Before starting my internship at K‑Youty, I had certain preconceived ideas about how start-ups operate. I imagined them as informal, flexible environments where interns would mostly observe or perform simple tasks. I also thought that the team would be larger and that responsibilities would be clearly divided.

However, my experience quickly challenged these assumptions.

Working in a small team of only three people—the manager Aline, a part-time colleague, and myself—I was often left to manage the boutique alone during their absence. This situation forced me to take on real responsibilities, ranging from customer service and stock management to marketing and event coordination. Far from being a passive observer, I was treated as a full team member, expected to handle tasks independently and solve problems on the spot.

This intense involvement confirmed the start-up culture’s flexibility and fast pace but also revealed some unexpected realities. While I enjoyed the freedom to create and manage projects such as launching the TikTok page—which reached over 90,000 views—and translating the website into German, I also faced moments of stress and pressure. Being alone in the boutique required strong organizational skills and a calm mindset to respond effectively to customer needs and operational demands.

Confirmed Ideas

• Start-ups offer a dynamic and flexible work environment.
• Interns can take initiative and contribute meaningfully across different areas.
• Creativity and rapid adaptation are essential.

Advantages

• Rapid Skill Development: I gained diverse experience in sales, digital marketing, bilingual communication, and event management in a short period.
• Autonomy and Responsibility: Managing the boutique alone helped me develop independence, problem-solving skills, and confidence.
• Real Impact: The projects I led, like the TikTok page with over 90,000 views and website translation, directly contributed to the company’s growth.
• Strong Sense of Ownership: I felt fully integrated into the team and motivated to deliver results.

Limits

• High Workload and Stress: Being often alone meant I had to juggle many tasks simultaneously, which could be overwhelming.
• Limited Immediate Support: Without a larger team, I sometimes lacked quick advice or assistance.
• Risk of Role Overload: The variety of missions left little room to specialize deeply in one area.
• Pressure to Perform: Despite the start-up’s informal image, professionalism and reliability were always expected.