Tyson, Boston, Chiyamiko, Joy, and the author of this article, Renee, all hailing from the southern African states of Zambia or Namibia, left their comfort zones behind to embark on a few months of learning and exploration in Switzerland. The participants of the B360 internship programme – which facilitates the exchange of knowledge and experience between Europe and Africa – found a highly collaborative and professional environment that contributed to them honing their skills and broadening their horizons. At Julius Baer, the students were given the opportunity to collaborate on real-world projects across diverse business units, learn from experienced specialists, and acquire practical insights into the financial industry.

Learning from the best

Eager to grow professionally and adapt to a new culture and environment, Tyson, a master’s student in economics, was struck by the diversity of people at Julius Baer and the opportunity to work alongside the in-house experts. “The first thing I should say is that the exposure to seasoned professionals in the industry has been a crucial factor in my development.” He credits his colleagues with helping him understand complex concepts, providing valuable insights into the financial sector. A significant aspect of Tyson’s internship has been his development in data analysis. “I gained a lot more confidence and skill in data analysis during my internship,” Tyson says.

While his days were focused on maximising learning at Julius Baer, Tyson was also keen to explore Switzerland. He shared that his weekends were often spent taking in the sights and sounds of the country, using the opportunity to immerse himself in the culture. “Switzerland is beautiful,” he says, emphasising how he made the most of his time off. Tyson’s journey has been as much about learning from his colleagues as it has been about experiencing new places and building connections with people from various backgrounds.

Opening doors for future opportunities

Reflecting on his journey, Boston, an economics student from the University of Zambia, shared that the B360 internship had been a transformative experience for him. “The very day I heard about this opportunity, I was very excited because I saw that this would be a game-changer for me,” he says and explains that it perfectly aligned with his long-term career goals. Boston has always aspired to excel academically and professionally, and he believed that this internship would give him the necessary international work experience to open doors for future opportunities.

At Julius Baer, he found himself working in the bank’s compliance department – an area he hadn’t previously encountered. Although slightly outside his career path aspirations, Boston embraced the three-month assignment as a unique opportunity to broaden his professional horizon. “As an economist, I’m typically dealing with numbers and financial analysis. This experience, however, has allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of regulatory frameworks and risk management, which are essential elements in today’s financial landscape.”

Transferring knowledge and skills

Upon arriving in Switzerland, Chiyamiko was immediately taken by the country’s serene environment and the open and welcoming nature of his colleagues. “Everybody’s so accommodating and friendly,” he noted, emphasising how the people he interacted with made him feel at ease in his new surroundings. The mentorship he received during the internship was particularly important for him, with a manager and mentor offering frequent guidance and check-ins to ensure he made the most of his internship experience. This support helped Chiyamiko navigate both the professional and cultural aspects of his journey.

The internship also offered Chiyamiko valuable hands-on experience in banking IT. It provided him with opportunities to contribute to several key projects and to obtain an ITIL certification, a highly regarded qualification in the IT service management field. Chiyamiko was thrilled to add this qualification to his growing resume, enhancing his skillset and broadening his career opportunities. Working across various departments within the company, Chiyamiko honed his communication and problem-solving skills, gaining exposure to the complexities of wealth management and financial services. “The people here are incredibly knowledgeable, and I learned so much just by observing and collaborating with them,” he says.

Originally, Chiyamiko had envisioned a career in a more traditional setting, but the internship opened his eyes to new possibilities. The exposure to high-level banking and IT services sparked an interest in pursuing a career that blends finance and technology. Looking ahead, Chiyamiko expressed interest in working in the education sector, with a particular focus on using technology to bridge the educational gap in Africa. “My time at Julius Baer has shown me the power of technology in business with the right skills and knowledge in place. I’d like to pass on these skills to help others advance in their careers,” he says.

Immersing in a different way of life

As an intern, Joy’s role has been a dynamic mix of learning and contributing, from adapting to new work methodologies to collaborating with professionals from diverse backgrounds. The experience has challenged her to step out of her comfort zone and embrace a fast-paced work environment.

When asked about her initial expectations, Joy admitted that she anticipated a steep learning curve. However, the supportive environment at Julius Baer allowed her to navigate the challenges with confidence. “I expected to learn a lot, and I certainly have. The exposure to industry practices and the chance to work on real projects have been invaluable,” she shared. Joy also highlighted the differences between the work culture in Switzerland and her home country, noting the emphasis on efficiency and structured workflows. “Back home, things can be a bit more flexible, whereas here, everything runs on a clear schedule. It took some time to adjust, but I’ve grown to appreciate it,” she explains.

Beyond work, the internship has been a cultural eye-opener. Living in a new country, experiencing local traditions, and building relationships with fellow interns and colleagues have been defining aspects of the experience. “It’s not just about work; it’s about immersing yourself in a different way of life,” Joy reflects. “This experience has taught me to be more adaptable, proactive, and open-minded. No matter where I go next, I know I’ll apply what I’ve learned here,” she says. For aspiring interns considering an opportunity abroad, her advice is simple: “Be open to the experience, embrace the challenges, and take every opportunity to learn. It’s a journey that will shape you in ways you never expected.”