My name is Matthieu Avale. I’m a 23-year-old French international business student and was completing my internship at the Maritime Logistics Research Center in Rauma, Finland. This experience forms part of my studies and personal development, and I would like to share some insights into my missions, the challenges I encountered, and the skills I developed during this period.
I was assigned two main tasks during my internship that shaped my daily activities and learning journey. The main task was to propose a CRM solution for the Maritime Logistics Research Center, and the second one was to organize an event.
Proposing a CRM System
My first mission was to research and propose a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system that would meet the research center’s needs. A CRM system is both a strategy and a tool used by companies to manage and analyze interactions with customers and prospects. Its main objectives are to:
- Improve business relationships
- Enhance customer satisfaction and retention
- Streamline internal processes
- Boost sales and overall profitability
CRM tools allow companies to centralize client data, making it easier to answer customer questions, detect potential problems, and optimize service delivery. Previously, I had only used CRM systems to extract data; during this project, I needed to take a step back to truly understand the center’s needs and suggest a solution tailored to them. This work gave me a deeper understanding of CRM systems’ function and the strategic thinking behind selecting the right tool. I also proposed a few action plans for the center to better leverage CRM to enhance its operations.
However, the task came with its challenges:
Budget constraint: The CRM solution needed to be free of charge. Many of the best-known systems on the market are not, and they were the ones I was most familiar with.
Regulatory considerations: I had to ensure that any data collection and storage practices complied with relevant privacy and data protection regulations.
Despite these obstacles, the project helped me develop critical thinking skills and a more solution-oriented mindset.
I also had to change CRM solutions several times, either because I wasn’t fully satisfied with the functionality offered or because some systems proved too complex to set up in the specific context of the research center.
Organizing an Event
My second mission was to organize an event for the center.
Having a lot of time before the event was an advantage. It allowed me to brainstorm ideas, consider potential animations, and foresee potential problems well in advance. The continuous reflection helped me build a more detailed and creative event plan.
One of the key benefits of organizing and participating in the event was the opportunity it created for team building. Strong team dynamics are essential for productivity, creativity, and a positive work atmosphere in any professional environment. Events like the one I organized provide a relaxed setting where team members can interact outside their usual roles, discover shared interests, and strengthen mutual trust. This not only improves communication but also enhances collaboration and morale within the workplace. For me, it was a chance to get to know my colleagues better and to help strengthen their bond.
The realization of the event went smoothly. Although it was cancelled quite late the first time, I had to re-plan and prepare everything again, but it was better to do it this way than to organize it, and only 2 or 3 people showed up. In the end, the event was successful in my opinion. It also offered an excellent opportunity to connect with the team and get to know them better in a more informal setting.
One of my initial concerns was whether the schedule would be held and if all the planned activities would fit into the allocated time. Fortunately, everything went according to plan, and all activities were carried out as expected. I also prepared backup activities in case things moved faster than anticipated. This project taught me the importance of foresight, adaptability, and detailed preparation when planning professional events.
Balancing Internship and Thesis
Alongside these missions, I have been working on my thesis. Balancing the workload between my thesis and my internship has been a challenge, but also a great opportunity to improve my time management and organizational skills. It also helped me to develop my curiosity and my writing skills.
Conclusion
This internship at the Maritime Logistics Research Center has been a very interesting experience. It not only allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting but also pushed me to gain maturity as I was organizing my own schedule. From navigating CRM systems under constraints to organizing a successful event, each task brought unique challenges that strengthened my problem-solving, communication, and planning skills.
Moreover, working in an international environment in Finland has broadened my perspective and given me valuable insights into cross-cultural teamwork. I’m grateful for the trust placed in me and the support from Minna throughout this training. I am thankful for this opportunity, and I really appreciate working in this positive environment.
Reference:
Author unknown. (n.d.). CRM system components. Retrieved from https://www.engagebay.com/blog/importance-of-crm/
Text: Matthieu Avale, international business student
Photo: Minna Keinänen-Toivola