Hello! My name is Camilla, and I’m originally from Italy. I completed my bachelor's degree in the economics of transportation and logistics companies and am currently pursuing a master's degree focusing on the management of companies in the maritime business, like shipping lines and ports. 

My journey brought me to Hamburg through the Erasmus program, where I spent six months and fell in love with the city, its people, and the exciting job opportunities. During a "meet the companies" event at my university in Hamburg, I discovered HPC Hamburg Port Consulting and was immediately intrigued. This curiosity led me to apply for an internship, and I was thrilled when I got accepted! 

My Experience at HPC 

I joined HPC as an intern from March to June, working in the commercial department, which perfectly matched my background. From day one, I was involved in one or two projects at a time, ensuring I was always engaged and learning. The variety of projects expanded my knowledge and skills from multiple perspectives: 

• Feasibility Study: Conducted research on best practices for a logistics center. 

• Tariff Study: Analyzed pricing strategies by comparing different terminals. 

• Market Analysis: Initiated a market analysis for a port near my hometown. 

• International Collaboration: Participated in a project involving cooperation between companies from various Northern European countries. This experience enabled me to network with professionals who provided valuable insights for my master's thesis and offered their support. 

I appreciated the diversity of tasks and the opportunity to work with different teams, each with its unique expertise and approach. I was continually inspired by the enthusiasm, dedication, and willingness of my colleagues to share their knowledge and support me whenever needed. 

The HPC Working Environment 

Another aspect I loved about HPC was the welcoming and dynamic work environment. The office is new, eco-friendly, and located in a beautiful, central area of Hamburg. The open space fosters casual interactions, while designated meeting rooms allow for focused discussions. 

The team at HPC is incredibly friendly and supportive, always ready to help each other. Everyone speaks excellent English, and some even offer informal German lessons! The atmosphere is relaxed yet motivated, supported by great team-building activities like shared lunch breaks, whether in the office kitchen or at nearby restaurants, and a monthly "after work" event on the first Thursday. 

Why I Chose to Stay at HPC 

HPC challenges me with demanding projects and tasks while also allowing me to enjoy my free time and pursue my hobbies. I am excited to continue my journey here as a working student and look forward to contributing to and learning from this fantastic team!