THE COMPANY AND ME
Description: One of the most significant events during my internship at Sasafur was collaborating with a company for a international project for manufacturing goods. We encountered a critical situation when a customer placed an extra order than just three weeks before the shipment deadline. This unexpected increase caused considerable strain on our production and operational capacities, as the initial batch of goods was already declared for international shipping. The urgency of the situation required a concerted effort from both the manufacturing and operations teams to address the bottlenecks and ensure the revised order met the deadline. I worked closely with the operations team to identify inefficiencies, streamline workflows, and implement immediate corrective actions.
Takeaway: This experience taught me the importance of teamwork and effective communication under pressure. I learned that successful project outcomes depend not only on technical skills but also on the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds. The situation underscored the necessity of adaptability and quick decision-making in a dynamic work environment.
Description: As a Moscow-born, Turkish-raised intern who spent the last three years working in the Netherlands, adapting to Sasafur's unique work culture posed some initial challenges. This was my first time working in a corporate environment in Turkey, which blends Turkish customs with modern international business practices. One notable event that helped me adapt was participating in a company-wide charity event. The event involved organizing and distributing aid packages to underprivileged communities in Istanbul. This activity not only allowed me to give back to the community but also provided a meaningful way to bond with my colleagues outside the office setting.
Takeaway: This experience underscored the importance of cultural adaptability and sensitivity in the workplace. It significantly enhanced my intercultural competence and highlighted the value of embracing diverse cultural practices to create a cohesive and inclusive work environment. Participating in the charity event enriched my personal experience and strengthened the bonds within our team, demonstrating how cultural awareness and shared values can enhance collaboration and productivity.
Event 3: Assisting in a Market Research Initiative
Description: A particularly noteworthy event during my internship at Sasafur was assisting in a market research initiative to explore potential new markets for our products. The goal was to identify emerging trends and opportunities in the fashion industry that could be advantageous for Sasafur. My responsibilities included gathering data from various sources, helping to analyze market trends, and compiling a report that was presented to the senior management team.
Takeaway: This experience taught me the importance of strategic thinking and data-driven decision-making in business. I learned how to collect and interpret market data effectively, which is crucial for identifying growth opportunities. Additionally, helping to prepare the report and observing its presentation to the senior management team improved my understanding of how to communicate findings clearly and concisely. This project underscored the necessity of staying attuned to market dynamics to maintain a competitive edge in the industry
1. Demonstrate the ability to work with interpersonal and organizational competencies.
Learning Objective: Improve interpersonal communication and collaboration skills.
Progress: I have significantly improved my ability to communicate effectively with team members and collaborate on projects. For example, my role in the the international manufacturing project required constant interaction with colleagues from various departments, which enhanced my teamwork skills. This included regular meetings to discuss progress, brainstorming sessions to solve problems, and daily check-ins to ensure everyone was aligned.
Learning Objective: Adapt to Sasafur's work culture and practices.
Progress: I have successfully adapted to the company's blend of Turkish and international business practices. Participating in team-building social events, and daily interactions during coffee breaks and lunch hours helped me acclimate to the cultural nuances of the workplace. I also made an effort to learn more about Turkish business etiquette, which helped me integrate better with my colleagues.
Learning Objective: Conduct a sustainability scan to evaluate Sasafur's practices.
Progress: By analyzing Sasafur’s sustainability initiatives, such as their eco-friendly production methods and waste reduction strategies, I concluded that the company is committed to sustainable practices, making it an attractive employer. I, had conversations with key staff, and examined the lifecycle of our products to understand our environmental impact better.
Learning Objective: Understand Sasafur’s corporate culture through Hofstede’s cultural dimensions.
Progress: Sasafur’s culture is characterized by a moderate power distance and strong collectivism, reflecting Turkish cultural norms. This understanding has helped me navigate the organizational dynamics effectively. For instance, I noticed the emphasis on hierarchical respect but also the strong sense of community and teamwork. Applying Hofstede’s theories, I observed that decision-making is often top-down, indicative of moderate power distance, but there is also a significant emphasis on group harmony and collective effort, characteristic of collectivism.
Learning Objective: Seek feedback on my progress and discuss learning goals with my supervisor.
Progress: Regular meetings with my supervisor have provided valuable feedback on my performance and areas for improvement, helping me set and achieve realistic learning goals. During these meetings, we discussed my progress on various tasks, identified skills I needed to develop, and set clear, achievable objectives for the upcoming weeks.
6. Respond appropriately to an unfamiliar business environment.
Learning Objective: Develop resilience in handling unexpected challenges.
Progress: The production delay crisis tested my ability to respond to unexpected challenges. I managed to stay composed and contribute to the resolution, enhancing my resilience. I learned to quickly gather information, coordinate with different teams, and propose solutions under tight deadlines. This experience taught me the importance of flexibility and calmness in a fast-paced environment.
Learning Objective: Overcome stereotypes and collaborate effectively.
Progress: Working with colleagues from various cultural backgrounds has taught me to look beyond stereotypes and appreciate diverse perspectives, leading to more effective teamwork. One stereotype I encountered was the assumption that individuals from the Middle East are overly formal and conservative in their work interactions. I realized that these stereotypes were unfounded as I interacted with my colleagues.
Adaptation to a new culture involves the process of adjusting to and becoming comfortable with a different cultural environment. This process often includes understanding new social norms, communication styles, values, and behaviors. It typically follows stages such as the honeymoon phase (initial excitement), frustration phase (culture shock), adjustment phase (developing coping mechanisms), and acceptance phase (full integration). Effective adaptation helps individuals function efficiently and comfortably in their new cultural setting, fostering both personal and professional growth
The U-Curve Model of Cultural Adjustment, first proposed by Sverre Lysgaard in 1955, describes the stages individuals typically go through when adjusting to a new cultural environment. The model outlines four distinct stages:
Personal Experience: As a Moscow-born, Turkish-raised individual who spent the last three years working in the Netherlands, I was initially captivated by the vibrant culture in Turkey when I started my internship at Sasafur. The friendly people, rich history, and the novelty of experiencing Turkish customs and traditions were exhilarating. I eagerly participated in cultural events and explored the local cuisine, feeling a renewed connection to my Turkish roots.
Personal Experience: Despite being raised in Turkey, having spent significant time in the Netherlands, I faced challenges readjusting to the Turkish work environment. Language barriers, different workplace norms, and the direct communication style of my colleagues sometimes felt overwhelming. Simple tasks, like understanding specific business terminologies or navigating public transportation, became sources of stress.
Personal Experience: Engaging in team-building activities and daily interactions at Sasafur slowly helps me transition into the Adjustment Stage. I am starting to understand and appreciate the cultural nuances, such as the importance of hospitality and community in Turkey. Participating in regular coffee breaks and social gatherings with my colleagues helps me to learn more about their customs and build stronger relationships. I want to say that I am currently in the middle of the adjustment stage and I am getting slighty more adjust day by day.
Personal Experience: As of quarter 3 , I have not experienced the acceptence stage.