BY MADS WALRAVENS
Hola everyone!
My name is Mads, I am 17 years old and I am studying International Marketing & Communication at Astrum College in Velp in the Netherlands. I am now in the second year of my studies and I have been doing my internship at Malaga Bike Tours for the past half year.
In this blog I will tell you what it is like to do an internship at Malaga Bike Tours and what it is like to do an internship in the amazing city of Malaga!
Why do an internship in Malaga?
Malaga might not be the first place you think of when given the option to do your internship abroad, until you look up the weather reports! No, that’s a joke of course. In short, the city is just great, the weather is amazing and there is always a great atmosphere.
Also, Malaga city is not too big so everything is nice and close together-usually within walking or cycling distance. Another advantage is that there are a lot of other international students here, including many Dutch students!
Me cycling through the spectacular port of Malaga on a bike tour
How did I find Malaga Bike Tours?
I found Malaga Bike Tours through an internship agency called JongLeren. At the very beginning, I had an interview with them. They not only provide an internship, but also accommodation. Fortunately, this all went very smoothly. Jongleren also provides support throughout your time in Malaga. (Going through an agency makes things easier for sure. However, you don’t need an intermediary company to do an international internship. You can send an email direct to Malaga Bike Tours info@malagabiketours.eu- to apply for an internship).
What did I do during my internship?
My days often started with renting bikes to customers who wanted to explore the city.
Me helping customers rent out bikes
It was great to see how people enjoyed the freedom of a bike. I got the chance to help them choose the perfect bike route.
I also learned how to give bike tours. It was quite a lot of work at the beginning to learn all the stories and general information, but it was well worth it!
While giving the tours, I had to present in front of a large group of people. I also had to make sure the group was safe and, of course, to make sure they had a great time!
As an International Marketing and Communication student, I was also able to put my skills into practice. From creating Instagram and Facebook posts to creating reels of the bike itineraries and famous Malaga sights.
This internship has greatly boosted my personal development and self-confidence. My English has improved tremendously due to the constant interaction with customers and colleagues. (I also learned a lit bit of Spanish….un poquito)!
Also my social skills have improved a lot, which will come in handy in the future. And let’s not forget that I am now also a pro at housekeeping and cooking. When you do an internship abroad, you have to be able to take care of yourself!
This internship has prepared me for what the future may hold. The experience I gained in marketing and communication is perfect. The ability to work in an international environment and communicate effectively is a skill that will take me far in my future career.
And as I said earlier, leading bike tours is a big responsibility. Therefore, that experience will show future employers that I am confident with people, can organise and manage groups and that I am a take-charge kind of guy.
The highlight of my internship? Without a doubt, the positive reviews from clients on Google Maps. It’s great to see that my efforts have not gone unnoticed and that clients appreciated my contribution to their experience.
It’s a motivation boost and great proof that hard work pays off. Here are a few of the many 5-star reviews I received during my time at MALAGA BIKE.
Just a few of the amazing reviews MALAGA BIKE customers wrote about me
Top tip: You should always ask clients for reviews. Then you can include them on your CV or in your portfolio when applying for another internship or a job. They are hard evidence of how other people see you.
In Conclusion…
During my internship in Malaga, not only did I rent out bikes and give tours, but I also gained a lot of other experiences. My internship at Malaga Bike Tours & Rentals has broadened my outlook on life and improved my personal and professional skills.
Whatever the future may bring, I am ready for it – with a backpack full of memories and a smile that will linger for a long, long time.
My «office» for 5 months while doing my internship in Malaga at Malaga Bike Tours & Rentals by Kay Farrell
