Stepping Into the World of Work: Grade 10 Work Experience Week 2026

Last week, 120 Grade 10 students stepped into the workplace — many for the first time — for ISZL’s annual Work Experience Week. Students immersed themselves in industries ranging from media, music, pharmaceuticals, finance, automobiles, hospitals, hospitality, and education.

Across global brands and local businesses, our students were welcomed into professional environments that offered real insight into the world of work. Hosts included organisations such as Porsche, Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD), Ferrari, Interdiscount, Holcim, Atlantic Records, Glencore, and even in ISZL’s Kindergarten.

We are especially grateful to Microcubiq, Sobi, Asset Management Switzerland, MSD, and Glencore for offering structured annual placements and for their continued partnership in supporting our students’ learning.

Throughout the week, students observed meetings, supported daily operations, asked thoughtful questions, and experienced first-hand the pace and expectations of professional life.

At Sobi (Biopharma), one host shared positive feedback about one work experience student, saying:

It was a pleasure to have you in the office and you clearly made an excellent impression with everyone you interacted with. I was personally very impressed with the questions you asked… I hope these experiences help you think this through further.

At Ringier, students explored prompt engineering and AI-supported design:

They blew away some of my product team today by showing how a little curiosity and focus (and some agentic assistance) could transform a static design into an almost-functional prototype. We ended up learning a thing or two about how hands-on enthusiasm and curiosity are the real gears behind AI enablement.
— Nashua Gallagher, Lead Product Manager, Blick & AI at Ringier

Back on campus, one student working in the ISZL Kindergarten was described as:

Cheerful and ready to get involved… helpful when extra hands were needed… polite and articulate with staff and children. She seemed to really enjoy Kindergarten and being with young children!

Student Experiences Across Industries

Students returned with stories that reflected both excitement and insight.

• Tigris, working at Frenchie’s Burgers in the Netherlands, reflected on the fast pace of hospitality:
  “The industry is so fast moving — there’s always something to do. I love that pressure!”

• Marc, at Farmàcia Vilela in Spain, helped make minoxidil capsules and observed everything from lab work to sales:
  “It was amazing. I was treated like every other employee and saw everything from the lab to sales.”

• Adam and Meintje, two of twelve ISZL students placed at MSD, collaborated on a new vaccine care package for geriatric patients:
  “We worked on a new vaccine care package for geriatric patients and found it fascinating to see how completely different departments come together to work towards one goal.”

Looking to the Future

In the coming weeks, students are reflecting on their learning, skill development, and how these experiences might shape their choices as they move into Grades 11 and 12. As they consider subject selections and future pathways, Work Experience Week provides valuable context, and allows students to connect their academic study with real-world application.

Learning doesn’t happen in a vacuum, and by trusting students with real responsibility and inviting them into professional spaces, we help them better understand not only different industries, but also their interests, strengths, and emerging aspirations.

Thank you to all of the organisations, families, and community members who generously hosted our students. Your mentorship and openness make this experience possible, and we are grateful for your partnership in preparing our students for the future.