From Intern to Insightful: Jasper’s Experience at DTO

What made you decide to do an internship at DTO?

During my fifth-semester study abroad program in my Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, I had an ideal time window at the beginning of the year that I wanted to use for an internship. Having previously gained experience in a large corporation through another internship, I was eager to explore a different perspective and experience the dynamic environment of consulting. Additionally, I wanted to apply the theoretical concepts I had learned during my studies in a practical setting and see how they contribute to solving real-world challenges.

What particularly appealed to you about the company?

I was particularly impressed by DTO’s international focus and its wide range of clients and projects. The application process was professional and seamless from the start, even though I was still abroad for most of it. Communication was efficient and I had the opportunity to meet the team and visit the office in Düsseldorf during my final interview. This further reinforced my positive impression. The open corporate culture and the high level of responsibility entrusted to employees convinced me that DTO was the right fit for me.

How long was your internship and what areas did you cover?

My internship lasted three months, from January to March in 2025. During this time, I was heavily involved in three projects. The most valuable experience for me was the opportunity to contribute to a large-scale project that was coordinated from the Charlotte office. This international collaboration aligned perfectly with my expectations of diverse and dynamic consulting work. My core responsibilities included conducting primary data collection as well as researching and analyzing secondary data. Additionally, I was involved in evaluating and strategically preparing the data and creating presentations for internal and external purposes. I particularly appreciated the level of autonomy I was given - besides using existing concepts and templates, I had the opportunity to contribute my own ideas and actively shape the development of presentations. Another highlight was working with different project managers, which allowed me to experience various leadership styles and gain valuable insights into different working methods. The variety of tasks and the collaboration with diverse team members significantly contributed to my professional growth, enabling me to further develop my existing skills and acquire new competencies.

What was the highlight of your time at DTO?

A particularly memorable experience was my involvement in a project in collaboration with a leading transmission system operator in the e-mobility sector. From the initial client meeting to the final presentation, I was able to witness the entire project development and actively contribute to the creation of strategic solutions. It was especially exciting to observe how the focus and tasks evolved over time and how the final outcome gradually took shape. Working on a project that was both intellectually stimulating and valuable to the client was a truly enriching experience. Another highlight was the exceptionally positive work environment at DTO. From day one, I felt welcomed and was able to build strong personal relationships with my colleagues. The open and supportive company culture played a crucial role in making my internship an enjoyable and fulfilling experience.

Would you recommend other graduates to do an internship at DTO?

Absolutely! I highly recommend an internship at DTO to motivated students or graduates who want to learn a lot in a short time and gain valuable consulting experience through independent work. The combination of exciting projects with international clients and a professional yet collegial corporate culture makes DTO an outstanding employer for interns. Given my positive experience, I am even more excited that I can continue working as a student employee at DTO after my internship and gain further practical experience alongside my studies.