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Featured Article
Undergrad Lands International Internship
October 12, 2001
Haerina So was inspired to begin a career in international
relations after interning in Korea during Spring semester 2001.
Obtaining an internship abroad is an excellent way to get valuable work experience, explore the option of working abroad after college, develop your international professional network, and immerse yourself in another culture. The rewards of an international internship are many, but job listings for international internships are scarce. Many students who intern abroad find out about opportunities through their personal networks, or by getting involved with an organization that places students in international internships. Finding an internship abroad requires perseverance and resourcefulness. More suggestions and resources follow. Haerina So is a third year intended PEIS major. She describes how she obtained an internship in Korea and what she learned from the experience. Career Center (CC): What was your internship and whom did you work for? Haerina So (HS): I was an intern at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Republic of Korea. I worked for the director of Environment Cooperation Division. CC: How did you obtain your internship? HS: I sent in my resume, letter of recommendation, transcript, and a personal essay to an assembly member. Someone who knew the assembly member referred me to him. CC: Had you ever been to Korea before your internship? HS: Yes, on a family vacation. CC: Do you speak the language fluently? HS: I speak it with my family at home. I speak well enough to carry on a conversation but the only problem I ran into in the office was the official and formal words that are not spoken commonly in everyday conversations. CC: What was most rewarding about your internship abroad experience? HS: I enjoyed being exposed to the working environment of another country. And all the government officials were helpful and willing to give me advice in pursuing a career in international affairs. I had the opportunity to develop great relationships with them as my mentors. And just immersing myself into a culture that I am a part of through my heritage was a fabulous learning experience in itself. I was pleasantly surprised by the Korean government's determination to take a role of international leadership and become involved in the global community. They displayed great aspirations to contribute and also learn from other nations. CC: What was most challenging or difficult about your internship abroad? HS: Even though I have been told that I speak Korean very well for having lived in the U.S. since I was two years old, it was still difficult for me to understand many formal words that were used in the office. However, the majority of the officials speak English well, so communication was not a hindrance. CC: How do you think your internship abroad experience will help you in your future? HS: I gained mentors and a better understanding of what I want to do with my future. Being in a foreign country and witnessing the procedures and functions of the government office helped me realize that I do want to work in foreign relations and international law. As with any job search, it pays to work your network if you'd like to work abroad. Many students who secure international internships find these opportunities through people they know who live in the country they are targeting. It's also advantageous if you're skilled in using the language of your target country. Finding an internship abroad is more challenging than finding an internship at home, but students who are resourceful and persistent often achieve this goal! You can hear other students describe their internships abroad and get advice about how to do this by attending the Internships, Teaching, and Summer Abroad panel on Thursday, October 25, 2001, 12:30-2:00pm, Tilden Room, 5th Floor, MLK Student Union. This is one of many programs offered during the International Career Symposium. |
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