At a time when many see their future abroad, one Macedonian company has a vision of how to act within their capabilities and change the way of thinking, especially of young people. FULM Savings House offers internships to students from all faculties and universities in Macedonia, giving advantage to students who study social sciences, especially economics, law and information science. FULM’s staff unselfishly impart their knowledge and work experience to the interns, giving them professional advice, and some of them are offered employment by the company.
Elena Sherdenkova, Maja Trpchevska Liotikovska, and Monika Markovska, newcomers to the internship, shared their experiences and impressions below.
Меѓу нововработените по практичната работа, се најдоа Елена Шерденкова, Маја Трпчевска Лиотиковска и Моника Марковска, кои ги споделуваат своите искуства и впечатоци во продолжение.
- Why did you apply for internship in FULM?
– I applied for an internship in FULM Savings House because I saw an excellent opportunity to gain knowledge and skills that would certainly be useful for building a career in the future, and that was the case – says Elena Sherdenkova, employed as an officer in the branch in Bitola.
Maja Trpchevska Liotikovska, Loan and Deposit Coordinator at Tikveshija Branch – Kavadarci says: As a student, I had a great desire to do an internship in a financial institution that is different from others, and now 4 years later I claim that FULM is that type of company. As a young student, I was motivated and wanted to learn how FULM works and what it offers to the citizens of our country.
– I learned about FULM Savings House while studying. I applied for an internship because I wanted to see how a financial institution that meets the financial needs of a population that cannot get financial services otherwise can function – says Monika Markovska, employee at FULM Central Skopje
- How long did your internship last?
Elena: My internship lasted six months.
Maja: I did my internship for one month, and when they called me for internship the following time, I actually got the job. It was a big surprise for me as a graduated student.
Monika: In my four-year study, I did internships at FULM Savings House every summer for one month. One of the most important things you can get from an internship is new knowledge. This includes completing tasks that are relevant for your desired career and sharpening the skills you already possess.
- What knowledge and skills did you acquire during your internship?
Elena: During that time I learned how to communicate with clients, what teamwork is, and I learned the basics of banking
Monika: I got a sense of professionalism and a clearer view of what it means to be in the professional world
Maja: I would like to commend my colleagues who were very dedicated to me at that time despite the scope of their work. I learned some of the procedures important for the functioning of FULM. I came to know their vision, mission and what makes this Savings House different from others. I archived documents, arranged files, filled out applications, arranged current documentation, etc. I learned that FULM deals with confidential data and information and that maximum discretion and commitment to the work is necessary.
- What was the attitude of your mentors during the internship?
Maja: As I already mentioned, I was amazed by their dedication and selflessness in sharing their knowledge. I worked in a pleasant atmosphere and learned from them daily, perfecting many skills.
Monika: My mentors were always ready to teach me new things. They were incredibly patient to help me at all times.
- How did you feel when you were offered a job at FULM?
Monika: Honestly, I didn’t expect it. I was very surprised when they called me and I immediately accepted because I knew exactly what kind of financial institution was hiring me.
Elena: The moment I was offered a job at FULM I felt happy and proud of myself because my work during the internship was truly recognized and valued.
Maja: I was very surprised that they chose me out of all the other interns. I was both happy and confused at the same time. I felt scared because I didn’t know how I will cope with the new responsibilities as a newly graduated economist with no work experience. In other words, FULM hired me the moment I finished my faculty, and for this, I am grateful to them.
- Why did you decide to accept the job offer in FULM?
Maja: Because I wanted to work with clients, loans and deposits. I wanted to work in a welcoming atmosphere in an institution that invests in my knowledge and enhancement, an institution that works with all categories of citizens without any restriction. I knew it would be like that in FULM. I didn’t make a mistake, so now thanks to my choice I have become a member of a large family.
Elena: I accepted the job in FULM because I wanted to contribute to the company and this job is a challenge for me to prove my qualities.
Monika: During my internship I gained a great knowledge thanks to the FULM Savings House’s staff. The working atmosphere is great and there is potential for career advancement.
- Any recommendation for the young people looking for a job?
Maja: My experience has shown that I was fortunate in my first employment. I asked for the eight hours at work to make me happy and fulfill me. My recommendation is for everyone to set their own priorities and be guided by them.
Monika: Internships are an opportunity to try out all the skills you have developed at college and see how they work in the real world. I would advise all young people to seize the opportunity and do internships.
Did you like our colleagues’ stories? Do you plan to acquire new knowledge and skills in finance and want to be part of a company that constantly invests in its employees?
Read about internships at FULM at www.fulm.com.mk/studenti/
Apply with your CV at info@fulm.com.mk
For more info contact Maja, Elena and Monika
maja.t@fulm.com.mk ; elena.s@fulm.com.mk ; monika.m@fulm.com.mk
See you 😊
