Meet Alba

What did you do before coming to RSM Switzerland?

I studied at the EHL Hospitality Business School, where I graduated in July 2022. After that, I worked as a Front Office Assistant Manager in a wonderful 5-star hotel close to the Lake of Thun.

How did your internship experience shape your career path and prepare you for your current role as a Business Development Associate? 

My internship at RSM Switzerland, although short, had a significant impact on shaping my career path and preparing me for my current role as a Business Development Associate. During the first month, I focused on learning the daily business and preparing proposals. By the second and third months, I was leading and managing proposals and even training new hires on the business development team. This experience showed me how quickly I could acquire and apply knowledge, laying the foundation for my current work in creating service proposals and developing internal processes.

Through this experience, I also learned valuable lessons that I still apply today. One of the most important is the need for meticulous attention to detail. This practice ensures consistency and clarity, which is vital for both client-facing and internal tasks.

Another key lesson was the importance of flexibility and task prioritization. Balancing multiple workflows and identifying the most urgent tasks was essential during my internship and continues to be critical in my current role. These skills have been instrumental in improving internal processes and contributing to the team's success.

What is it like working for a global organization?

Working for a global organization like RSM is incredibly enriching. Being part of such a diverse team provides valuable learning opportunities that are always accessible to us. For example, RSM offers campus webinars and various training sessions, which are not only beneficial for us as employees but also for our managers and other colleagues.

While there are certainly challenges, such as coordinating across different time zones, these challenges also present opportunities for growth and learning. Effective communication and collaboration are essential, and navigating these dynamics can be a rewarding experience. Overall, I believe that working for a global organization is a great opportunity that fosters personal and professional development.

What was your first impression of RSM?

Before joining RSM Switzerland, I wasn’t familiar with the company. I first encountered RSM through a platform provided by my school for job-seeking students and recent graduates. I’m glad I came across it because my first impression of RSM was overwhelmingly positive.

“From my very first day, I felt the welcoming atmosphere, which made it easy to settle in and connect with my colleagues.”

The team here is young, dynamic, and incredibly competent. This level of comfort is not always the case when starting a new job, as it can be a nerve-wracking experience.

Moreover, I have been truly inspired by the expertise of my superiors, and I’m eager to absorb all the knowledge and insights they can share. Overall, I perceive RSM as having a very supportive and growth-oriented culture, which I find motivating.

Can you share a success story where your contributions made a significant impact on a business deal or project?

In my day-to-day, I’m actively involved in creating proposals that significantly influence whether clients choose to work with us. One example that stands out involved an important client who reached out to us for support. I took the initiative to create a proposal from start to finish, as we didn’t have any existing materials prepared for this particular client.

This was a great opportunity for me to showcase my skills, and I dedicated considerable time to researching their needs and tailoring the proposal accordingly. After thorough preparation and review, the proposal was submitted, and I’m pleased to say that the client accepted it. This success not only strengthened our relationship with the client but also reinforced the value of our services.

What are your long-term career goals?

My primary goal at the moment is to learn as much as possible to develop my career in business development. I plan to take advantage of industry conferences organized by RSM and others, and I may pursue relevant certifications as they arise. My objective is to remain curious and adaptable, consistently seeking learning opportunities that will help me advance in this field.

What advice would you give to interns looking to transition into a full-time role?

My advice to interns looking to transition into a full-time role is to stay curious and continuously seek learning opportunities. It's important to ask questions and proactively understand the business and its dynamics. Building relationships with colleagues is essential, so take the time to connect and collaborate.

Additionally, embrace every opportunity to contribute and take the initiative in projects and brainstorming sessions. Bring your ideas to the table, as our organization values open-mindedness and diversity. These qualities can greatly enhance your chances of success in securing a full-time position.

Who are you outside RSM?

In my free time, I love staying active and exploring new languages—it keeps my mind sharp and opens the door to discovering diverse cultures. 

Traveling is another passion of mine, as it offers the chance to immerse myself in new perspectives and places. Recently, I’ve rediscovered my love for reading, which serves as a wonderful escape. Music also holds a special place in my heart; I play the German flute, which brings me great joy. 

As a proud cat-mom, I cherish time with my furry companion, and all these hobbies help me maintain a well-rounded and balanced personal and professional life.