International Business Discovery
Interns explore Australian businesses
09/14/2015 2:00 PM
By Rachael Kosinski ‘18
Four students explored global business perspectives through a summer internship in Sydney, Australia. The firsthand experience opened eyes and led to internships for two of the travelers.
major Beatrice Levit ’17, of Arlington Heights, Illinois, and major Joshua Reece ’16 of Elgin, Illinois, joined international business and double majors Jeanette Sieminski ’16, of Algonquin, Illinois; and Alejandra Gillen ’16, of Monmouth, Illinois, for the trip.
“I’ve explored new countries on vacation before, but it was a lot different to live and work in a new country for two months,” Levit said. “It definitely takes you out of your comfort zone, and that forced me to learn a lot about myself and grow as an individual.”
The four completed projects in accounting, supply chain management, and marketing. Reece and Sieminski interned for 3M while Levit interned for Bright Accountants and Gillen for construction equipment manufacturer Hilti Corporation.
Students said their Hilltop education prepared them for the challenges of international business.
“All the research projects, group projects and other activities are only as valuable as the level of critical thinking we can provide,” Sieminski said. “I have had wonderful professors who have made critical thinking a clear expectation, and I am grateful for that.”
Director of Operations coordinated the learning venture.
“They told me the chance to do this kind of international internship is a dream come true,” Foley said. “I know it will make them even more competitive as they seek full time employment after graduation.”