Hello Everybody!!

Na? You probably wonder why you receive a notification on this Internship blog, seeing that the internship is over, right? Well, the internship is, but the adventure continues…. Curious? You should be! Check out and sign up on my NEW blog at:

http://sansquest.wordpress.com/

I hopefully see you in a click!!!

I wish you all a great day!

Best regards,

San =)

The chaos continues... muhahaha!!

Hello Everybody!!

Na? You probably wonder why you receive a notification on this Internship blog, seeing that the internship is over, right? Well, the internship is, but the adventure continues…. Check out and sign up on my NEW blog at:

http://yesyoucansan.wordpress.com/

I hopefully see you in a click!!!

I wish you all a great day!

Best regards,

San =)

Melodramatic

As a matter of fact, I try to avoid saying it to people I like a lot, since I am convinced that you see each other at least twice in life if you sense a special bond. Without wanting to sound too corny or melodramatic, I may convey the fact that such a bond exists between some of the people I met in the last six months during my internship. And although it is a silly and almost pathetic thing to admit, but I am certain that I will miss each and every one of them!

The funny thing is; this missing will not only be about the people I work closely together with like Simon, Jeff, Bernadette, Sally, Ellen, Lina, Ami, Joost, Alex, Foxy, Robin, Laura, Mia and Preston. No, it will be also about the ones I only see occasionally like big boss Rick, Tim, Rick G., Marion, Jonathan, Michael, Antoinette and many more and especially the ones that others may not even take into account. What do I mean with that?

Ciabatta: THE German breakfast!

Well, I am talking about the thoughtful red-maned security lady and her older colleague, the security (gentle)man, who both know our group so well, that they always open the electronic glass door for us, so we do not have to fiddle with our security batches. I am talking about the wonderfully considerate cafeteria lady, that knows that I, as a German, eat normal (= hard) bread for breakfast and therefore makes sure that the ‘Ciabattas’ are in the bread box by 8:40. I am talking about the caring cleaning lady that always shows interest and wants to know why I am still in the office ‘so late’ when I (rare) occasionally stay a bit longer.

I will be back. I have a meeting with Truus.

The missing will not only be about my nice office 2.04 with the big windows, the two computer stations and the white ‘board of quotes’. No, it will also be the fact that our toilettes have names (Truus and Guus), the delicious free coffee and the “Birthday-cake-at-ten”.

Looking back I must say that these six months were the most rewarding six months I can remember. Not only did I learn so incredibly much about business in general, procurement in particular and working in a big international company. No, I learned much more about myself (my strengths and more important my ‘room for improvement’ areas) and with all this ‘learning’ I simply can not believe how much fun we all had.

Fishy, fishy, fishy!

Oh yes, and fun we certainly had, especially us interns. Most of the stories are known. But there are so many more: For example, I am thinking about the story where we first played squash/tennis all together, went out to dinner after that and due to a ‘train storing’ (where Alex and I had to travel with Lina all the way to N. in order to get to T.) had to take a detour of three hours to go home! I remember the awesome time when we all went bowling, then dinner, then a nice drink(sss) and stayed at Ellen’s place in U. so we would be on time in the office the next morning (We still managed to be late). I will keep on swarming about the dinners with colleagues from my department but also from the other ones. I certainly will remember the Intern United’ ‘borrels’ and board meetings, when we organized trips and fun activities. I will never forget the time when Foxy and I organized a ‘Sallyklaas’ (something like Sinterklaas, just that the poems where all about Sally with hints about her gift) as her Good-bye activity, which resulted in us being stranded in DB at 2 o’clock in the morning and taking a cab to T.. Nor will I forget the time when we organized an aquarium with two little fish for Mr. Simon’s Visser’s Birthday surprise! That was quite a train travel! My arms still hurt!

Jeff, you rock!!

But also my senior colleagues where a lot of fun. Bernadette’s heart-melting laugh will be hard to forget and the many awesome conversations with Jeff about the good old days when he was playing in 5 different rock bands will be unforgettable (can you imagine that one of his base players played with deep purple?!?! Wooow). The time when Rick G. and I found a cell phone and investigated so long till we found the owner (we called the last number in the memory, which was a British one and asked around till we had our answer) will be something to remember. The same goes for the many meeting with Preston, who always remained patient and sooo friendly, giving comprehensible feedback and great advice. Haha, or the short time when Marion was my room mate and it felt more like laughing with and talking to a friend than a colleague. And of course all the goofing around with Simon (One of the funniest bets involved a grape, a spoon, a restaurant and 5 bags of drops, hihihi!!) will be something difficult to forget!

