Over the course of July 2024, I had an unique opportunity to intern at XperienceSthlm, a startup which aims to provide visitors and locals with memorable, top-quality, in-person experiences involving the culture, history, and landscape of Stockholm City.
As a Business Development Intern, I was eager to apply my knowledge in a real-world setting and gain experience in business strategy and operations. My initial expectations for this project and the experience were centered around a tangible and effective use of my time and internship, also as a way for me to learn new skills and for the company to gain as much value from my contribution as possible.
Apart from that, understanding company culture and philosophy, and building a foundation of how to use my knowledge in the professional world were some of my main goals. The truth is that this internship would offer me much more: a deep dive into the complexities of market analysis and structure, the importance of collaboration and co-creation in the workplace, and a personal journey of growth and self-discovery.
This blogpost illustrates experiences, challenges, and lessons I learned during this period.
The team bonding over a game of Human Knot
During my internship, I developed several skills essential for business development in the tourism industry and for start-up strategy and organization.
I gained experience and significantly broadened my knowledge of market segmentation and targeted marketing strategies, by participating in strategy meetings and conducting market research with the CEO and partnerships.
One of the key skills I acquired was proficiency in critical thinking and teamwork (collaboration), particularly while working with other team members. I accomplished this by contributing to organizing and participating in team meetings and bonding activities. This learning was crucial for reaching the expectations and goals of my internship, and having a deeper understanding of the business methodology.
Additionally, I improved my problem-solving and adaptability skills to provide effective results. I have been able to improve these skills by scheduling and creating interviews with members of our team, to get an internal perspective on the development and the personal feelings of the employees towards the company and its leadership. Also by staying flexible and shadowing the tour guides on some of their tours, I got to enjoy and learn about Stockholm and the company’s approach to service from a customer’s perspective.
Pol and Fran hanging out
The internship provided me with a deeper understanding of the tourism industry’s unique dynamics, especially in markets like sightseeing and cultural tours. I learned about the challenges and opportunities within this sector, like seasonality effects through my experience in the tours and working with the CEO most closely.
Pol and Sanchia on a walk
Also, the importance of creating unique experiences to differentiate our offers from the competitors’. I gained awareness of customer preferences and new trends in travel, such as the growing demand for sustainable tourism options.
In fact, one of the most crucial things I learned was to set out core values that the employees identify with to provide a stable and comfortable environment.
I have experienced and learned a bunch of new skills and knowledge but if I have to go for my favorite part of the internship I would say the possibility of receiving guidance and mentorship from experienced professionals, like Fran. This can be invaluable in offering insights, advice, and support through this journey.
Also working in a professional environment helps build confidence in your abilities. You’ll face new challenges that will test your capabilities, which can boost your self-esteem and skills for future roles. All this I’ve been developing and improving throughout this internship, thanks to all the activities I have been involved in. For example, attending various sightseeing tours, participating in the team bonding event, joining the online meetings focused on strategy and company-wide operations, and even meeting up at some cafes in Stockholm to work together, among other things.
I would recommend this experience to everyone who is not afraid to immerse themselves in an adventure of personal and professional growth, with the help of a passionate, hardworking, and kind-hearted team.
Pol looking ahead at the colourful houses in Stortorget
Written by Pol Dominguez