Alba Albuger Martí is a 4th-year Political Science student at the University of Barcelona, who has completed her curricular internship at Coboi lab, the Public Innovation laboratory of the Sant Boi City Council.
“I have learned to trust a team and to see that there is life beyond academia”
Why did you decide to do your internship at Coboi lab?
“I reviewed the internship opportunities offered by my university and this was the one that caught my attention. I didn’t know much about the concept of public innovation and it seemed like an interesting topic to explore. In addition, I felt that here I would have autonomy, that I could take initiative, and that I wouldn’t just be learning by observing.”
And did you expect what you experienced during these months?
“The truth is, no. Before starting my internship, I didn’t have many expectations -not because of where I would be doing it, but because of the general idea people have about internships, which are often perceived as something cold and rigid. However, when I arrived, I found the complete opposite. The atmosphere at Coboi is very welcoming, approchable, and human. I was pleasantly surprised by the way they work.”
What would you highlight most from what you have learned?
“I have learned many things that aren’t taught in the academic world. For example, I would highlight how a multidisciplinary team works and what it truly means to work horizontally. I have also learned a very practical working method that helps to translate ideas clearly into collaborative projects. In fact, I found the philosophy that, in most cases, a project shoud be carried out with the goal of collaborating with others. But above all, what I have learned the most is how to trust a team.”
And were you able to propose your own ideas?
“Yes, from the very beginning. It’s true that at first I found it difficult to share my ideas, but I’ve never felt judged for expressing myself. On the contrary, there was always openness and support, and my opinions were listened to and valued. They even gave me space and helped me start my own challenge.”
How would you explain what Coboi lab is to someone who doesn’t know it?
“That’s difficult! I told my uncle that it was an innovation laboratory and he imagined people in white coats. But after spending a couple of months here, I would say that Coboi is like an organ that thinks so the rest can execute. It’s a place where ideas are developed to improve the city in a different, more collaborative way. And it’s true that sometimes it’s hard to see the direct connection between what is done here and what happens outside, but what’s interesting is seeing how project ideas arrive here, that it’s the place where people from different departments, companies, etc. meet, work on a project together, and then these projects leave this lab, expanding and having a real impact on the city.”
Did you feel like part of the team?
“Absolutely. I never felt treated like “the intern girl”. They have always made me feel like one of them which, in my opinion, is key to having a good experience. I have friends who have done internships elsewhere where they were treated like typical interns, only useful for bringing coffee and devaluing their opinions. Here, I experienced exactly the opposite.”
Do you have a favorite moment from your internship experience?
“If I had to choose one, I would say the BETAfest, without a doubt. It was an incredibly enriching experience to be part of an event like that from the inside. But I also love the weekly meetings with the whole team. We only meet once a week, but there is a really nice energy. Everyone shares what they’re working on, their doubts and ideas, and it makes you feel like you’re part of a team that’s just as excited as you are.”
And after this experience, what do you think you’ve taken away?
“I would say a new way of seeing my professional future. Here I’ve discovered that there are career options I had never even imagined. For example, I would like to continue to being involved in the world of innovation and move away from the idea that I can only end up doing very technical and bureaucratic work. I’ve also seen that the professional world is broader than I thought, but also very competitive. After this internship, I feel more prepared, but I still need to explore other sectors and gain more experience.”
Would you like to continue being involved with Coboi lab?
“Yes. I would like to be able to continue collaborating or being part of the community, in some way. I also have to say that I liked the way I was treated here so much that now I’m afraid to go somewhere else and not be treated the same.”
“I think everyone should be able to do internships like these, where they really treat you as one of the team, not like an intern whose only job is to bring coffee.”
Interview conducted by Alba Fábregas Parra, Host of Coboi Lab’s Espai BETA
