Author: Medhansh Sankaran | Major: Data Science | Semester:  Summer 2024

This past year, I had the opportunity to intern online at CatalWeb, a digital marketing company based in Spain. This experience not only expanded my professional skills but also offered valuable insights into working across cultures—particularly in an online setting.

Adapting to a New Work Culture

At CatalWeb, I quickly noticed the differences between the Spanish and American work cultures. One of the biggest adjustments was the “hands-off” management style. Unlike the closely monitored tasks in the US, I was given the autonomy to complete tasks on my own. This freedom pushed me to develop greater self-discipline and problem-solving skills.

Embracing Collaboration

Another key difference was the emphasis on collective work. In Spain, teamwork and mutual support are highly valued. For instance, when I faced a challenging programming task, my supervisor, Begoña, stepped in to help—something less common in the more individualistic American work culture.

Flexibility in Time

Time management was also more flexible at CatalWeb. Unlike the structured schedules I was used to, workdays here started and ended at varying times, depending on the flow of the day. This approach allowed me to better balance work and life, although it required some initial adjustment.

The Online Work Dynamic

Navigating these cultural differences online added an extra layer of complexity. Communication, already nuanced in cross-cultural settings, became even more crucial in a virtual environment. I learned the importance of clear and thoughtful communication to ensure that nothing was lost in translation.

What I Accomplished

I was able to work with my internship mentor on a variety of tasks, ranging from simple report writing to spreadsheet manipulation to complex coding. In the process, I managed to improve certain tasks’ efficiency through automation, such as adding a search function to a website in order to make finding items in the catalog easier. At the end of the two-month period, I was left with a glowing review by my mentor and received a 10/10 in the corresponding class grade.

Key Takeaways

Overall, my online internship at CatalWeb was an enriching experience that taught me to adapt quickly, balance autonomy with collaboration, and embrace cultural differences. These lessons will undoubtedly serve me well in my future career, whether working online or in person.

If you have the chance to do an online internship, especially with a company in another country, I highly recommend it. The skills and insights you gain are invaluable.