Paula's internship at Janus
We always enjoy sharing the perspectives of the people who temporarily join our team as they reflect on their time at Janus. Here is Paula Gasser’s account of her time at Janus as an intern.
I’ve been at Janus for four months now and am doing my internship here. In many ways, it’s been a special and extraordinary time.
Some of my key takeaways have contributed to this:
(1) An internship can involve so much more than just maintaining the coffee machine, making copies, sending packages, and doing research. Sure—those tasks are still part of the job. In fact, though, I do everything that comes up in the day-to-day operations of a consulting firm—in the best sense, no two days are alike. In addition to preparing for and following up on seminars and workshops, I also participate in client meetings to clarify project requirements. I’m involved in designing future formats, have almost unlimited opportunities to contribute to the process, and am constantly asked for MY opinion. Unfortunately, this isn’t the norm. But I’ve now learned: There are companies that recognize the added value of individual perspectives and strengths, actively seek them out, and incorporate them.
(2) Through collaboration with the many internal and external trainers, I gain insight into the various working styles in their day-to-day routines. No two trainers work the same way, both in seminar preparation and especially in delivery. I am regularly allowed to observe various events and sometimes even take on individual parts of the facilitation. I have now learned: I don’t have to be afraid of challenging situations at all, because there is no right or wrong, let alone a perfect.
(3) I find it particularly instructive to be part of the corporate culture and structure at Janus. I am confronted with a high degree of self-determination and autonomy, but I am also encouraged and supported in this. Janus has designed its own annual cycle, within which we work. This includes various team events, work in work:spaces, and personal learning journeys. All of this takes place in an atmosphere that encourages experimentation, where failure is repeatedly accepted and even welcomed. I have now learned: There are companies that genuinely care about the personal and professional growth of their employees and operate accordingly.
(4) Last but not least, I’m also learning a lot about myself through this internship. Thanks to all the freedom I’ve been given, I can try out what I enjoy, what I like to work on, and how I prefer to work. Thanks to the strong and extremely appreciative feedback culture, I’ve now realized: I already know and can do a lot, but I still have plenty to learn.
My journey at Janus isn’t over yet. I’m looking forward to three more months in this exciting internship, and I’m almost certain that Janus and I will cross paths again in the future.
Update July 2024: Fortunately, Paula has actually stayed with us after her time as an intern! In her new role, she supports us in Key Account Support and the Quotation Department, handles application management, and co-facilitates our internal workshops with Moritz. It’s great to have you here, Paula!
