Firstly i would like to apologise for the late blog, i had a few technical difficulties.

Ok, so where do i begin?

My arrival in Berlin was an experience in itself. After collecting my bag and cautiously making my way out of the air port, i was met by a line of taxis all blaring Michael Jackson music, "Thriller" if i remember correctly,due to the interesting dance moves i was also greeted with. I producing my google map with the location of my apartment and within a matter of seconds a few hand gestures later, i was on my way.

I arrived at my apartment around 20 minutes and several brave heart impressions later, and was met by my land lord and his daughter. They spoke perfect english and put me at ease straight away. They helped me in to my apartment with all my bags and showed me how to use everything. The apartment is lovely and very modern with all the essentials, including several english tv channels, a nice little bonus. After un packing all my things and went off to bed and pondered on what the next day should bring...

On Sunday i was met by a man called Bernd Duesing and his friend Oliver. They took me out in Berlin for coffee and cake, they assured me that this is what everyone on Germany does on a Sunday, I could definitely get used to this! They then drove me around Berlin showing me all the sights to see and places to visit. Berlin is a fascinating city. The streets are always buzzing with people from all walks of life, and the contrast between the old and new buildings makes it so unique and continuously breath taking. Its hard to believe this city was divided rite up until 1989. My day was filled with endless facts about the city and all the must see's and do's when i'm here.

On Monday i got the train to work, before I even got off the train i knew i was in the rite place. As i looked out the window i could see several building with huge "Bayer" signs on them. I found my office and was introduced to Fabio Oris Piva, my boss for the duration of the internship. I am working for Bayer Health Care in the Men's Health Department, specifically in marketing. He ran through all the projects i will be working on and gave me lots of reports to get me up to speed with there current position in the market. I was shown around the entire department and introduced to allot of people, all i can say is that i am glad everyone's name is on their door! Due to the nature of the pharmaceutical industry i can't discuss the specifics of the projects but i am finding them fascinating. I still cant get my head around the scale of Global business. The skills and work needed to be able to target markets in so many different countries with so many different restrictions and laws are endless. This experience has truly opened my eyes to possibilities within these environments and its only the first week!

On Tuesday I met a lady called Monika Neitzert, she is in charge of Global Marketing. Monika gave me allot of  the market research reports that have been conducted in the USA recently, she had endless knowledge on the topic of marketing and after quizzing her endlessly on her career and previous jobs i gave her peace and headed to my office to get started on my reading. I have a nice office overlooking the city, it was a little overwhelming to begin with but after getting my computer translated from german to english its a little easier.

On Wednesday I had a meeting with a man called Thomas Proske along with Monika to discuss changes needing to be made to a questionnaire that was originally used in the USA but is now going to be used in Europe. It was interesting to see the information i am learning at university actually be applied. The were both very kind, and despite both being german they held the meeting in english so i could understand. There appears to be a mixture of languages going around the department, so far i have heard italian, french, german, spanish and english, its hard to tell what country you are in sometimes, i guess it all comes hand in hand with Global business.

My Thursday and Friday were spent doing allot of reading. I need to get an understanding of the drugs and there position in the market before i can contribute to discussions and meetings effectively.

My first weekend in Berlin was a good one! I went to a shopping on a street called 'Kurfurstendamm', it was buzzing with lots of tourists. There was a little food market that had cuisine from all over the world, i am yet to try and german specialities but i'm sure it will all come in time.

I hope everyone is having a great time!!! If anyone is in Germany and would like to spend a weekend in Berlin please don't hesitate to get in touch!

kay xxx