As I reach the halfway point of my EYE exchange, I find myself reflecting on the journey so far—both the learning opportunities and the challenges I have encountered. The past few months have been an enriching blend of professional growth, cultural adaptation, and personal development, making this experience transformative.
From the very first weeks, I was immersed in the daily operations of the HE, gaining firsthand experience in digital marketing strategies, content creation, and social media management. The environment has been dynamic and inspiring, offering me the chance to work alongside professionals with extensive experience in European Funds management. One of the most rewarding aspects has been witnessing how digital marketing plays a crucial role in amplifying an organisation’s impact, which aligns perfectly with my goal of developing my own communication agency.
That being said, the experience has not been without its challenges. Adapting to a new work culture required me to be flexible and open-minded. At times, I struggled with balancing my own ideas with the existing strategies of the host company, but through continuous discussions with my mentor, I have learned the importance of adaptability and strategic thinking. One significant challenge was managing multiple social media platforms effectively while ensuring consistency and engagement—a skill I am continuously improving.
So far, I believe the objectives of the program are being met. I have gained valuable insights into digital marketing techniques, audience engagement strategies, and brand positioning. More importantly, I am actively applying these learnings to refine my own business model. The collaboration with my HE has been insightful, as they have provided constructive feedback and shared their expertise generously.
Looking ahead, I want to make the most of the remaining months by deepening my knowledge of performance analytics and campaign optimisation. One adjustment that could enhance the experience further would be to dedicate more structured time to discussing my own business development. While I am learning a lot through hands-on experience, setting specific milestones for my entrepreneurial project would ensure that I leave the program with a more solid action plan.
Overall, this experience has exceeded my expectations in many ways. The combination of hands-on work, mentorship, and exposure to real-world challenges has provided me with skills and confidence that I will carry forward. I am excited for the second half of the exchange and eager to continue learning, growing, and refining my vision for my future business.
