Karina Bjornaroy

Country of origin: Norway

Placement: Hewlett-Packard

My role consisted of supporting the Enterprise Group EMEA Sales Strategy and Program team. The team worked on strategic sales programs and transformational initiatives aligned across HP.

My role varied a lot and my contribution depended on the project. I worked on everything from growth programs, kick-off events, Go-To-Market planning projects, communications to HR-related diversity activities. I also had responsibilities outside the team working with other employees in HP. This was a role where you got a lot of responsibility and were constantly busy, but I got enormous insight and exposure into how a big company like HP operates.

I was lucky enough to be part of the project team for a new networking event for the EMEA Global Account General Managers in Frankfurt. The project team was spread all over Europe with connections to the US, which meant a significant number of eight-hour straight conference calls, thousands of emails and the normal challenges you face trying to remotely put together an event. We had a tight deadline and worked day and night for weeks, but to see the event coming together in the end and working so smoothly made it all worthwhile, and it was a fantastic feeling!

I was also part of the Global Field Leadership Kick-off in Frankfurt where we had responsibility for a two-hour session out of two whole days which meant I could also enjoy my time as a delegate. The definite highlight was listening to Meg Whitman (CEO) speak about the exciting future of HP and meeting so many fantastic people from all over the world.

Being part of these events as an intern is incredibly inclusive, and you are working with a remarkably experienced team. However, you still own work streams and are expected to deliver results like every other team member. It's hard work, but you really feel you are part of the team’s success and not as “just the intern”.