Alicia
Sadiki

Where do you currently work, and what studies are you pursuing alongside your internship?

I am currently working at SICPA as part of a long-term internship while pursuing my studies at HEG. I am in my third year of International Business Management, which I study on a part-time basis. This allows me to combine academic learning with practical professional experience.

Which department do you work in at SICPA, and what are your main day-to-day responsibilities?

At SICPA, I work in the Finance department, where I support the Business Finance and Controlling teams in a variety of operational activities. My responsibilities include contributing to pricing processes, invoicing, accounts receivable monitoring, and the management of corporate credit cards. These tasks allow me to play a role in ensuring the smooth running of financial operations while supporting different members of the team.

Is this internship beneficial to your studies?

Yes, this internship is highly beneficial to my studies because it allows me to apply in practice the concepts I learn in class, particularly in accounting and finance. Moving from theory to real-world application helps me better understand and retain concepts that can sometimes feel abstract without practical experience.

How was your integration into the team, and how would you describe the work atmosphere?

My integration into the team went very smoothly. The team is welcoming, supportive, and always willing to answer my questions or explain things again when needed. They are very understanding of the fact that I am balancing my studies alongside my internship, and there is always a positive and friendly atmosphere in the office.

How does your manager support you in your work?

My manager provides excellent support. We have regular check-ins to discuss how I am feeling, my relationship with the team, and my workload, including whether my tasks are suitable and if I have too much or too little work. Based on these discussions, my manager adjusts my future assignments according to my workload and priorities.

What do you enjoy most about your internship at SICPA, and why?

What I enjoy most about my internship at SICPA is the opportunity to explore different areas of finance within a large international company. I have the chance to change departments approximately once a year, which allows me to broaden my skills and gain exposure to various aspects of the business. I also work with professional tools such as SAP and Microsoft applications, which are highly valuable for my future career.

What experience has stood out to you the most since the beginning of your internship?

What has impressed me the most since the beginning of my internship is the scale of the company. Joining an environment with so many employees was initially quite intimidating. However, I quickly realised that the well-established processes and organisation enable effective collaboration across different teams, contributing to the smooth operation of daily activities.

In your opinion, what are the main advantages of doing an internship at SICPA for a student?

This experience has helped me gain a better understanding of the professional world and envision my future career. I would recommend an internship at SICPA because it offers a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience, work in an international environment, and develop valuable skills that will be beneficial for future professional growth.