Reflections on My Journey: From Intern to Full-Time Team Member

Reported by: Shahirah Abdul Aziz

​As I sit down to reflect on my time working at 57Network, it feels surreal to think about how far I’ve come from an anxious intern in late 2024 to someone who’s now ready to move on to new opportunities. With my contract ending this month, I wanted to take a moment to share my experience, the lessons I’ve learned, and the people who made this journey unforgettable.

​Starting as an Intern: The Nerves and New Beginnings

​When I first joined 57Network in late 2024 as an intern, it was my first experience in a corporate environment, and I had no idea what to expect. I knew I’d be learning a lot, but I also knew it would be challenging. I had never worked in this particular line of work before, and there were so many things I had to get up to speed on.
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The initial adjustment was tough. I was trying to wrap my head around the products, understand company processes, and build the skills needed for my role all while trying to manage my own expectations of how quickly I should be getting everything right. But what helped me through those early months was the amazing support from my team.

The Power of a Supportive Team

One thing I’ll always be grateful for is how understanding my colleagues were. From the very start, they reassured me that perfection wasn’t expected, especially as I was still navigating my way through the learning curve. It made a world of difference to know that I wasn’t being pressured to get everything right immediately. Instead, I was encouraged to ask questions, learn from my mistakes, and take the time I needed to truly understand both the work and the products we were offering.
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That level of empathy and support made the challenges more manageable and helped me grow into my role without feeling overwhelmed. There’s something special about being part of a team that recognizes the value of collaboration and growth, and that’s exactly the kind of environment I found myself in.

Working from Home, But Still Together

​Despite most of us working from home, the company made a real effort to maintain a sense of connection among us. We did various activities and events that helped bring us together, even if we weren’t physically in the same place. I truly appreciated those moments they gave us the opportunity to get to know one another outside of work tasks, which made collaborating even easier. It’s easy to forget how important those connections are, but the friendships and trust we built through these events made a big impact on my overall experience.

​The Power of Small Interactions

While there wasn’t a single defining moment that stands out to me, what truly shaped my experience at 57Network were the countless, often brief, interactions I had with my colleagues and customers. Working from home, it’s easy to slip into the mindset that work is just about completing tasks and checking off to-do lists. But over time, I came to realize how much more it is than that.

Some of the most meaningful moments weren’t in big meetings or official work sessions but in the quiet exchanges, whether it was a quick chat with a teammate, a small personal sharing of our life, or a genuine question from a customer that sparked a deeper conversation. These moments reminded me that we’re all human. We’re not just people filling roles or ticking off work items; we’re individuals with feelings and struggles.

In a remote environment, it’s easy to forget the importance of connection. But through these simple interactions, I learned how much our words and actions can affect others. A brief, kind message can make someone’s day. A moment of vulnerability can strengthen a bond. And sometimes, the smallest gesture like checking in on a colleague or taking an extra minute to truly listen to a customer can make all the difference in building trust and understanding.
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This experience has shown me that no matter where we work, it’s the empathy, mindfulness, and care we show each other that makes the workplace truly special.

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A Time of Growth and Gratitude

As I’ve moved from intern to a full-time role since January 2025, I can’t help but reflect on how much I’ve learned. I’ve had the chance to build professional communication skills, improve my customer support abilities, and work on creating solutions that matter. Every day brought something new—sometimes challenging, sometimes rewarding but always an opportunity to learn.

This company has given me more than just a job; it has given me a foundation to grow as a professional. While there were moments when I wasn’t as “good” at my work as I wanted to be, I was always met with patience and encouragement from my teammates. And now, as I prepare to move on to pursue my personal goals, I feel ready to take everything I’ve learned and apply it to the next phase of my career.

A Thank You

As I wrap up this chapter of my professional journey, I want to thank everyone at 57Network. I’m grateful for the opportunities, the lessons, and most of all, the incredible people I’ve had the privilege of working with. Thank you for being understanding, for teaching me, and for giving me the space to grow. I look forward to seeing where our paths may cross in the future.
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To my team and everyone who made this experience so meaningful, thank you for everything. I hope to continue growing, learning, and improving, just as I’ve seen all of you do.