Ready to gain practical hands-on experience and hone skills that will benefit you throughout your life? An internship in the United States will make you a better student and employee, cultivate your entrepreneurial and innovative spirit and foster skills that are highly prized by employers across the globe. Here are four reasons why you should cross the Atlantic and intern in the States.

Advanced skills in your industry

The United States is an entrepreneurial powerhouse, meaning the trends for many industries are set here. If you want to learn the newest, most cutting-edge techniques and work with professionals at the top of their game, the U.S. is the best place to do that. You will have professional experiences here you won’t have anywhere else.

Intern Milos Ivanovic was able to advance his CV in 2016, noting, “I improved my knowledge on front-end and back-end frameworks such as Backbone.js, Marionette.js, and Node.js, Ruby, Rails, Go, PHP, and Zend. I also learned about the concept of client-side rendering, which will be invaluable with technology going forward.”

“One of the valuable skills which I have gained is building a more efficient and robust financial model,” comments intern Syariza Ghazali. “I have also learnt the analyses methods used in the private equity space.”

American business culture

A unique, innovative business culture is one of the reasons why the U.S. remains a trendsetter in many industries. Interns often comment on the inspirational environment that encourages the sharing of ideas, and they tell us they will continue using these techniques as they progress in their careers.

“I was working very closely with the directors and also the CEO,” explains trainee Denise Hanft, “which not only forced me to fulfill tasks in a very professional manner, but also to develop a sense on how to justify and explain how and why I executed a task the way I did.”

“I learnt a lot about Hollywood and the entertainment industry and how it functions and what defines it. I also feel like I understand a lot more about how technology is used and far ahead of other places in the world,” says intern Kristine Schofmann. “I have a better understanding of the future and how the internet will play such a large part in it.”

English language and intercultural communication

English is the global language of many industries, so working in an English-language environment is a critical aspect of your internship programme. However, practicing the language isn’t enough. Learning widespread American standards and American cultural skills will make you stand out and truly ready to engage in the global sphere.

“The ability to deal with clients, and team member at the same time has been improved exponentially… in a language that is not my primary language,” says intern Mauro Di Buono. “I am now ready to listen to customer needs and have deep and technical conversation with professional from different industries, understand their needs and provide them with an adequate solution.”

“I became more confident about my own work and learned how to present project proposals to convince the team to focus on a certain idea,” says intern Malgorzata Blachnicka.

Personal growth

Some of the most important skills you will learn won’t be the ones you list on your CV. Living abroad and navigating a new culture gives you the tools to make the most of your life, no matter where your career path takes you. InterExchange alumni report that they are more confident, know what they want to do, and are able to take any situation in stride.

An internship in the U.S. “has definitely taught me flexibility and adaptability – not only in daily life, but in understanding and dealing with different businesses and people as well. I have learned how to quickly adjust depending on what the situation/scenario requires,” explains Ma Consuelo Camacho.

“I grew both from both a business and a human standpoint,” says intern Martina Fattorini. “I put in practice most of what I have studied for five years, allowing me to understand what I can be good at and what I would like to do in my future career.”.

InterExchange Career Training USA is a cultural exchange programme that enables current university students and recent graduates from all over the world to pursue professional-level internships in the U.S. for up to 12 months. InterExchange provides J-1 Visa sponsorship, accident and sickness insurance that meets programme regulations, and ongoing support throughout your entire programme. If you have already found a U.S. internship in your field of study, InterExchange can help you take advantage of global opportunities as you gain practical experience in your field and learn American methodologies and technology.

Are you ready to take your career to the next level? Learn more.

Written by InterExchange

You might have seen her picture in a Comité Directeur (CD) telegram and wondered who is she.

You might have recognised her face at the Agora and still wondered who is she.

Now The AEGEEan will give you the opportunity to get to know Claudia, the girl who entered the CD House in March for an internship.

ESSENTIAL ID

Name: Claudia Fiorentino

Age: 25

Origin: Napoli, Italy

Profession: Comité Directeur Intern

Studies: degree in October 2011 in European Studies

Characterising adjectives: outgoing, friendly and challenge-lover

Passions:  80’s music and dancing.

HOW THE STORY BEGAN…

In November 2011, Claudia applied to the Leonardo da Vinci Programme. In December, she won it and this grant gave her the possibility to work in the international cooperation field.

“Working in a Non-governmental Organisation (NGO) has always been my dream.  After the enthusiasm of finding this programme, I had to do job interview in French and to send my CV. I was selected depending on it and due to different internship experiences I  made in NATO and United Nations, as well as the results of my graduation. The second step has been a job interview in English through Skype with Alfredo Sellitti, former President of -Europe, and Alma Mozgovaja, the Secretary General.  And here I am!” explains Claudia, who agreed to answer some questions of The AEGEEan.

Did you know AEGEE before? Were you active in other associations?

I have never known AEGEE, and I have never worked in NGOs or volunteering associations. My priority was the university and to finish my studies as soon as possible!

Was it easy to settle in the CD House?

At first it was difficult for me to adapt in the CD office, also because I had to learn everything about AEGEE-Europe. I had team-building sessions for three weeks with everyone from the CD, but after that I established a good relationship with everybody. They are so lovely!  Every day is a surprise in the CD House!

What has been your best/funniest experience?

The best experience was the Agora,  because we all shared important emotions,  like the election of Luis Alvarado Martinez as the next President of AEGEE-Europe.  Moreover, meeting a lot of people coming from all over the European continent doesn’t happen every day!

How this work contributed to your professional development and the organisation?

Personally, I improved my English, I managed to organise my job and for the first time I got to know what it means working in an office, in a team. In general,  I am satisfied  about my job during these four months for AEGEE, because I worked with enthusiasm with my team!

Working with “Patrons” took a relevant part of your time. Could you explain the importance of this?

To work for “Patrons” has been fantastic for me! Call and speak with the assistant or secretary of a big personality is very exciting. In my opinion, Patrons are crucial because thanks to their support, AEGEE can increase its importance and develop an international image also helping  to keep in contact with the most important international institutions.

As an external, what did you notice as main strength and weakness of AEGEE?

In general,  I am glad that I have worked for AEGEE. Its strength is the large number of members that it reaches, enforcing the organisation. In my opinion,  the weakness is  the lack of awareness about the importance of Patrons and European institutions; to keep always in contact with them is important to develop an increasing international image of AEGEE.

What did the AEGEE experience gave you?

My experience was enriching from the professional , cultural and personal point of view ! It is a life experience that everybody should do!

But it is almost over.  Any ideas about the near future?

When I come back to my country, I think I will look for job opportunities, but first I want to enjoy my summer time for a while. And then, I think that guys of AEGEE-Napoli are waiting for me to join the antenna!

The AEGEEan wishes Claudia a fruitful last half-month in the CD and hopes to see her active in our organisation also in the future!

Written by Martina Zanero, AEGEE-Torino