Meet Philine Urfer – a driven International Management student with a deep passion for sports.
She has already gained hands-on experience through several internships and was expanding her professional journey as an intern at SheSkillz Global and its co-founder company, Presight AS in Norway. Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Philine has also taken part in rhetoric seminars as part of the “Youth Debate” competition, highlighting her strong communication skills.
Multilingual, curious, and full of potential, Philine brings a dynamic perspective shaped by both outdoor enthusiasm and international ambition.
Let’s get to know her better.
1. You are studying International Management at the University of Applied Sciences in Kempten. Is the internship part of your study program, or is it a self-initiated opportunity?
It is part of my studies. As part of the curriculum, we are required to complete a 20-week internship abroad to gain international work experience and develop intercultural competencies.
2. What steps did you take to start looking for internship opportunities?
I started by clearly defining what kind of experience I wanted to gain. Both professionally and personally. I researched companies whose values matched mine, used platforms like LinkedIn and job portals, and reached out to people in my network for advice and contacts.
3. You worked as an intern for two companies in Norway—Presight AS and SheSkillz Global. How did this opportunity come about, and what motivated you to choose both organizations? What initially caught your attention?
I initially contacted SheSkillz Global and after a successful interview, they offered me the opportunity to do a combined internship with both them and Presight AS. It was a unique chance to support two different teams and gain experience in both creative and analytical fields. Presight AS gave me insight into structured, data-driven work and risk communication, while SheSkillz Global allowed me to explore storytelling, gender discourse, and strategic content creation. It felt like a space where I could contribute meaningfully and also challenge myself to grow.
4. What made you choose SheSkillz Global for your internship? What caught your attention?
I was drawn to SheSkillz Global because of its strong focus on female empowerment and its international, purpose-driven approach. As someone studying International Marketing Management and aiming for a career in Marketing/sales/communications, I found the idea of working in a startup that promotes equality, confidence, and visibility for women incredibly inspiring. I saw it as a space where I could both learn and contribute something meaningful.
5. What were your first thoughts when you met your team at SheSkill Global for the first time?
Honestly? I was a bit scared. Everything was new, and I didn’t know what to expect. But after the first meeting, I immediately felt welcomed and appreciated. The team was open, supportive, and genuinely interested in who I was and what I could contribute. It created a positive atmosphere from day one and helped me settle in quickly.
6. What kind of projects or tasks did you work on? Which ones did you find especially exciting or meaningful?
I was involved in several areas, from helping shape marketing strategies and preparing social media content to assisting with the planning and writing copy for different channels. One of the most exciting parts was working on my own articles. Being trusted with creative and strategic input was both challenging and rewarding.
7. You’ve built an impressive repertoire of articles, tackling provocative and trending topics. Among them is a trilogy exploring the “new” trend of the Alpha male, as well as a thought-provoking piece on the evolving image of the “Tradwife.” Given your background in debate competitions, was this writing experience particularly engaging or meaningful for you?
Absolutely. Coming from a background in debate, I’ve always enjoyed questioning assumptions and looking at both sides of an issue. Writing these articles gave me the opportunity to dive into cultural narratives that are shaping how people, especially young men and women, see themselves today. Those articles were particularly meaningful because they touch on identity, gender roles, and social media influence. Topics that are both personal and political. It wasn’t just about writing, it was about starting a conversation and encouraging critical reflection.
8. Did you have the opportunity to work independently, or was your work mostly supervised? How did that make you feel?
I had a lot of independence, which I really appreciated. I was trusted with real tasks and responsibilities from the beginning, which gave me the confidence to grow and take initiative. Of course, there was always support when needed, but the trust made a big difference in how I experienced the internship.
9. Did you receive any mentoring or guidance during your internship? How did it impact you?
Yes, absolutely. I was lucky to have a team that gave me both constructive feedback and the freedom to find my own way. It helped me reflect on my strengths, improve my skills, and better understand what kind of work environment I thrive i
10. Was there a moment or achievement during your time at SheSkillz Global that you’re particularly proud of?
Yes. Seeing my work actually go live was a big moment for me. It gave me confidence that I can take initiative, handle responsibility, and bring ideas to life in a real business context.
11. How would you describe the team dynamic and the working culture at SheSkillz Global?
The atmosphere at SheSkillz Global is open, warm, and collaborative. I always felt included, respected, and heard. There’s a real sense of shared purpose, and I appreciated how every voice, including mine as an intern, was taken seriously. The level of support and trust I experienced made a huge difference in my personal development.
© PHOTO: private photo
12. What are some of the key things you’ve learned, professionally or personally?
Professionally, I’ve learned how to translate strategy into clear communication and how to navigate marketing processes from concept to execution. Personally, I’ve grown more confident in my ability to take initiative, adapt quickly, and communicate across cultures and generations. It also strengthened my belief in the importance of purpose-driven work.
13. Has the internship changed how you see marketing, communication, or female empowerment in any way?
Definitely. I’ve come to understand how powerful storytelling and community-building can be when it comes to empowering women. Marketing isn’t just about selling something. It’s about creating spaces and messages that make people feel seen and valued. That realization has stayed with me.
14. What are you taking with you from this internship, either for your career or your personal growth?
I’m leaving this internship with a stronger sense of what kind of work environment I want to be part of: one that values empathy, collaboration, and creativity. It also confirmed that I want to work in marketing and communications, ideally in a fast-paced, international field, but with purpose at the core. I feel better equipped now, both professionally and personally.
15. If you had to describe your time at SheSkillz Global in three words, which would you choose and why?
Empowering, because I felt trusted and encouraged to grow. Insightful, because I gained real-world experience in marketing. Connected, because I was able to work closely with inspiring people and build meaningful relationships.
16. Does it take a lot of courage to take an internship abroad? Would you/will you do it again?
Yes, it takes courage, especially at the beginning. You leave your comfort zone, navigate a new culture, and start from scratch in many ways. But it's one of the best decisions I’ve made. I’ve grown so much from it, and I’d absolutely do it again. In fact, I’m already thinking about what the next international experience might be. Maybe my Master's, who knows?
17. What would be your message to students who are looking for an internship?
Don’t just look for a company that sounds good on paper. Look for a place where you feel seen and where your voice matters. Be curious, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to try things you're not yet good at. Internships are not just about gaining skills; they’re about discovering who you are in a professional context.
18. Have you ever thought about what your dream job would be? Would you be willing to share your future plans with us, or do you prefer to keep them a secret for now?
Yes, I have! My dream is to work in marketing and communications in Formula 1. Ideally, as part of a team where I can combine my passion for sports, strategy, and storytelling. I know it is a big dream, but I'm working step by step to make that happen.
19. Who inspires you in life and your career?
I’m inspired by people who stay curious, authentic, and kind. Especially those who challenge norms, uplift others, and still remain grounded. In my career, I look up to women who lead with both vision and empathy, who don’t shy away from complexity but embrace it with clarity and strength.
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