INTERVIEW TRAINEE – Davis Trolese

1 – Could you elaborate on your daily experiences and routines during your EU4EU internship, highlighting how it shaped your professional and/or personal growth?

Moving to Brussels for my EU4EU internship was an exciting but challenging experience. Finding an apartment was initially tough, as the rental market in Brussels is competitive and I’ve never looked for an accommodation outside Italy. However, I found a nice place to stay. I shared the apartment with another person, and living with someone new helped me embrace the sense of community and learn to adapt to shared living. Also it is great to share the experiences that both faced during the days. It was also a great opportunity to make new friends and develop social relationships.

Daily life in Brussels is nice. I spent time exploring the city, trying different restaurants, and hanging out with the other Erasmus+ students, from all over Europe, that I met in the company. This helped me grow personally, as I became more open to different perspectives and cultures. Additionally, I improved my English skills and communication abilities, which is really important for my future career.

Professionally, my routine at Procter & Gamble (P&G) was structured but varied, and this is an extremely nice aspect of P&G, the work is never boring and the tasks that you have to carry out change daily. I spent most of my days working on research and product development, collaborating with my colleagues, and conducting experiments. The combination of working in a fast-paced environment and managing my life in a new city significantly shaped my adaptability, resilience, and problem-solving skills.

2 – Could you tell us about your experience working in your company?

My experience at Procter & Gamble’s R&D department was extremely positive. I worked specifically on formulating dish soap products, focusing on soft grease removal from degraded plastics and trying to find ways to solve plastic discoloration. It was fascinating to be involved in such a project, as it allowed me to apply my technical skills to solve real-world problems.

I had the chance to collaborate with experienced peers from different departments, which not only improved my technical knowledge on the topic but also gave me insight into how large-scale consumer goods companies operate. The level of innovation at P&G was inspiring, and at the end I really felt that my work had a meaningful impact on the company business. The feedback I received was constructive, and it helped me improve both my technical abilities and my confidence as a professional.

3 – How would you describe the work environment in a company of that size and how was the relationship with your coworkers?

The work environment at P&G was collaborative and open. Despite being part of a large global organisation, I felt that my contributions were valued, and there is a strong sense of team-work.

My relationship with my coworkers was excellent. The team was supportive, and I had the chance to work with people from various departments, including the analytical department and the people who work on the consumer’s feedback. Everyone is willing to share their expertise, which makes learning and collaboration easy. I also had opportunities to take on leadership roles within my project, which allowed me to develop my team-working skills and grow from a leadership perspective, which is extremely important in a company like this. The work culture emphasized mutual respect and continuous learning, with a strong encouragement on work-life balance that made the whole experience incredibly enjoyable.

4 – What were the key factors that led to your continuation with the company after your internship?

The key factors that led to my continuation with P&G after my internship are the company’s strong emphasis on personal development and the meaningfulness that everyone could make. During my internship, I had the chance to work on a project that directly impacted the company’s product development pipeline. The skills I developed, particularly in product formulation and problem-solving, aligned well with the company’s requirements for a R&D worker.

Additionally, the feedback and mentorship I received from my colleagues and supervisors helped me grow professionally. They encouraged me to take on more responsibilities and refine my leadership skills, which made me feel confident in my ability to continue contributing to the company. This, plus a strong encouragement received from my supervisor are the key factors that led me to the continuation with the company.

Actually, I’m still in the middle of the hiring process and there are good chances that the hiring process will end-up well. But still, it is not certain that I will be part of the company.

5 – Finally, would you suggest another student to join the EU4EU program? Why?

The EU4EU program offers a fantastic opportunity for students to gain international work experience, immerse themselves in a new culture, and build both personal and professional skills. My internship through this program was incredibly positive as it allowed me to work with a global company like Procter & Gamble, giving me the possibility to enhance my development and research skills.

The program also helped me grow personally, as living in a new city like Brussels pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to develop adaptability and social skills. The combination of cultural immersion and professional development makes the EU4EU program a unique and valuable experience for any student.
For sure I will talk with my friends about my experience, highlighting the fact that EU4EU helps me in doing it, both from a supportive and economical perspective.