Spotlight Alum: Jenna Stone

1.     When/what/where was your internship? How was it?

My internship was in Sydney, Australia with a prominent boutique hotel group. I worked primarily for the Sales and Marketing Departments but also assisted with the Human Resources and Online Marketing Departments. My internship experience was exceptional, and I learned an extraordinary amount of knowledge about my field of study and my skill performance. Even just the routine of working in a professional environment and being exposed to professionals prepared me for the working world post graduation.

2.     What did you gain while living in a new environment?

Living and working in an unknown environment and culture has taught me a lot about myself. I faced obstacles that I overcame and grew an immense amount of self-confidence while being abroad. Going through the process of traveling and then becoming familiar with new people while being so far from home has allowed me to be more confident in jumping into new challenges that have come my way since my internship.  As I traveled by myself to a new country not quite knowing what was ahead of me has proved to me that I can do anything if I put my mind to it. I received nothing but great appreciation for my work at my internship and also have kept in touch with many of my coworkers and friends that I met while being in Sydney and that for me is rewarding in itself.

3.     How did your international internship help you once you returned?

I feel much more knowledgable about the world and have become much more aware of what other opportunities are out there after being abroad. Sharing my experiences with my friends and family here in the US has allowed me to reflect on my travels and really pin point the special memories that I have to cherish. Also, not to mention that my abroad internship experience looks great on my resume!!

4.     What do you do now, and how do you think your experience helped you reach this point?

I am currently a senior at James Madison University and am anticipating graduation in May of 2012. I am undergoing the process of applying to graduate schools at the moment and my abroad experience has assisted me most in providing me with exceptional reference letters as well as credentials on my resume.

5.     What would you say to someone thinking about working abroad? What advice would you give?

ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY, TAKE THE LEAP and GO!!!! Going abroad was one of the greatest decisions I have made and it has exposed me to so many things that life has to offer. Not to mention, I returned home prouder of myself than when I left.