‘Is there life after death?’ is a question that keeps some students occupied. But this question is abstract and theoretical. ‘Is there life after graduation?’ is a much more urgent question. Once you exchange your happy-go-lucky student life for a nine-to-five existence at the office, are you even still alive? That is what I am currently trying to find out during my internship. In this third episode: a search, but for who?
Two middle-aged men that I have never seen before in my life call me on Teams. No introductions, they jump right in: ‘I’m glad we caught you. Steven, we are unable to solve your issue.’ I take in their clothing and search the room in the background for clues as to their identity. Nothing. A silence falls. ‘Who are you, and what is my issue?’ I answer.
The men apparently work for a software company (Planon), which is apparently used when booking meeting rooms in the open space office. It all began with an error message when booking a meeting room. It would seem I lack the clearance to allow me to book a room. The error message contained an email address. I reached out, thinking it was a matter of checking the correct box.
Nothing was further from the truth. Department A referred me to Department B, after which Department B relayed my message to the mystery callers (party C). These men then advised me to contact department E, which, in turn, suggested I send an email to person E. I wasn’t even aware there were so many departments! A new way to get to know the organisation, in a manner of speaking. Every cloud has a silver lining.
And, to be sure, person E was the right person. Finally, an answer!
‘There is too much administrative work going on in the system at this time. I will be unable to grant you access.’
From pillar to post and from post to a dead-end street. The conversation with the mystery callers has a hidden meaning, in hindsight: the issue they were unable to solve is that of bureaucracy. Does bureaucracy make me more or less alive? Less!
Steven (25) is doing a Master’s degree in Economics and Policy and is currently doing an internship at a research institute for economics. He enjoys hitting the squash court and is always up for a game of squash and a good conversation. You can email him here.
