Final Project Overview
One of the activities that I decided to do was to be a global ambassador for the Global Internship Program. The focus of the activity was to speak to different students who were considering participating in the program as well. A large part of it was speaking to them about my experiences and telling them what I got out of it, in hopes of answering any questions they may have had about it. These meetings mostly took place during the fall semester through when the applications for the program were still open in hour-long informational sessions. There would be a presentation of the details of the program that went over all of the necessary details and the resources available to the students. At the end of the presentation they gave us time to give a brief overview of our own experiences including what it was like, what we did while we were there, things we’ve learned, resources we used, and anything that might be able to help them in their decision process prior to applying. Another part was speaking on a panel once or twice during the course that was mandatory for the students who had already applied and had been accepted in to the program, and was a part of the pre-departure requirements. I really enjoy being able to speak about my time abroad, it gives me a chance to share how beneficial the global programs can be as well as the truth behind the challenges and the ways in which the program has helped me grow. I know a large part of the convincing for me to go to Spain the first time was because of all the amazing stories I had the chance to hear at one of the informational sessions. If me telling them about my time abroad can convince even just one student to go on the trip, then I’m grateful.
Final Project Reflection
One of my key takeaways from the activity was being able to see first-hand how being able to see someone like you or in a similar situation doing something you one day would like to and knowing they made it possible for themselves helps make it so much more possible for yourself. When you can really picture yourself doing it, it’s much more real. It’s important to be able to speak to others about experiences I’ve had in hopes of motivating them. My desire to inspire more minorities travel and see the world. A large gap in my experience was the lack of diversity, if I can help make it more possible for them, then I hope to do so and find more ways to in the future. I’ve also been able to realize how important it is to have enough resources for students throughout the entire process of deciding to go abroad and during the time there. Many of the questions received during the period at the end of the presentation were regarding making it financially feasible and what to do while there in case of any situations that might arise. For many, like myself, this is the first time we have ever been abroad, so having that sense of security prior to going gives both the students and the parents a peace of mind, and it heavily influences the decision to go abroad as well. Thirdly, this activity made me so glad that I took pictures and had a formal document of our project throughout the program. Fortunately, having that document has given me something that’s real for me to show perspective Global Program students. I could show them challenges of the program, how it all came together, and how it was perceived by other. This basically showed me that in the future, it is important to keep detailed records of my experiences, if I didn’t have those to go back to and reflect on, it would be difficult to show what we really did. That goes for international trips or even just projects I do in the workplace, being able to know how you arrived at a solution and look back on it is essential to your growth and future progress.
The activity impacted me very personally and I was able to see how fortunate I was to be able to have the opportunities through Fisher that I did. It is something many students would love the opportunity to do, but did not for their own personal reasons, but that I should not take the opportunity I had for granted. I am fortunate, and if I can help other students find resource, or even if I one day could be able to help provide help to getting others the opportunity to travel, that I should. The activity showed me that I really love also hearing other people tell me about their own experiences as well. Every single one of us got something completely different out of our programs based on numerous factors. Whether that had been the location, the members of our groups, or the project we were working on, we all had unique experiences, everyone was impacted in some way and I enjoyed hearing about them all.
Global Option Final Reflection/Accomplishments
I accomplished my goals for the program while getting more out of it than I had originally expected to. I was able to see the value in all the experiences I’ve been able to have throughout the past 2-3 years while accomplishing the Global Option in Business programs. By completing my online portfolio, I was able to reflect on specific events or things about the program that I may have otherwise not realized about myself and the program itself. Without being able to actually sit down and go through what I’ve done in the process of completing everything, I wouldn’t have noticed many things that made it all successful for me and what I went through to get through it all. None of it was easy, but I worked hard to make sure that I got out of it what I was hoping to from the beginning. From the start, I said that I wanted to learn how I wanted to one day apply my degree, minor, and certification in the future, and in the end of it all, I could see all three coming together in a career path that I really could see myself completing, and I’m excited! I also wanted to be able to have something that could let potential employers see the value in my experiences as well, and hopefully making me stand out as an employee, and it has done just that. As I have been going through my job search for my impending graduation in December of 2019, recruiters who look at my resume automatically point out multiple things one my resume. One of those being my work experiences in Spain, an the other being curious as to what the Global Option in Business certification was and what it meant for my undergraduate years. Being able to speak on those and share my passion for what I did with them has helped me out so much.
I think my highlight for the program has actually been the full reflection process. It started out as difficult to go back and reflect on the things I’ve done and try to really dive into them to see what I got out of them. But, after doing so and in completing this final reflection, I can see just how far I really have come from the beginning of the program. I would not have been able to put everything into words the way that I have, and I enjoy seeing how much I’ve grown as a student and a professional since beginning the program, or even prior to doing my first internship abroad.
Completing the GO Business Certification is particularly important as a global professional because I’ve gained so much perspective. It is not a one-sided program, but a very well-rounded and complete experience. By having emphasized multiple dimensions of learning that all support each other I’ve gotten more out of it. I have had the global experience with the classes to support it as well as having to complete global activities that further encourage the learning that has allowed me to take it in a more personal direction. This program is also important because companies ask about this program all the time and ask me about my takeaway from completing it, having this real and tangible accomplishment helps me stand out. Being able to show what I’ve done and say that not only did I do something in a different part of the world, but to be able to share why I did it, what I got out of it, and how it can make me a good candidate and better professional is what they are really looking to hear. Thirdly, I have gained a real-life experience that opened my mind. In the future, I can use this to be able to think about global business more critically and use my own perspectives to support it. I know how to do critical research on locations to help a business be successful in international situations, and I plan to one day be able to gain a role within a global leadership position for the Human Resources department of a company. And until that point in my life, I have a better idea of how to continue my learning so that when the time comes for that role, I am prepared.
It is worth the hard work to be able to look back and reflect on everything you’ve done throughout the process of completing the Global Option in Business. You have the chance to fully see everything come together as one piece, and then look back and see where you’ve started. The classes and activities I’ve done to achieve this goal have all complemented one another and it’s a chance to really see what you enjoyed about the global business world. Chances are, if you are looking into completing this program, you have thought about following through in some way in the future a career involved with international business, or something that relates to it. My wrapping up of this entire process has showed me how I want to exemplify those skills one day and given me the tools to support why I want to do it, and how I plan to. So, if you are someone questioning whether completing the Global Option in Business is for you, I highly recommend you do it. Take a look at the other portfolios and blogs of the students have done to get a more holistic view of what you might be able to get out of it, and how you can fully maximize your overall experience.
