The world needs organized, motivated professionals with a passion for leadership and the drive to positively affect company productivity. When you study abroad, you expand your critical thinking, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. Taking your business administration studies abroad gives you the chance to learn about and adapt to new business practices and discover what works, with whom, and why. Engage with international industry professionals and business owners in Japan, understand how culture has an effect on topics like corporate social responsibility in London, and experience innovative and entrepreneurial business models in action around the world.
This internship opportunity was the perfect fit! Through the experience, I applied the skills and strategies learned in my marketing and political science courses to real-world scenarios—analyzing target marketing, developing sales strategies, and effectively positioning products for varying consumer bases. This hands-on experience reinforced my passion for global business and strengthened my ability to navigate international markets.
An important skill I learned through my internship was adaptability. My internship was in a country that I'd never been to and knew very little about. I began the internship only days after moving across the world and had to learn the slang and standard work practices quickly to assimilate. I can apply this skill in any situation in the future because there will always be something new to learn, and the key to success is how you react to change.
Throughout my internship, I developed better research skills. Because I was marketing to a different culture, I had to understand the audience first and go deeper with my research. Another skill I developed was my professional communication. This was my first office experience, and I was communicating with coworkers of a different culture, so I made sure to ask for clarification to avoid misunderstandings. I believe this is a very important skill because it reflects my ability and willingness to work in a team and effectively communicate with others.
In the academic sense, my internship wasn't a mere complement to my coursework; it served as a bridge that seamlessly connected the theoretical underpinnings of my studies to the vibrant reality of the Korean marketing landscape.
Not only did I meet my goals for my internship, but I also gained soft skills and improved my communication skills, which will benefit me in the future. I now envision myself working abroad.
My internship in Thailand reshaped my understanding of global business opportunities. Working where English isn't the primary language taught me to adapt my communication style and connect meaningfully across cultural and language barriers.
As a Thai-American studying abroad in Thailand, I was brought closer to my native heritage. The highlight of my time in Thailand was being ordained as a Buddhist monk, a profoundly symbolic process significant for Thai men and their families.