Hi everyone! My name is Samia Ali, and I am currently in my Final Year of Accounting BSc (Hons) course. A fun fact about me is I can speak 4 languages and currently learning my 5th just for fun! As a part of my course, I had the opportunity to do my placement year at Travelport as a Group Controllership Intern in the Corporate Finance sector. My role was flexible, I worked from home three days a week and went into the office two days a week. This hybrid model taught me so much about balancing remote work with in-office collaboration.

One of the most valuable lessons I gained during my placement was the importance of building strong relationships with team members and managers. Entering a new workplace, especially as an intern, can feel intimidating. However, forming meaningful connections not only enhances your learning experience but also makes the work environment more enjoyable and productive. Here are some strategies that helped me develop professional relationships during my placement year.

Start with a Positive Attitude

First impressions count! From day one, approach every interaction with enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and a friendly attitude. When I joined Travelport, I made it a priority to greet everyone warmly, introduce myself during both in-person and virtual meetings, and actively show my excitement about joining the team. A simple introduction like, “Hi, I’m Samia, and I’m thrilled to be part of this team!” helped set a positive tone and made me more approachable to my colleagues.

Schedule One-on-One Meetings

One of my first initiatives was to schedule one-on-one meetings with my team members and manager. These conversations allowed me to learn about their roles, expectations, and even their personal interests. These didn’t need to be formal, casual chats over coffee or virtual catchups worked just as well.

Through these meetings, I gained valuable insights into their work and got a broader understanding of the company by connecting with colleagues across departments, such as Finance and Marketing. This effort not only helped me establish rapport but also showed my team that I valued their input and expertise.

Show Appreciation for Feedback

Constructive feedback is one of the most valuable tools for growth during a placement. Whenever my manager or team members provided feedback, I actively listened, took notes, and applied their suggestions. For example, when I received feedback on how to structure financial reports more effectively, I immediately implemented the changes. This not only improved my work but also demonstrated my commitment to learning and improving.

Contribute to Team Meetings

Team meetings provided an excellent opportunity to engage with my colleagues, share ideas, and demonstrate my enthusiasm for the work. Recognizing the importance of being prepared, I made it a habit to review the agenda in advance and identify areas where I could contribute meaningfully. This preparation allowed me to come up with thoughtful questions, observations, or suggestions that aligned with the meeting’s objectives.

Moreover, actively participating in discussions helped me establish credibility within the team and foster a sense of confidence in my abilities. Over time, my contributions became more strategic as I gained a deeper understanding of the team’s goals and priorities. By consistently engaging in meetings, I demonstrated my commitment to the team’s success and showed that I was invested in driving meaningful outcomes.

This proactive approach to team meetings taught me the value of preparation, active listening, and clear communication. It also underscored the importance of creating a collaborative environment where everyone’s voice is heard, regardless of their role or level of experience.

Engage in Social Activities

Participating in social activities outside of formal work settings helped me form deeper connections with my colleagues. Travelport organized events such as team lunches, virtual trivia nights, and coffee breaks, which provided opportunities to interact with colleagues in a more relaxed environment. These informal moments not only helped break down barriers but also created a strong foundation for teamwork and collaboration.

In addition to these events, I was entrusted with managing my team’s birthday celebrations, a responsibility I thoroughly enjoyed. This role involved collecting contributions from team members, purchasing a gift card and a birthday card, and ensuring that everyone signed it in time for the special day. Presenting the gift to the team member on their birthday became a wonderful way for us to show appreciation and build camaraderie. Taking on this role strengthened my relationships with my colleagues and added a personal touch to our workplace dynamic.

Communicate Proactively

Clear and proactive communication was a cornerstone of my success during the placement, especially given the hybrid work model. Balancing in-office and remote work required a conscious effort to keep everyone on the same page and maintain productive relationships.

During remote workdays, I made it a priority to stay connected with my team by providing regular updates on my tasks and progress. Whether it was through status updates, shared documents, or quick messages on tools like Microsoft Teams and Outlook, I ensured that my manager and colleagues were always informed about my work. This transparency not only demonstrated my accountability but also allowed the team to address any potential roadblocks before they became issues.

When I encountered challenges or needed clarification, I didn’t hesitate to ask questions. For example, if I was uncertain about specific expectations for a task, I reached out promptly to ensure alignment, rather than risking errors or delays. This approach helped me deliver high-quality work while reinforcing my reliability.

Additionally, I found that proactive communication extended beyond just reporting progress, it also included engaging with colleagues to understand their needs and offering support when possible. For instance, if I noticed a colleague working on a task related to mine, I reached out to share updates or ask how I could assist, which fostered collaboration and strengthened relationships.

By staying consistent and intentional in my communication, I positioned myself as a dependable and engaged member of the team. This experience highlighted how proactive communication not only builds trust but also creates a more collaborative and efficient work environment.

Be Patient and Respectful

Building meaningful relationships in the workplace doesn’t happen overnight, it’s a gradual process that requires consistent effort and understanding. During my placement, I noticed that while some connections developed naturally and quickly, others took more time and care to establish. Each colleague had their own communication style, work preferences, and pace, which meant that building rapport required a thoughtful and flexible approach.

I made a conscious effort to adapt my communication to suit the individual I was interacting with. For instance, some colleagues preferred concise, task-focused updates, while others appreciated more in-depth discussions about projects or even casual chats to build personal connections. By being observant and adjusting my approach, I was able to connect with team members in a way that felt comfortable and natural for them.

There were times when collaboration was challenging, whether due to differing priorities, tight deadlines, or varied working styles. In these situations, I reminded myself to remain patient and empathetic. Taking the time to listen, understand their perspective, and approach disagreements constructively was key to fostering mutual respect.

Ultimately, this experience taught me that patience and respect are essential in building trust and creating strong professional relationships. By consistently demonstrating these qualities, I was able to create a positive and supportive dynamic with my colleagues, even in the face of challenges

Final Thoughts

My placement year at Travelport was a truly transformative experience, and the relationships I built along the way were instrumental to my growth. These connections enriched my daily work, provided invaluable insights, and expanded my professional network. By approaching every interaction with positivity, curiosity, and respect, you can create meaningful relationships that leave a lasting impact on both your career and your colleagues.

Building relationships is not just about networking, it’s about creating a supportive environment where you can thrive and contribute effectively. My placement year taught me that these connections are the foundation of a rewarding and successful professional journey. 😊,

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Big thanks to Samia, one of our final-year Accounting BSc (Hons) students, for writing this blog!

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