My time at Optimal Ways was an experience like no other. Between the in-depth training I received on the fundamentals of digital analytics solutions like Google Analytics and Piano Analytics, and the immersive cultural experiences throughout those six months, I gained invaluable skills and created memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life. As the end of my internship and Master’s degree approaches, I can confidently say that my experience at Optimal Ways has prepared me to pursue a career in digital analytics in France. Before I started, I was intimidated by the idea of working in a totally new position, in a different cultural environment. I lacked the confidence to speak French and I wasn’t very familiar with the specifics of the professional world in France. Could what I considered normal in the U.S. be misinterpreted here? Or would I have trouble overcoming the language barrier? However, from my very first week at Optimal Ways, these fears quickly disappeared as I got to know the other members of the team. Right from the start, I was greeted with warmth and curiosity, which was very reassuring. It was comforting to know that I was working with a very open-minded team with an international outlook. I was also pleasantly surprised by the support I received in my personal professional interests. At the start of my internship, I was interested in Piano Analytics and Looker Studio. After talking to my team, I was immediately assigned projects related to these tools. This constant support throughout my internship was essential in encouraging me to explore my curiosity and absorb as much information as possible during my placement. In addition to the rewarding work on some of the projects I was able to contribute to, Optimal Ways organizes seasonal seminars where we work together on a specific organizational project. These seminars also included fun activities to strengthen team spirit. I think the most fun activity was an indoor sports competition against other team members. I didn’t expect the seminar to be so physically intense! But it was great fun and an excellent opportunity to get to know my colleagues better.
My favorite memory of the experience is undoubtedly our little beach party on July 4, during our summer seminar in Nieuwpoort. While I was feeling particularly homesick, I found this moment incredibly comforting. It helped me feel much more at ease right from the start of my internship. These moments of relaxation and conviviality between periods of intense work made the experience even more enjoyable, and enabled me to forge stronger bonds with the members of my team. Working in an agency as experienced as Optimal Ways also meant that there was a wide variety of customer projects to discover and work on. No month was like the last. Reflecting on the last six months, I know I’ll have very positive memories of this period. I’ve grown a lot, not only professionally, but also in my understanding of sustainability and cultural issues. I’m sure that, as I pursue my career, I’ll have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with my future colleagues.
