Having been a Chico State student for the past few years, I’ve managed to establish new knowledge, friends, and my independence. However, this summer will be all about pushing the boundaries of what I know. I’m planning to intern in Barcelona, and although I understand it may help me build my resume, I consider this opportunity to be much more important than that because it offers me growth opportunities that are not available at Chico.
Perhaps one of the most crucial lessons I aim to learn from my internship in Barcelona is the ability to adapt to new situations with confidence. While living in another country, I’ll be constantly exposed to situations that may make me feel uncomfortable or insecure. For example, it might be difficult to talk to people in Spanish (since my Puerto Rican accent is way different than the Spanish one) or deal with work ethics that are foreign to me. In Chico, I know everything about what’s going to happen because it’s always been the same, but in Barcelona, I need to trust myself.
In terms of professional development, I am thrilled about acquiring practical experience in an international environment. This internship will introduce me to a variety of viewpoints and ideas that are not available in America. I am interested in understanding how business works on a global scale and how cultural differences affect communication and collaboration among individuals. Having the opportunity to work together with individuals of various nationalities is a talent I believe would benefit me regardless of the direction in which my career develops.
From the personal point of view, I want to discover who I am and what I value the most. Being far away from home and the comfortable life I have always known requires one to think seriously about oneself and his or her place in the world. I am interested in exploring myself as well as in learning what challenges me and motivates me to move forward.
However, this is not the only thing I am excited about. The culture experience will definitely be something else I will be interested in. There is something special about Barcelona, the history, the people, and the overall feeling.
I can see how an internship in Barcelona could change my life. This would mean not only gaining experience for my future career but also developing the skills needed to become a better person.