I remember all big ‘outjes’ (Golf, Amsterdam trend tour, Tea factory tour, Horecava 2010, the Procurement Meeting in a five star hotel, Sinterklaas and New Years Drinks) and little borrels like they happened only yesterday.

The story of my nightmares...

I remember how surprised and amazed I constantly was when I found out new things about computer programs, e-sourcing systems and cultural diversity. I look back to the time when Outlook and Excel where just the names of fancy programs, so no necessity, and shake my head with slight embarrassment (And again, there is still a lot of room for improvement but now at least I am consciously aware of that!).  I remember a time when regular phone calls to Spain or other European countries with clients or great colleagues (right, Elonora?!) were not as common. The times when the mere presence of numbers made me panic are history and so is my discontent of calling a supervisor by his first name. All these little things add up to the great and amazing experience this internship has been for me.

Therefore, taking it all into account I think I can formulate my last rule in regard of an internship and the life around it.

Rule 24: It’s the little things that matter and make the big things so much more worthwhile!

Thank you all so much!!

In conclusion, I want to thank absolutely everybody who made my life so radiant in the last six months. This goes for this great company with all employees, my team, my colleagues, my travel buddies, my friends, my family and especially my charming chap, who never got tired of all these stories!

I want to thank you, dear reader, for checking in on me every once in a while and share your thoughts, likes and dislikes.

I will miss you all, but won’t say ‘Good-Bye’! Instead, allow me to say ‘Auf Wiedersehen’ (= till we see each other again), because I am sure that we certainly will! Sooner as you might like, ehe, ehe (hint, hint)… .

Till then, I wish you all a great day!

Sincerely yours,

San

Hm... lekker!

“No way!” “Yes, of course!” “Nooo, I am sure that not!” “Hey guys! What’s up? Why the screaming, San?” Ellen looked first to Joost, then to Alex who shook his head and then turned to me. “Ts. Joost here, says that the song ‘Eins, Zwei, Polizei’ continues with ‘Drei, Vier, Bregadier’. That is non-sense.” “Ok, what is it then, Miss Pukler?” “Well, it is  ‘Drei, Vier, Grenadier’, of course!! Ts. I mean really, Joost, who is the German here?” “Nah, ill go for bregadier!” “Oh yeah?! I bet you that it is GRENADIER!” My eyes started to get that wild slightly insane sparkle that they always get when I am faced with a thrilling challenge. 

Joost extended his hand towards me. “Fine. A bag of drop!” 

I simply love food. I love the scent of it, the diversity of texture, the steamy colors and the feeling of satisfaction after having enjoyed a delicious meal. I am almost a bit shy to admit that I eat almost anything eatable. Emphasis on almost. There is one thing I truly dislike: drop. 

Drop: Something I could easily drop!

I dislike the smell, which makes my stomach turn. True, color and texture I do not mind, but the taste makes me nauseous. Nay, worse! It makes me wish that I had never ever given in every time, i.e. showing good will by actually eating that horrid stuff, whenever a colleague encouraged me to try it the ‘Dutch way’. Well, you ‘grappige broodrooster’ (=funny toaster… I can not swear in Dutch!), we have that stuff also in Germany, you know. And FYI, I do not know how it is possible but it has an even more horrid name than drop (which kinda reminds me of dropping…): Lakritze.  

Here you go, Simon!

I stood there thunderstruck and looked at Joost’s hand. “Oh no, what a dilemma! That is exactly like what Simon said about that guy… hmm.. what was his name again? Oh Simon, what was the name again of the guy that lost the bet with you?” Simon, who had just walked out to get a coffee grinned at us. “Well San, you should really know his name.” “I know him, I do. I just forgot the name.” “Well, if I remember correctly you had two weeks to remember all names and faces of this department, right?” “Yes, that was the deal”, I mumbled quietly. “Haha, I guess that means that I get a bag of drop from you!” 

Rule 23: The German saying “Wettschulden sind Ehrenschulden” (= bet debts are honor debts) applies everywhere, even when the wager is a bag of drop.

Box Fox!! Yes you can, San!!

“Goooood morning, Saaaan! So, where exactly are you sitting at?” “Heeey, good morning Foxy, my compartment is directly in front of the kiosk this time!” All of a sudden, I heard a heart-warming giggle behind me and Foxy came to sit in the seat next to mine, followed by many partly amused, partly sleepy looks from the other train passengers. “That was easy this morning. The guy behind you pointed you out, haha!” “Haha, box Fox!!” “Yes, you can, San!” And again, we were unintentionally in the center of attention. Yes, that was definitely an indication of Foxy and my communication style. 

In your face! Promoter!

