Life at Secondment by Aneta Niewiadomska at Baker Tilly Spain

We would like to share Anetta's experience during a month in the Madrid office.

How was your experience in the Madrid office?

My experience in the Madrid office was incredible! The work in a completely new environment was challenging, but in a good way. It was a great opportunity to get to know a different way of working. We have the same goal, but different solutions and this comparison is eye-opening. On a personal level, I loved exploring the area after work: Madrid and other cities like Toledo and Segovia are beautiful and unique - the mix of history, modernity, and amazing food made my experience even more memorable. In short, it was an enriching experience and I’m grateful for this opportunity.

Why did you want to do this experience?

I wanted to do this experience to broaden my professional horizons and get to know an international work environment. I was also keen to challenge myself by working in a new city, adapting to a different work culture, and collaborating with new colleagues. Additionally, apart from work you can get to know the country, so the opportunity to combine professional development with cultural exploration was something I couldn’t pass up. It was a chance to grow both in my career and personally.

How was your experience and how did you find your team?

The team is great. From the first day, they made me feel included and supported. Everyone is approachable, and there is a strong culture of collaboration – especially on Thursdays after work. I was particularly impressed by how open and communicative everyone was, which made it easy to ask questions and settle in. Overall, it was a pleasure to work with such a friendly group of people.

What do you highlight most about this experience, do you encourage your colleagues to take advantage of these secondments?

The key aspect I’d emphasize is the personal growth that came with living and working abroad. From improving my language skills to gaining a deeper appreciation for Spanish culture, the experience was enriching in ways I didn’t expect. Now I feel like I´m ready for any challenge. If anyone needs advice on whether it's worth taking part, I would highly recommend it. It's a unique chance to step outside your comfort zone, build an international network, and develop skills that you can’t get from a domestic role. It’s a great way to experience new cultures and create lasting memories.