Please provide a brief description of your STEP Signature Project
I had the opportunity to partake in the Fisher Global Consulting Corporate Program located in Singapore taking place from May 3rd to June 5th (including travel days). During my global internship in Singapore, I was able to manage a 4-week global consulting project alongside fellow Ohio State students at Allianz Trade, an international trade credit insurance company, and fulfill certain deliverables in order to create and advertise their 2023 APAC Trade & Insolvency Survey. Some of these deliverables included comparing past years’ survey questions and reports, setting up 2023 survey questions, completing marketing assets (such as digital ads, a website landing page, an email campaign template, etc), researching business sentiments around topics of trade and insolvencies, and collaborating with the marketing team to finalize the survey launch and report distribution.
What about your understanding of yourself, your assumptions, or your view of the world changed/transformed while completing your STEP Signature Project?
While completing my STEP Signature Project, I had an incredibly transformational experience, as I was able to further my understanding of myself, my aspirations, and my worldviews. Regarding my personal life, I was able to identify my various strengths and weaknesses in the workplace and when working with a team. Throughout my internship, I discovered my strengths in problem-solving, strategic thinking, and organization, but was also able to recognize areas in which I can improve (like creative thinking or receiving feedback). I also learned how to effectively work and communicate with my team to achieve our project deliverables. Working alongside my peers helped me realize that when many different people are given the opportunity to use their insight, experiences, and skill sets to contribute to a shared goal, the outcome ends up being so much more valuable than what it would have been if there was a lack of representation. Moreover, my interest in consulting grew immensely as I was able to explore different marketing platforms/ business operations and provide suggestions on best practices for creating and marketing the survey. This experience made me realize that I can truly envision myself pursuing a career in consulting and making meaningful contributions to the business world.
Additionally, living and working in Singapore, a multicultural city-state composed of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and many other ethnic communities, greatly expanded and transformed my worldviews and cultural awareness. The vibrant diversity of Singapore allowed me to witness firsthand the coexistence of various languages, cultural traditions, and cuisines. Interacting with individuals from different backgrounds provided me with a deeper understanding and appreciation for their unique perspectives. Throughout my time there, I continuously challenged my previous assumptions, beliefs, and preconceived notions and recognized the importance of celebrating diversity.
What events, interactions, relationships, or activities during your STEP Signature Project led to the change/transformation that you discussed in #2, and how did those affect you?
During my STEP Signature Project at Allianz Trade in Singapore, several key aspects of my experiences contributed to transformative changes in both my personal life and goals. First, I was able to interact closely with my Ohio State peers as we navigated challenges together and built strong bonds. Through this teamwork, I discovered the valuable contributions I bring as a team member, and these discoveries empowered me to set higher goals for myself, both academically and professionally. I also had very meaningful interactions with my supervisors and with the marketing team, as they continuously provided me with opportunities for learning and for growth. There were many instances in which I was able to receive feedback from my supervisors. This proved to be extremely beneficial, as I was able to identify areas in which I excel but also areas in which I can improve. Additionally, I truly enjoyed being able to set up meetings with the marketing team at Allianz Trade and form strong connections with each individual. The relationships I formed allowed me to learn more about the world of trade credit insurance, about the marketing field, how to utilize platforms like Marketo or Salesforce, and will prove to be beneficial for me in my future endeavors.
Furthermore, my STEP Signature Project in Singapore exposed me to a diverse society that enhanced my worldviews and knowledge of other cultures. Interacting with the local community, trying new cuisines, and exploring different neighborhoods like Chinatown and Little India allowed me to fully experience Singapore’s cultural diversity. For example, I frequently ate at hawker centers, which are large food markets with numerous stalls serving many different types of foods, and this allowed me to experience a diverse range of cuisines and step out of my comfort zone. Throughout my time in Singapore, I also became more knowledgeable about the laws and customs of the country. Understanding and respecting Singapore’s strict regulations and social norms exposed me to a way of living completely different from my own and taught me the importance of cultural sensitivity.
Moreover, Singapore’s natural beauty (like the Singapore Zoo, Gardens by the Bay, the Botanical Gardens, and so much more) provided me with moments of serenity and peace. Exploring these places allowed me to recognize the importance of environmental preservation and properly caring for our planet. I was able to reflect on how we as individuals can practice sustainability in our everyday lives and combat the detrimental effects of climate change. In conclusion, this program provided me with experiences, both within and outside the workplace, that expanded my cultural awareness and transformed the way I perceive the world.
Why is this change/transformation significant or valuable for your life?
The changes and transformations I experienced hold immense significance and value for my academic, personal, and professional goals. First, this project helped me realize my passion for a career in consulting. Actively participating in the global consulting project at Allianz Trade provided me with firsthand exposure to the consulting field and allowed me to develop essential skills such as problem-solving, communication, creativity, leadership, and so much more. This experience solidified my interest in consulting and helped set me up for success as I embark upon my future endeavors. The project enabled me to understand the challenges that accompany a career in consulting, network with knowledgeable business professionals, and feel empowered as I begin searching for consulting internships.
Furthermore, my passion for learning about other cultures aligns strongly with the multifaceted experience that this program provided me with. The exposure to Singapore’s multicultural society and interactions with people from different cultural backgrounds enriched my understanding of the world. My new sense of cultural awareness and global citizen mindset will prove extremely valuable in my academic, personal, and professional goals. As a consultant, I will often engage with clients and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, and my ability to navigate cultural differences and foster inclusivity will be essential. In conclusion, participating in this Fisher Global Consulting Corporate Program proved to be extremely transformative for all aspects of my life and truly enhanced my undergraduate experience at Ohio State.
