Hi, my name is Joana. I am studying Media Management and Digital Media and did my internship semester in Sölden, Austria, at Ötztal Tourismus in the winter semester 2024/25. Ötztal Tourismus is the second largest tourism association in Austria and operates nine locations throughout the valley. I was able to spend my internship semester at the location in Sölden - in a young, dynamic team with around 40 employees.

My daily work. My internship was incredibly varied right from the start. I worked in the areas of event management, brand & offer and communication and was therefore able to take on many different tasks. In the event area, I helped with the planning and implementation of major events such as the Ötztal Cycle Marathon and the Ski World Cups in Sölden and Gurgl. The cycling marathon was particularly exciting, as I was directly involved on site - whether at the information stand, the start number draw or handing out the finisher jerseys. A real highlight for me was coordinating the prologue, where some participants had the chance to secure a place in the front starting block. At the Ski World Cups, I was mainly responsible for accreditation and managing the social media channels - an incredible experience as I was able to meet so many athletes up close. In addition to these major events, I was also able to accompany smaller events such as the Bike Republic events and thus gained in-depth insights into various departments. But it wasn't just the event work that was exciting: I created OutdoorActive tours (hiking, biking and ski tours), supported photo shoots, carried out social media analyses, created content and was even involved in campaign planning. What I found particularly cool was that I was allowed to coordinate my own small events in the area of communication.

Challenges and personal development. One of the biggest challenges at the beginning? Clearly: the language! The Ötztal dialect is one of the strongest in the whole of Austria and in the first few weeks I often had to ask questions or listen carefully to understand everything. But over time I got used to it - and in the end I even picked up a word or two. The diversity of the internship was also a challenge. There were constantly new projects, departments and tasks - but that's what made it so exciting! I learned to quickly familiarize myself with new topics and to remain flexible. My internship enabled me to acquire many new skills and knowledge. I particularly liked the variety and the opportunity to get to know different departments. I was able to gain many different insights and take a lot with me for my future career.

Experiences outside of work. What made my internship special was not just the work, but also the experiences outside of working hours. Austria is a paradise for outdoor fans and I took the opportunity to try out new sports. I rode the trails in the Bike Republic Sölden, ventured onto via ferratas, hiked extensively and, of course, as a big ski fan, skied a lot. Despite the rather remote location of Sölden, there were great excursion options. I took the opportunity to explore South Tyrol and enjoyed the last warm rays of sunshine there, went on a company outing to Lake Garda with the whole team and visited Salzburg and Innsbruck a few times.

My conclusion. My internship in Sölden at Ötztal Tourismus was an incredibly valuable and enriching experience - so much so that I even spent longer than the prescribed time there.

My biggest insight. An internship abroad is always worthwhile - even if it's "only" in Austria! You gain new experiences, develop personally and can experience so much. If you give yourself the chance to try out new things, you will definitely be rewarded. And who knows? Maybe I'll actually go back to Austria after my studies - or embark on a completely new adventure!

Important to know. Even if there are no vacancies advertised, an unsolicited application can be worthwhile - that's how I found my job. If you have any questions, please contact me.

Joana Bursy, Business Administration/Media Management and Digital Media

My internship semester at AGC Research in London was a unique and enriching experience - both professionally and personally. I am studying marketing at the Business School Pforzheim and wanted to apply my theoretical knowledge in an international environment as part of my mandatory internship. The company is small, which gave me the opportunity to immerse myself in various projects right from the start. We worked and lived closely together in our team of six, which not only honed my professional skills, but also strengthened the team spirit enormously.

A particular highlight of the internship was my participation in the IFX Expo in Bangkok, one of the largest events for financial and trading technologies. Here I was able to make valuable contacts and experience the latest developments in the industry at first hand. The trip was not only a professional enrichment, but also a great opportunity to get to know a new culture.

The crowning glory was a spontaneous trip with the team to Bali. This trip not only further strengthened team cohesion, but also showed me how important a good work-life balance is.

Looking back, this internship semester not only helped me a lot professionally, but also personally. I was able to improve my English skills, adapt to an international working environment and gain valuable experience that will prepare me well for my future career. I can recommend everyone to take the opportunity to do an internship abroad - it's worth it!

Niko Geljic, Business Administration/Marketing

My daily work. During my internship in the Part Quality Engineering (PQE) team at Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, I was responsible for supporting the handling and resolution of supplier-related part quality issues in the vehicle production process. My main tasks included tracking defects, preparing weekly overviews, supporting root cause analysis, and contributing to the continuous improvement of reporting tools. I worked on both data-focused and process-oriented topics and was involved in the coordination between suppliers, engineering teams, and production quality to ensure high standards in component quality for models such as the GLE and GLS and EQE SUV and EQS SUV Maybach. 

Team structure and collaboration. The PQE team consisted of several engineers. I worked directly under a mentor who guided me through the technical aspects and communication processes. The team had regular meetings, both internally and with SQO (Supplier Quality Operations) and Production Quality, ensuring cross-functional alignment. Collaboration was the key – not only within the plant but also with suppliers across North America.  The environment was professional yet open, and I felt encouraged to ask questions and bring in ideas. 

Challenges & Learnings 

Initial challenges. One of the initial challenges was adjusting to the American workplace culture – more informal, fast-paced, and highly collaborative. Also, switching my technical communication entirely to English took some practice. I learned to work independently, prioritize tasks, and develop meaningful tools for project monitoring. I gained technical insights into battery cell production, quality gates, and supplier management – all within the dynamic environment of an EV (electric vehicle) plant. Personally, I became more confident in international communication, proactive in meetings, and comfortable presenting my results in a cross-functional setting. 

What I learned professionally. I developed a stronger sense for how global automotive production functions, particularly how quality issues at the part level can impact the entire production flow. I also learned how to communicate clearly with engineering, production, and supplier teams under time pressure and with cultural differences in mind.

Free time, travel, and highlights 

Outside of work. I used my weekends and vacation days to explore the U.S. I visited places like New Orleans, Miami, and the Smoky Mountains, each offering a unique cultural experience. One of the highlights was attending college football games, which gave me a sense of how passionate the local culture can be. I also spent time at the gym, explored nature trails, and enjoyed Southern food culture. The mix of small-town charm and opportunities for road trips made my free time both relaxing and exciting. 

Cultural differences. There were noticeable cultural differences in the workplace and daily life. Communication in the U.S. tends to be more upbeat and less direct than in Germany. At work, feedback was often framed in a very positive and encouraging way. The team spirit was strong, and people openly celebrated even small successes. On a personal level, I noticed how community life and church play a larger role in some regions. These contrasts gave me a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity and taught me how to navigate international environments more effectively.

Conclusion & Recommendations 

Professionally and personally, the internship was one of the most enriching experiences of my life. I developed not only technical and organizational skills but also a high level of independence, resilience, and intercultural competence. I would highly recommend this type of internship to students who are open-minded, eager to learn, and ready to step out of their comfort zone. The experience offers unique insights into a global company and prepares you for an international career in a hands-on and inspiring way. 

Would I do it again? Absolutely – without hesitation. The opportunity to grow, both professionally and personally, in a supportive yet challenging environment like Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. is something I would choose again any day. The people I met, the knowledge I gained, and the memories I made will stay with me for a lifetime. 

Santino Paciello, BWL/Consumer Psychology and Market Research