{"id":5947,"date":"2025-05-21T10:35:02","date_gmt":"2025-05-21T10:35:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/?p=5947"},"modified":"2025-05-21T10:35:53","modified_gmt":"2025-05-21T10:35:53","slug":"my-professional-placement-year-in-switzerland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/my-professional-placement-year-in-switzerland\/","title":{"rendered":"My Professional Placement Year in Switzerland"},"content":{"rendered":"

Name:<\/span><\/b> Amber Coleborn<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Degree subject and school:<\/span><\/b> Business Economics<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Type of Global Opportunity:<\/span><\/b> Year in Industry<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Where did you go?\u00a0<\/span><\/b>Deloitte, Switzerland<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n


\n<\/span>What motivated you to take up a Global Opportunity?<\/span><\/b>
\n<\/span>A combination of motivations drove the decision to pursue a professional placement in Switzerland. The country’s industry reputation offered a chance to gain valuable experience. At the same time, the prospect of immersing myself in a new culture promised personal growth and a chance to expand my professional network. The added allure of adventure, with Switzerland’s breath-taking landscapes and outdoor opportunities, made this opportunity truly irresistible.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What were your top 3 highlights from your time abroad?<\/span><\/b>
\n<\/span>Unforgettable Ski Weekend with Colleagues: The ski weekend stands out as a remarkable experience. It not only brought us closer as a team but also provided a unique glimpse into the more relaxed and personal aspects of corporate life. Building friendships while enjoying the slopes was an absolute joy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Zurich Lakeside Relaxation After Work: Often after a hot day at work, we (my team) decided to take a dip in the lake. The atmosphere was vibrant, with people unwinding and enjoying music. It was a wonderful sight to witness everyone sharing their happiness, and seeing the day into the evening with post-work beers was perfect.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ticino Weekend: Exploring the Italian side of Switzerland in Ticino was truly captivating. The weekend getaway allowed me to explore the local culture, and overindulge on the delicious bread, wine, and pasta. Plus many great memories were created.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n

What was your biggest challenge? How did you overcome it?<\/strong>
\n<\/span>One of my biggest challenges during the placement was dealing with homesickness, which proved to be more affecting than I had anticipated. Witnessing friends continue the university<\/span> experience and partaking in events like birthdays and family gatherings without you was difficult. This sense of missing out posed a considerable obstacle to maintaining focus on enjoying my time here.<\/span><\/p>\n

