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Throughout my first few weeks at uFlexReward, an HR-tech startup and a Unilever company, I have received a very warm welcome from the team. So far, my experience has been incredible, allowing me to apply many theories I’ve learned in my first two years of university into practical skills. Over the past few weeks, I have gained exposure to real business processes, learned invaluable skills, and become immersed in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
A Culture of Innovation and Collaboration
Being a startup, uFlexReward's culture is fast-paced, adaptable, and highly collaborative across all aspects of the business. We operate with the agility of a startup while benefiting from our connection to Unilever. Everyone, including myself, is encouraged to share their thoughts and insights to help tackle challenges and generate ideas that will elevate the company. I am particularly grateful for the team's willingness to help, explain, and mentor, especially during my onboarding process. Whether I had questions about internal systems or broader topics, such as marketing strategies, someone was always available to guide me in the right direction.
From Theory to Real-World Application
As an intern, I’ve had the opportunity to work across different aspects of the business, rather than being confined to just one department. This has been deeply valuable as I’ve been able to apply several concepts I’ve learned in class to a practical environment. A few key projects I’ve contributed to include:
- CRM & Sales Pipeline Management: Using HubSpot, I’ve helped track client interactions, assisted in researching key contacts, and refined lead segmentation to enhance sales efficiency.
- Market Research and Industry Analysis: I’ve gathered data on HR-tech industry trends, analyzing what sets uFlexReward apart from competitors. Through this research, I’ve gained valuable insight into how businesses position their marketing to generate revenue in crowded markets more effectively.
- Data Organization and Reporting: I assisted in cleaning and structuring datasets to enhance visibility and client engagement. Following a crucial conference like World at Work 2025, it is essential to ensure that interactions are organized efficiently and effectively to support the sales team in further developing relationships.
Insights Gained from Practical Experience
Transitioning from academics to a professional setting has certainly been an enriching experience. What I have and will continue to learn this summer will undoubtedly be applied to my studies for the upcoming year and for the rest of my degree. Given that I’ve been able to work in fields that are directly related to my major, this internship has already been a great experience. One thing that I’ll certainly take away from this time is how important data accuracy is in business decision-making. Accurate and up-to-date data is imperative in the workforce today, as landscapes are constantly changing. Constantly being aware of market trends, new legislature and anything else that could significantly impact a business is a non-negotiable. Ensuring we’re speaking to the right people and focusing on the right companies allows us to save valuable time and resources, ultimately helping the business. Being able to see this in a real-world application has reinforced the key business principles I’ve learned in university, and things I’ll certainly remember going forward.
Looking Toward the Future
Although only a few weeks into my internship, I’m finding myself more confident in my ability to contribute to the team effectively while learning from the industry professionals I’m working with. The exposure I have had to various aspects of HR tech has expanded my skill set, and I look forward to continuing this learning in the coming months. In an environment as innovative as uFlexReward, I am excited to grow as a professional and eager to build upon the foundation this internship has provided.
