Website – www.insternships.co.nz

Founded in 2007, New Zealand Internships was the first company of its kind in New Zealand, providing professional internships and assistance for all necessary arrangements both prior to and during an interns stay in New Zealand.

The company’s primary concern lies in the intern’s successful completion of their internship and additionally arrange activities and events that allow interns to make friends and memories as they explore New Zealand. New Zealand Internships is officially recognized by 100% Pure New Zealand of Tourism New Zealand.

Dutch born Marcel Roos is the Global Account Director and started the company with is friend Ronald Gardebroek. After sending about 100 letter to New Zealand companies seeking an internship and only receiving 2 replies, Marcel realised there was a gap in the New Zealand business environment.

Currently, Marcel is also the President of The Netherlands New Zealand Business Association and is the co-founder of the North Shore Professionals business club.

Did you experience any culture shocks when you moved?
It’s definitely a different business culture over here, which took some getting used to. For example, it takes a long time to gain trust from new clients. And of course we Dutchies are quite direct, which is different from New Zealand culture.

What are you most proud of?
I’m very proud that we have integrated internships in New Zealand as a whole. We were the first ones in New Zealand. Also, in my initial business plan, I wrote that my goal was putting smiles on people’s faces and I’m proud that we have achieved that. We help young people, give them an unforgettable, once-in-a-life experience and it’s a win-win for everyone. That and makes me very happy, it’s really cool work to do.