Some students are not as lucky to have their first internship align directly with their field of study or career aspirations. I am happy to admit this was not the case for me. As communications and event planning intern, I had an opportunity to practice all that University of Maryland’s communication department instilled in me as a senior. I would absolutely recommend this internship to anyone interested in communications as the role is true to its title. The closest task I had to making copies was assembling welcome packets once. I had exposure to internal and external communication, planning and logistics for domestic and international events, and my favorite digital marketing. Most importantly, I had a excellent mentor, Network Coordinator Nicole Zefran, who helped me bring out my true potential with each assigned task.
I am grateful for the creative liberty GBSN encouraged to me have in designing promotional materials for webinars, programs or summits. The amount of responsibility I had reminded me that GBSN’s goal truly is to develop students into better communication professionals. Additionally, I was most impressed by the quality of culture GBSN offers. With member schools spanning 34 countries, one can’t help but to gain appreciation for intercultural communication. In only four months, GBSN introduced me to the development nonprofit industry and sparked a new passion for capacity building.
My time at GBSN has only resulted in immeasurable outcomes and I hope I was as valuable to this organization as it was to me. The organizational culture is unbeatable. The small office size may seem intimidating to some, but it is exactly the type of environment I needed for my first internship. It allows room for a close-knit feel and many office lunches! Right away, I never felt isolated as an intern, but included as a co-worker. Although I’m saddened my time at GBSN comes to an end, it will always play a special role in my foundation in communication. I will never forget how the skills I’ve learned at this nonprofit have set me apart. I am also glad I was able to continue the year-long Terps legacy. If another Terp finds their way to GBSN you have Jasper, Samara and I to thank for the big shoes you’ll have to fill!
Symphony Dixon was the Communication & Event Planning Spring 2016 Intern for the Global Business School Network. Symphony will graduate this May with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication – Public Relations Track. This fall Symphony will pursue an Integrated Marketing Communications Master’s at West Virginia University.