To combat this I established<\/span> a routine of communication. Regular phone calls and video chats<\/span> became an anchor, bridging the distance and maintaining emotional connections. The support of my friends who visited from back home provided a welcome boost, and I also opted to return home during pivotal moments or when the homesickness felt particularly overwhelming.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How has your placement been beneficial to your studies at Cardiff University or your future career?<\/span><\/b>
\n<\/span>Through hands-on experience, I could explore some academic concepts that I’d previously learned, making the connection between theory and real-life action clearer. Skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving that I’ve picked up are like gold for coursework, exams and my upcoming career. Plus, I’ve made more professional connections that will hopefully boost my career path. It has also influenced what modules I’m drawn to and where I see myself heading in the future<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is the one thing you wish you\u2019d known before you left?<\/span><\/b>
\n<\/span>That it would be helpful to know some basic language before moving.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What would you say to a student that was unsure about spending a period abroad?<\/span><\/b>
\n<\/span>Do it, but make sure its something you’d enjoy or learn from.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What are 3 things to do in your host destination?<\/span><\/b>
\n<\/span>Ski, Swim, Hike<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Please sum up your experience abroad in one sentence<\/span><\/b>
\n<\/span>During my professional placement in Switzerland, I gained invaluable experience, embraced personal growth through cultural immersion, expanded my professional network, and indulged in the adventure offered by its stunning landscapes and outdoors.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Name: Amber Coleborn\u00a0 Degree subject and school: Business Economics\u00a0 Type of Global Opportunity: Year in Industry\u00a0 Where did you go?\u00a0Deloitte, Switzerland\u00a0 What motivated you to take up a Global Opportunity? […]","protected":false},"author":7101,"featured_media":5949,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[268],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5947","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-europe"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p4QQbz-1xV","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":3673,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/how-i-spent-my-last-months-before-studying-abroad\/","url_meta":{"origin":5947,"position":0},"title":"How I spent my last months before studying abroad","author":"Tammy-Louise Wilkins","date":"August 6, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"The countdown is on; I leave for Norway this Friday. It has been a very busy month shopping for everything that I can possibly pack into two suitcases for life in Norway for the next five months as well as completing all of my administrative forms. I found it difficult\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "European Placements"","block_context":{"text":"European Placements","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/category\/europe\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2019\/08\/8.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2019\/08\/8.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2019\/08\/8.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2019\/08\/8.png?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":5961,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/my-global-opportunities-as-a-chemistry-student\/","url_meta":{"origin":5947,"position":1},"title":"My Global Opportunities as a Chemistry Student","author":"Global Opportunities Globetrotters","date":"May 22, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Name: William Osborne Degree subject and school: MChem, School of Chemistry Type of opportunity: Summer volunteering and research year abroad Where did you go? 1st was a short volunteering trip to Kenya. We taught in primary schools and learnt about sustainable development. Had the opportunity to go on Safari, visit\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "International Placements"","block_context":{"text":"International Placements","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/category\/international-exchange\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2025\/05\/IMG_4681-scaled.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2025\/05\/IMG_4681-scaled.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2025\/05\/IMG_4681-scaled.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2025\/05\/IMG_4681-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2025\/05\/IMG_4681-scaled.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2025\/05\/IMG_4681-scaled.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6232,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/meet-the-ambassador-rachel-earth-sweden\/","url_meta":{"origin":5947,"position":2},"title":"Meet the ambassador – Rachel – EARTH, Sweden","author":"Global Opportunities Globetrotters","date":"November 21, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Name: Rachel Kay School, Degree Programme: EARTH - Environmental Geoscience with year of study abroad - year 4 Host destination: Stockholm, Sweden Tell us about your global opportunity\u2014where did you go, and what did you do? I went to Stockholm, Sweden, and enrolled in the School of Geological Sciences. My\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "European Placements"","block_context":{"text":"European Placements","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/category\/europe\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2025\/11\/Screenshot-2025-11-24-164056.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":6181,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/meet-the-ambassador-hollie\/","url_meta":{"origin":5947,"position":3},"title":"Meet the ambassador – Hollie – CARBS, Bali","author":"Global Opportunities Globetrotters","date":"October 24, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Name: Hollie Aston School, Degree Programme: Business School-Economics, Second Year Host destination: Bali Tell us about your global opportunity\u2014where did you go, and what did you do? This summer I took part in the Global Team Internship Programme in Bali with Think Pacific. I spent four weeks working with a\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "GO Student Ambassadors"","block_context":{"text":"GO Student Ambassadors","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/category\/go-student-ambassadors\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2025\/10\/image8_Hollie-Aston.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":6039,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/yale-university-from-student-to-staff\/","url_meta":{"origin":5947,"position":4},"title":"Yale University – from student to staff!","author":"Global Opportunities Globetrotters","date":"August 6, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Name: Katie Myerscough (BSc 2024) Degree subject and school: Psychology with professional placement Type of Global Opportunity: Professional Placement Year (Research) Where did you go?\u00a0 Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America What type of placement did you complete? (Study\/work\/volunteering\/research)? Work\/Research - Lab manager and research assistant in\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "International Placements"","block_context":{"text":"International Placements","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/category\/international-exchange\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2025\/08\/conference_Katie-Myerscough-scaled.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2025\/08\/conference_Katie-Myerscough-scaled.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2025\/08\/conference_Katie-Myerscough-scaled.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2025\/08\/conference_Katie-Myerscough-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2025\/08\/conference_Katie-Myerscough-scaled.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2025\/08\/conference_Katie-Myerscough-scaled.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6098,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/meet-the-ambassador-charlotte\/","url_meta":{"origin":5947,"position":5},"title":"Meet the ambassador – Charlotte – SHARE, Germany","author":"Global Opportunities Globetrotters","date":"October 9, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Name: Charlotte Bennett School, Degree Programme: SHARE, BA History, third year Host destination: Bremen, Germany Tell us about your global opportunity\u2014where did you go, and what did you do? The Sustainability and Entrepreneurship Initiative is a two week blended programme, with the first week of introductions hosted virtually and the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "GO Student Ambassadors"","block_context":{"text":"GO Student Ambassadors","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/category\/go-student-ambassadors\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2025\/10\/Charlotte-Bennett.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2025\/10\/Charlotte-Bennett.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2025\/10\/Charlotte-Bennett.jpeg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2025\/10\/Charlotte-Bennett.jpeg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2025\/10\/Charlotte-Bennett.jpeg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]}],"meta_box":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/281\/2025\/05\/IMG-4812_Amber-Coleborn-scaled.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5947","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7101"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5947"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5947\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5954,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5947\/revisions\/5954"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5949"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5947"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5947"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/globetrotters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5947"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}