That was definitely one of the coolest things all Interns learned during this internship: The personal assessment: communication skills. Here, you really got to know yourself and learned how to consciously read and therefore react to others. The procedure was usually the following: In an individual meeting, our supervisor Simon would ask us to answer sets of questions to define the communication skill categories we belong to: Analyzer, Supporter, Controller or Promoter.

Broadly speaking, the analyzer is a problem-solver, serious, hardworking and very comfortable with numbers. The supporter is characterized by an easy-going-attitude, is eager to please others and cooperative. The controller is ambitious, self-confident and in charge of the situation. The promoter is enthusiastic, tends towards exaggerations and is creative.

Ha, I have 100% absolutely positively NO idea how Simon could immediately tell what combination ‘pool’ I was paddling in. But he did. Immediately. “Yes, San, you are most definitely a controlling promoter. No doubt!”

Viva la similarity!

Well, as the only hard-core promoter in the first months, I was certainly glad to find so many similarities in Foxy who was as enthusiastic as scary; in the sense that she really conveyed the feeling at times of being in my head. No joke. It happened very often that we said the same thing, in the same manner, in the same volume with the same laugh and accompanied by the same gesture. This usually resulted in the same stunned reactions from our colleagues: “Sjonge, jonge, jonge! Definitely promoter!” Normal people would have been embarrassed to stir up such a reaction. Foxy and I, however, considered the following rule:

 Rule 22: A promoter is a devoter when it comes to fun! Here we come!!!

Is it 10 yet, Rick G.?

I admit it. I am a bit of a hypocrite, because although I love adventure, I also strongly appreciate sturdy routines. I find it a nice combination: Although you find contentedness in your structured and controlled comfort zone you get the exciting opportunity and exposure to the thrill if you want it. In a way it is like having the pie and eating it as well. In this regard, one of the company’s routines is “Birthday-Cake-At-Ten”. Although it is a routine, I am highly thrilled about it. It starts in the morning when I open my outlook and secretly hope for a certain standard message to pop up with its distinctive sound. 

Beware of 'Cake-Man' and his sidekick 'Cup-Cake-Kid'

Peeeep. Jippi! “Birthday cake at ten with regards from ‘Everett Everyman’. Please take the interns with you.” As I dash out of the office I almost run into Rick G. “Good morning San. Cake?” “Cake!!!” “Cake!” he smiles back and with big steps we both head towards the coffee corner. Yes, evidently my senior colleague Rick G. is almost as big of a cake fan as myself. That is also why I call him ‘Cake man’ whenever our paths cross in the hallway. 

The Perfect Gift for Ellen

Yes, Birthdays are wonderful. This is especially true when you are an intern at a company that encourages creative freedom. Muhahaha. One little thing I initiated was the ‘Intern Birthday Surprise’. This involves usually a decorated desk that comes close to traumatization, a poster with name and picture of the ‘victim’ that is hung up at the department’s socially congested areas, such as the copy machine, the coffee corner and the toilets ‘Truus’ and ‘Guus’ and a little carefully selected gift that not only reflect a personal trait but is also intended to personalize your office space. I have to admit, it tends to go over the top at times. Then again, 

Rule 21: Why not go a bit over the top to show your sincere appreciation for a dear colleague on his/her special day!

1. Stand up and act indignant. Demand that the boss tell you the ‘real’ reason this meeting has been called.

Now, where is my coffee?

2. Spill coffee on the conference table. Produce a little paper boat and sail it down the table.

3. During a meeting, each time the boss makes an important point, (or at least one he/she seems to consider important), make a little noise like you are building up to a sneeze.

4. Stay behind as everyone else, including the boss, leaves. Thank them for coming.

5. Give a broad wink to someone else at the table. In time, wink at everyone. Sometimes shake your head just a little, as if to indicate that the speaker is slightly crazy and everybody knows it.

6. Bring a hand puppet, preferably an animal. Ask it to clarify difficult points.

Now, did the cute little bunny understand all changes made in FY10?

7. Pretend that you have to go to the bathroom. Act completely normal after the meeting.

8. When there is a call for questions, lean back in your chair, prop your feet up on the table, smile contentedly, and say, “Well, here’s the way I see it, J.B…” (or any other impressive-sounding initials that are not actually your boss’s.)

9. Complain loudly that your neighbour won’t stop touching you. Demand that the boss make him/her stop doing it.

Uhhmm, I see... !

10. Bring a small mountain of computer printouts to the meeting. If possible, include some old-fashioned fan-fold paper for dramatic effect. Every time the speaker makes a point, pretend to check it in one of the printouts. Pretend to find substantiating evidence there. Nod vigorously, and say “uh-huh, uh-huh!”

Nice five-star hotel up north...

