IAESTE 2024
MakoLab has been collaborating with the International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE) for years. It’s an enormous pleasure to host young people thirsting for knowledge. This year, we’re delighted to be working with Alba Lahora, who’s joined us from Barcelona.
MakoLife Insights talked to her to find out what she thinks about MakoLab and how’s she getting on. What did we discover? Read on to find out!
How did you learn about the IAESTE internship program?
I found out about the programme through my university and I started helping out with it, working to make companies in Barcelona keen to host people on internships and preparing documentation for IAESTE interns coming to our city.
Why did you choose MakoLab?
I chose MakoLab because a friend of mine had already done an IAESTE internship with you and he told me that Poland and this company were excellent and that he had a great time!
How are you enjoying the internship?
The first few weeks have been a bit complicated because I hadn’t expected to be working remotely. But I’m slowly getting used to it and the project’s taking shape, so little by little we’re moving forward.
What was your first impression when you arrived at MakoLab?
I was impressed by the spacious offices. And there was so much silence. That also struck me. But then I was told that most of the staff work remotely. In Spain, teleworking isn’t the norm, so I’m not used to it. But I think that if you do the job just as well while you’re working like that, then it’s efficient. Although I really like ‘real world’ human interaction.
How long will you be with us?
My internship last about ten weeks.
Do you already have a favourite place in Łódź?
Oh, yes! Right now, my favourite spots in Łódź are Manufaktura[i] and the courts where I play basketball with my roommates.
What do you do in your free time?
I love hanging out with the friends I’ve made here! They’re really fun and I have a great time with them. I was very lucky to meet them. And we do every possible activity, from going to the cinema to foam pit gymnastics and weekend trips to cities near Łódź.
There’s something else we discovered while we were talking to Alba. The entire group of IAESTE interns in Łódź has an outstanding plan for the future. They’re intending to keep in touch through ten years of travelling the world to visit one another. We wish them all an amazing journey, professional and personal!
[i] An arts, leisure and retail centre located in a vast, revitalised former factory in the centre of Łódź – ed.
Translated from the Polish by Caryl Swift
Ewelina Buchta
Employer Branding Specialist
