6 Interns Hired by Their Host Company: How They Got The Job Offer

Dan Elias Bliss

 

An internship abroad is all about gaining the skills and experience needed to land your dream career. Through an international internship, you get to meet people from around the world, explore different cultures, learn new perspectives about life, and develop as a person.

For these six alumni, their internships impacted their lives in a major way — their host companies offered them a position! Keep reading to find out more about our alums’ stories and their advice on turning an internship into a job offer.

1. Alyssa L. - Marine Biology Intern in Sydney

Alyssa L in Sydney Australia

From the very beginning, Alyssa knew Australia was the place she wanted to end up. Before she could turn that dream into reality, she had to figure out how to turn a one-year holiday visa into a lifetime. After her internship ended, she decided to stay with her company as a volunteer and help finish up a few projects. Her supervisor was eventually able to find Alyssa a role as a research assistant, and her dream of staying in Australia came true.

“Hard work and commitment to the projects that you start during your internship is key to show that you stand out. Make sure that you give your internship everything you have because your supervisors will notice! Also, take as many opportunities as you can to knock on some doors and meet some new people within the company. Networking is the best asset anyone can have, and it can provide you with so many unimaginable and unbelievable opportunities.”

As Alyssa puts it, “I am forever grateful for the opportunities I was given after the internship.” Alyssa is having the time of her life living in Australia and consistently finds herself stepping out of her comfort zone and discovering new passions.

2. Angela H. - Non-Profit Intern in Barcelona

Angela H at Parc Guell

Angela had always wanted to experience somewhere outside of the United States, and with an international internship, she was able to do exactly that. Barcelona gave Angela the chance to explore the Spanish culture that she had always found so interesting. Angela’s background and passion for working with non-profits made an NGO internship in Barcelona the perfect placement.

Angela’s internship allowed her to work on a variety of tasks, but her favorite project was teaching English to children at a summer camp. “It was really fun teaching and interacting with kids from an entirely different culture.” Angela wasn’t extremely surprised when she got the chance to stay on longer, but she was “extremely happy.”

“I was asked to keep working for my company because I got along so well with my supervisor! She had mentioned while I was there that she wished I could stay and continue to work on her projects with her, so it wasn't a total surprise.”

3. Julie Q. - Human Resources Intern in Barcelona

Julie Q at her internship in BarcelonaBefore even deciding to intern in Barcelona, Julie had a huge desire to travel but didn’t want to take time off school. She decided an international internship was the perfect way to the see the world while still focusing on her academic and professional careers.

Julie felt that Global Experiences, and the Barcelona program in particular, were exactly what she needed to accomplish her goals. While in Barcelona, Julie had the opportunity to intern with a cutting-edge recruitment company. It wasn’t until the last two weeks of her internship that she learned her host company wanted to keep working with her.

“Advice I'd give to someone who wants to turn their internship into a full-time role would be to never stop working hard and showcasing your talents to your employers. If you are excited about the work you do, make it clear! And never be afraid to ask questions. Opportunities are always just around the corner and never out of reach.”

Julie was thrilled to get the offer to stay on longer with her host company. She recently returned to the United States and is continuing to work for her host company remotely.

4. Ciara C. - Art Museum Intern in London

Ciara at her London InternshipCiara traveled all the way from Bard College in New York to London for her art internship. She wanted to have the chance to explore a new culture and different art scene. Ciara said the biggest difference between the two creative cities was that  “London has a very strong film and ceramics scene.” Building a network in a new country where she didn’t have any connections seemed intimidating at first, but with the help of Global Experiences and her amazing internship, Ciara was able to further her art career.

“Interning at the Foundling was such an incredible experience. The people who work there are so kind and lovely and if you work hard and they like you can get some great opportunities from it. I now teach art with two nurseries in the museum’s education program, I work events there (even meeting amazing artists who show for temporary exhibitions, helped run a protest choir, and still work front of the house on occasion).”

Ciara felt honored when she was offered a job through the museum. She is excited to have a small intimate work environment and, “it’s a place I look forward to going to work at.”

5. Giiovanna A. - Architecture Intern in Florence

Giiovanna A in FlorenceBeing part of a new culture and experiencing her career from another point of view were what drove Giiovanna to intern in Florence, Italy. While in Florence, Giiovanna interned with a high-end architecture and design company that works with clients from all over the world.

A large part of Giiovanna’s internship was working with 3D perspectives of different scenarios “in order to understand the spaces and its particulars characteristics such as colors, materials, furniture.” Giiovanna was extremely grateful for her internship and before leaving Florence was offered the chance to keep working with her host company.

“First of all, be sure that you feel comfortable working with [your employer], and then show your enthusiasm for being there, so they will realize that you are enjoying your time there and that their time teaching you has been worth it. At the end it is all about that, what you give is what you get in return. And be always grateful for that.”

Back home, Giiovanna kept working with the design company in a remote role. Despite being halfway around the world, Giiovanna discovered the “distance wasn't an actual problem.” She found that she could continue doing the same work even if she wasn’t in the same place.

6. Lode D. - Business Intern in Barcelona

Lode at World Work Conference

In the fall of 2016, Lode traveled from Belgium to Barcelona for his internship with a company aiming to identify society’s most relevant concerns. After his internship, Lode returned to Belgium to complete his studies, but never lost contact with his host company. The next summer, Lode jumped at the chance, packed up his things, and moved to Spain on a permanent basis.

“If you enjoyed your internship and you feel that your company can offer you growth, then do it!”

Lode’s new role gave him much more responsibility and the chance to work on long-term strategies. The biggest lessons Lode took away from his experience were the importance of investing in the right people, and of course, “have joy and fun at work.”

While we can’t guarantee you'll be offered a position following your internship, we do provide you with as much guidance as possible through professional development, career coaching, and advice throughout your entire internship process. The rest is up to you!

Set up a call today with one of our Admissions Counselors to discuss the places you can go and internships you can have through Global Experiences.

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