Finally! Everybody, especially all interns had waited for this special event to come for months. It was time for the Procurement Meeting! The company had organized two days with the entire European procurement department in a little city up north in a lovely five-star hotel and we all were impressed when we finally arrived. After we freshened up (some of us took the advantage to do so in the luxurious swimming pool) we all met for a nice ‘borrel’ before the company dinner. Amusingly, the latter was accompanied by Karaoke, which was hosted by our big boss Rick himself.

The ‘melodic’ category manager Marion was his first ‘victim’ with ‘Knocking on heaven’s door’ and as she sang herself to the second place of the Karaoke competition, we all started to duck deep into our seats, avoiding the embarrassing exposure to humiliation in front of the entire department. But then again, what is the best way to distract from yourself? Hehe, exactly! Put someone else on the spot!

“You know who should sing next?” asked Joost with a grin. “Haha, Simon, of course!” replied Ellen at once. “Brilliant!” the rest of us yelled and immediately started to cheer for our supervisor Mr. Visser. “Simon, Simon, Simon!!” The wave of rhythmic clapping and chanting exploded on our table and spread across the entire room when a perplex Mr. Simon Visser looked in shock towards big boss Rick who handed him the microphone with a huge smile. “You have quite a fan group over there!” he laughed.

The winner takes it all!!

Simon did not sing, no, he performed! We all starred at him with wonder as he danced and swayed his arms. Our enthusiastic cheering reached its climax when we, his interns, all ran up to sing with him on stage: “The winner takes it all!” We all yelled in ecstasy. As I was standing between Robin and Foxy, a thought dashed through my mind. Hence,

Rule 20: When you are put on the spot (light), just go for it and give your very best!

Ahhhhhnalysis!!!!

“So San, how is your analysis going? Are you done yet?” Ellen looked over my shoulder and glanced at four A3 Excel sheets that displayed colorful columns filled with price indices, measurements, abbreviations, comments and at least 39 delta signs (indication: ‘change this’). I looked up to her and almost cried: “Ahhh, it’ll never end! There is sooo much information!! It is continuously coming in, needs to be included, taken out, formulas need to be changed and I…”

Focus! (... not as 'plug' intended!)

In this moment my category manager Preston Ninehill knocked on the door and happily announced: “Hey San, good news! The supplier ‘Van de Storm’ corrected their raw material prices. They used the Dollar prices instead of the Euro. Haha. Please have that in mind when you change the calculations, ok?” As he left I turned to Ellen slightly unimpressed and said: “See what I mean?” Ellen gave me a compassionate tap on the back and grinned: “Ah, you can do it! Just focus on it today and you will be done in no time.”

I think, therefore I am? Really? Hm...!

Hm, easier said than done. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love to analyze and I do it very often. I analyze everything, ranging from compliments to delicate situations between people. The benefit is that you allow yourself to attain further insight, an overview and, in the best case scenario, a better understanding of a particular matter. Of course, you should be careful not to lose yourself in your trains of thoughts but come to a conclusion that is based on a healthy mix between logic, emotions and intuition. Like it or not, the same goes for analyses in business. Ja ja, Ellen was right with her advice, I had to admit to myself. Hence,

Rule 19: Even if you do not like a task, find its positive side, focus and you will be done in no time.

Change = Excitement

There is only one thing in life that remains constant; change. It is a fact that is as inevitable as ironic if you think about it. Some of us don’t like changes, especially when they are at a place where they feel comfortable and secure. Others are suspicious of changes and go careful steps like on thin ice. As for me, I am almost ‘über’ curious and therefore am mostly excited when something new is about to happen. What a surprise.

Robin & Robin

Of course, I was very sad when my colleague Lina, our beloved Peruvian Mama Pacha left the company to begin her brand new job at another company. We all had the feeling that it would not be the same and something melancholic lay in the air. But I ask you, why be sad, when you know that you can always visit each other again AND get the chance to meet new ‘arrivals’?
And the new ‘arrivals’ came soon.

Another idea of a 'foxy lady', haha!

Robin, Laura and Foxy where soon introduced to all insider jokes, quickly informed about funny anecdotes of our supervisor Simon Visser and full members of our group in no time. Robin, with her friendly smile worked in the Indirect Procurement department. Laura, who was as funny as sincere as well. Foxy was the new valuable addition to our benchmark factory team and was immediately stuck in my head thanks to my dear friend Jimmy Hendrix. ‘Foxy, foxy Lady…. !’

I just couldn’t help myself but yell out ‘Hey fooooxxy lady!’ across the hallways whenever I saw her. This resulted usually in our giggles and Ellen, poking her head out of the office, giggeling as well (aww, poor Simon!). In general, the ‘New Internes Experience’ confirmed the following.

Rule 18: Since change is inevitable, you should accept it and always try to see the ‘foxy’ side of it.