m also taking on new communication tasks like internal campaigns and community management. These tasks allow me to apply what I’ve learned and keep growing in this dynamic environment.
Building a strong foundation for future working life
Looking back on my internship, I’m filled with gratitude for the experiences and lessons I’ve gained. The diversity at LNDS far surpassed even my Erasmus experience, with over 30 nationalities. This exposure to different perspectives has enriched my understanding of global communication and collaboration. My time at LNDS has solidified my passion for marketing and communication. The breadth of tasks I have undertaken — from writing and interviewing to designing and publishing the content — has shown me the value of polyvalency in this field. I am eager to build on the strong foundation LNDS has provided and to continue growing both professionally and personally. Alternating between my internship and school over the next nine months will give me a great balance, allowing me to apply what I learn in real-time and gain hands-on experience while continuing to deepen my academic knowledge.
Advice to future interns
For anyone considering an internship at LNDS, my advice is simple: find an organisation whose values align with yours, and embrace the opportunity to learn from those around you. LNDS offers a diverse and supportive environment where you can grow both professionally and personally. Believe in yourself, be open to new experiences, and don’t hesitate to take initiative—these are the keys to making the most of your time as an intern.
LNDS has not only helped me develop my skills but also reinforced my belief that I have chosen the right career path. If you are looking for a place where you will be valued, challenged, and inspired, LNDS is the perfect place to begin your journey.
Thank you for reading my story, and I hope it has given you a glimpse into what makes LNDS such a special place to work.