DO IT BIG
Recently I had the amazing opportunity to travel to Chicago for the Havas Lofts Program.
A few days before my trip started, I bought a travel guidebook to find out more about Chicago. I quickly realized that there is so much to know, to explore and to sightsee that I could not wait to discover this absolutely amazing, breathtaking city in person.
However, once I got there, my shock was undoubtedly heightened by the fact that Chicago is such a big city — I would have never been able to imagine.
Fascinated by the landscape, the architecture and, of course, the magnificent skyline I began to explore the city during my weekend. After my first impression of the city, I could hardly wait to finally find out more about the HAVAS community I am a part of.
There I stood now on a sunny Monday — 36 East Grand Ave — Havas Chicago — my heart racing, my breath coming in gasps and my body covered with sweat (naaaaa … exaggerating ;D ) — in brief: I was excited.
My only thoughts: “This is the place where I will work and learn for the upcoming 4 weeks — ok then — let’s do it!”
I was so excited as I went through the door and a wonderful field of action opened up before me, with plenty of room for integration and interaction in the most modern, unconventional and dynamic workplace I have ever had the opportunity of getting to know.
Havas Chicago really offers a unique working atmosphere.
You can sit at your desk concentrating on e-mails or take your laptop with you and use one of the fabulous “red rooms” just to be alone (when you feel the need). You can even have a banana in one of the two large open kitchens while discussing the start of the next big campaign with other managers. You can also set up a meeting in one of the numerous meeting rooms (all named by the best restaurants in Chicago, which is important to know!) So you stay in house and won’t find yourself at the wrong location ;D.
You are able to work wherever, however and (nearly) whenever you want.
It is easy to see how well-balanced everybody is and how much they can identify themselves with their jobs and roles. Havas Chicago is not just a place where you work, it is more than that. It is the place where you can develop and unfold yourself. The place where a good idea has space to grow and can become something big.
Everybody seems to focus on one big goal “Whatever you do, do it and DO IT BIG!
After the first couple of days I became familiar with the city and must admit that Chicago is more than just a big city.
Chicago smells so good. Honestly! Due to the fact that this city is really windy, it has one big advantage, wind transports the wonderful smell of delicious coffees, bakeries, restaurants and diners. Most streets smell of caramelized cookies, huge creamy ham pizza or grilled steaks topped with delicious blue cheese butter. Let you sweep along an adventurous walking tour and you will always find something tasty to try out.
I am looking forward to the weeks ahead for finding out more about my colleagues, their work and the windy good smelling city of Chicago.
