What made you apply for an internship at CNC last year?
I have been fascinated by the "Strategic Corporate Communications" field since my internship in Brand Communications with a company in the sports goods industry. At the start I had no concrete ideas about what "Communications" tasks within a company involved. When my colleagues at the time introduced me to the tasks and responsibilities of a "Communications Manager", I realised that that was exactly the job I had been looking for.
When looking for an internship for the last semester of my degree in economics, I met a friend who is a communications scientist. After her studies she began her career with CNC.
I was really enthusiastic about having found a young company that provides business consulting for all areas of strategic communications in diverse industries - one that also has an impressive network across the globe. And so I applied for an internship with CNC straight away. Then things happened very quickly. Two interviews in Munich later and my internship contract for three months was in the bag.
What did you imagine everyday consulting to be like before (from an outside perspective), and how was it different in practice?
To start with I thought typical work in communications consultancy would be the same as that of a normal business consultant. That is to say, four days on site with a client for a project and then Fridays "at home" in the office with colleagues. Happily, I quickly learnt that my ideas about the everyday life of a consultant at CNC were not at all accurate.
You normally never work on just one project at CNC, but are constantly working on a range of projects with colleagues from different CNC offices. Therefore you get to enjoy an incredible variety of tasks and quickly become familiarised with a mixture of communications areas and industries. In most cases, CNC clients are supported by the relevant CNC office. Of course there are always projects that require full-time presence with the customer on site, five days a week. But this is an exception to the rule.
Which were the most exciting tasks for you during your internship? What did you learn from them?
It's hard to say - my work proved to be very varied right from the start.
The most exciting task was when I was taking an active role in a project for a leading international sports association. CNC's mandate was to develop a global marketing and PR campaign, in which I was involved as a full member of the CNC consultant team with a clearly defined role. For example, I was responsible for analysing the initial position and producing a questionnaire for the relevant stakeholders. Working with colleagues, I was able to carry out interviews with experts in Germany and Switzerland and then evaluate the information gathered and prepare it in the form of a presentation for the clients.
This project is a good example of work at CNC. If you're committed and can present ideas convincingly, you get the chance to realise them. Whether you're working at CNC as an intern or a permanent employee on tasks such a Media Monitoring, Market Analysis, Website Research, Press Reviews or in producing presentation documents, you always go through what you've produced with a competent colleague in order to guarantee the "operational excellence" CNC's clients expect.
How would you describe the working atmosphere at CNC?
As well as interesting and demanding tasks, there is also a lot of fun to be had at CNC. Employees are open and friendly with each other. The "lounge" with table football is great for short breaks between work.
I won't pretend that there isn't occasionally overtime at CNC - just like at any other business consultancy firm. Especially just before an important pitch, the working day can get long and intense, but you get to know each other better on a personal level. I developed a very good relationship with my colleagues and bosses, which sometimes extends beyond the usual working hours in the office.
After your internship (and period as a student apprentice), you applied for a permanent position at CNC. What was the Assessment Centre day like for you?
The Assessment Centre was a challenge and an invaluable experience. On the one hand, participants get a good insight into the range of tasks during everyday working life at CNC, and on the other hand you get the chance to get to know the people behind CNC better.
The evening before the actual Assessment Centre, all invited applicants and a number of CNC employees came together for an informal meal, to get an impression of each other in a relaxed atmosphere.
The Assessment Centre day itself was very professional and excellently organised. During a round of introductions at the start of the day, the applicants were welcomed by the CEO, Dr Christoph Walther. He took the opportunity to explain the concept and business model behind CNC, and gave a short overview of the tasks and areas of activity at CNC. The rest of the day involved a wide variety of assignments typical to everyday consultancy at CNC, as well as several individual interviews with consultants from all levels.
Do you feel you made the right decision by starting a career with CNC?
Absolutely. Working directly with DAX-listed companies in a variety of projects, whilst also being able to work together with small- and medium-sized companies on a top management level, is a fantastic opportunity.
I especially appreciate that even as an Associate at CNC you can take on roles of responsibility within projects if you are committed enough and earn the trust of the project managers and clients.
Another reason why I am convinced that CNC was the right career start for me is the support from experienced colleagues in the company. There is a specialist for each communications area who is there for you with help and advice when you need it.
What I especially like about CNC however is that it is still a relatively young company where entrepreneurial thinking and initiatives are appreciated, and where there are no out-of-date business structures. You can bring in new ideas and have an influential role without having to go around the houses for approval. You are even encouraged to question established practices and to contribute to the company's continued development.
