I was initially drawn to Ekkiden by its clean and modern branding, the energy of its team, and the sense of unity I saw on social media. The workplace culture was a key factor in my decision—it felt young, dynamic, and full of positive energy.
As a Talent Acquisition intern, my responsibilities included:
This role gave me a strong foundation in research, communication, and teamwork. I learned to assess client needs, source the right talent, and navigate a bilingual work environment, which helped me develop a professional approach to international communication. The biggest challenge? Managing a high volume of recruitment needs in a fast-paced environment. I overcame this through smart task organization, focused execution, and always knowing my team had my back.
Curiosity and a desire for growth pushed me toward Sales. I knew from colleagues that sales require resilience, persistence, and adaptability, and I wanted to challenge myself in this area. After expressing my interest, I was fully supported by my team and welcomed into the Sales Development department.
As an SDR, my main tasks include:
While recruitment and sales share some similarities—such as phone-based communication and relationship management—sales introduced higher call volumes, tougher objections, and a need for resilience. Every conversation is different, and staying motivated through rejection has been a valuable learning experience. However, trusting the added value of our service keeps us going!
Each role has shaped my professional skills in unique ways. In Talent Acquisition, I learned to actively listen, research, and match candidates effectively. In Sales, I developed a mindset of persistence, adaptability, and strategic communication.
Beyond technical skills, the biggest takeaway has been the importance of working with an energetic, supportive team. In both departments, the right work environment and mindset can make a huge difference in motivation and performance.
Would I recommend job rotation during an internship? Absolutely. If you’re exploring different career paths, gaining experience in multiple roles helps build a well-rounded skill set and a holistic understanding of the business.