Local Part Time Internship, Beth Boorman, Northeastern University, Boston
Local Part Time Internship, Beth Boorman, Northeastern University, Boston
In August 2009, I started my part time interning at swissnex Boston. As a political science and international affairs student at Northeastern, I was immediately excited when Jacqueline mentioned swissnex had room for a local intern. Not only did I learn a lot about Switzerland but I also discovered this new and innovative style of diplomacy. This experience has not only given me valuable professional experience, but has broadened my perspective of different styles of connecting with people that I will use as I start my career.
While interning for swissnex in the summer, I was given the opportunity to work on exciting projects and events. While working with Jacqueline, the Advisor for Education, I assisted her in partnering American and Swiss universities so that they could work together so their students and professors can broaden their perspectives. This was interesting for me as I learned the Swiss university system and specific colleges while using knowledge from being American.
During the fall semester, I worked with Emil, the Deputy Consul, to plan a brainstorming session to explore how the Consulate will look in 2020. This was an exciting project to work on because it was an interesting topic and it needed careful planning. For the event I was able to choose the music, gifts, articles to be distributed as well as write letters and emails to the participants. I am grateful for the opportunity to do this work because it will help me in my future career in planning events.
I also started an essay contest for high school students in the Greater Boston area. This was fun to talk to students and teachers and give them information to learn about various topics such as healthcare, transportation, innovation, and more to compare and contrast the US and Switzerland.
Working for swissnex has broadened my knowledge not only of the country itself, but of new and innovative methods of diplomacy. I learned the importance of personalized contact and hospitality as well as creative approaches to projects and events in diplomacy and will use this knowledge as I further my studies and begin my career.
Text and photo: Beth Boorman
