3 students decided to learn differently, moving out of their comfort zone to discover as much as possible the business world. Between expectations, experiences and learning: What does it really mean to be an intern at WeSmart ?

Baptiste: I'm very pleased with my internship at WeSmart. I found in WeSmart a human oriented company that shares my interest in energy but also my vision to make consumers conscious and selective about their own consumption. 

From a practical aspect, I was able to better discover the functioning of the Belgian electricity network and I learned to work with people with varied qualifications. Moreover, I received some positive feedback from my manager that helped me gain confidence and the will to keep growing both personally and professionally. 

I had the chance to begin my internship in September during the deconfinement period which allowed me to overcome the first barrier and build relationships with others in a caring and friendly atmosphere. On top of that, my work can easily be adapted to home working... Thus COVID has not been a problem for me! 

Julie: From my point of view, choosing Wesmart meant making a choice for my future: Professionally speaking but also in a more general way by contributing to the emergence of a new sustainable market, the one of energy communities.

Energy ? before coming to WeSmart, I did not know much about it! During these past weeks, I have been able to meet a lot of people within the company who passed on me their knowledge and shared it with passion. Right from the start, there was a clear match between my values and the ones of WeSmart. This helped me feel confident in learning and developing my skills in the sustainable development area.

As far as COVID is concerned, that is too bad ... especially that I am in the communication and marketing department, it prevented us from making some projects as we would like to. Personally speaking, I am French, and I wanted to experience another culture and enjoy my time in Belgium, but COVID also limited my options. Nevertheless, I have been able to adapt and the family atmosphere at WeSmart helped me a lot. So, even if I was teleworking most of the time, I quickly got a role to play within the company, some responsibilities and colleagues easily trusting me.

Pawel: From a personal point of view, this internship has been an unforgettable first experience. WeSmart gave me the opportunity to learn something new, to specialize in an environment which is of particular interest to me - namely energy and sustainable development - as well as to develop my autonomy.

I did not have a lot of knowledge about energy communities but I was quickly involved in the company's life and I could develop new skills and knowledge thanks to the support of my co-workers.

In practice, it is true that there is a lack of "field experience" but the welcoming and family spirit as well as the strong internal cooperation allowed me to feel very close to others despite the current situation, and work as if nothing has changed. If I had to summarize my internship in one sentence it would certainly be: the opportunity to change by developing oneself while changing others making them aware of the role, they have to play in the energy transition!

[:en]

Three students decided to learn differently: Get out of their bubbles and come (as much as possible) to discover life in a company. Between expectations, experiences and learning: what is it like to be an intern today at WeSmart?

Baptiste: I really like the internship at Wesmart! I found in WeSmart a human company that shares my interest in energy but also my vision of making the consumer an actor and aware of his own energy consumption!   

On a more practical side, I was able to discover in more detail the functioning of the Belgian electrical network and I learned to work with people who have various qualifications. Moreover, the positive feedback I received from my manager gave me the confidence to continue to develop professionally and personally. 

I was lucky enough to start my internship in a period of deconfinement which allowed me to break the^first barrier and to bond with others in a friendly and caring atmosphere. In addition to this initial boost, my work can easily be adapted to home working... so COVID was not a problem on my side!

Julie: For me, choosing Wesmart was a choice for the future. First of all for me professionally, but also in a more general way by contributing to the emergence of a new sustainable market: that of energy communities! 

Energy? Before coming to WeSmart, I didn't know much about it! But over the past few weeks, I've been able to meet many people within the company who have passed on their knowledge and expertise with desire and passion. Directly, there was a match between my values and those of Wesmart. This gave me the confidence to learn and develop my skills in the field of sustainable development! 

As far as COVID is concerned, it's true that it's a pity... especially since I'm in the communication and marketing department, it prevents us from carrying out certain projects as we would like. On a more personal note, as a Frenchwoman, I wanted to evolve in another culture and take full advantage of Belgium, but COVID also limited the options on that side. I adapted anyway and the family atmosphere in the company helped me a lot! So, even though I wasn't always in the office, I quickly had a role to play, responsibilities and colleagues who trusted me.

Pawel: For me, this internship is an unforgettable^first experience. WeSmart offered me the opportunity to learn something new, to specialize in an environment that touches me personally (energy and sustainable development!) and to develop my autonomy. 

I didn't know much about energy communities when I arrived, but I was quickly integrated into the company and thanks to the testimonials and support of my colleagues I was able to develop new skills. 

From a practical point of view, it's true that the "face-to-face" side is missing, but the family and warm spirit of the company, as well as the strong internal collaboration, allows us to feel very close to the others and to work as if nothing had changed, despite the current situation. If I had to summarize my internship in a few words, it would surely be: (the opportunity to grow, and to involve others in changing the world).

[:]