Economics and history major Kevin Morris interned at the U.S. Commercial Service, a branch within the U.S. Department of Commerce, in Zagreb, Croatia this past summer.
Working to connect both countries in the public sector, the office allowed Morris to immerse himself in the world of commercial diplomacy.
“Commercial diplomacy is about strengthening the business ties between the two countries, in order to foster a more cooperative and cohesive relationship,” Morris said.
“The role of our office is to encourage greater business ties between the U.S. and Croatia.”
A typical day involved contacting business people, fielding calls from Croatian and U.S. businesses alike, conducting market research, writing reports on the Croatian economy and traveling to promote U.S. products and trade.
“I would travel around the country with commercial specialists that worked at the embassy, promoting U.S. businesses and products,” Morris said. “We would also meet with industry contacts and leaders to inquire about information on certain sectors of the Croatian market.”
Morris even made his own bold business move when he contacted clothing company American Eagle Outfitters.
“I made the first move and was proud to help introduce the American Eagle Brand in Croatia,” Morris said.
Learning that the U.S. brand was already interested in international expansion he helped arrange a meeting with a U.S. Regional Commercial Office in Romania.
“The meeting was about helping American Eagle Outfitters Incorporated enter the Croatian and South East European market,” Morris said.
In addition to developing savvy business skills Morris also met Croatian President Ivo Josipovic and other Croatian ministry and military officials at the embassy’s annual Fourth of July party.
“Being able to meet someone I had heard about in news debriefings was pretty surreal,” Morris said.
“It was exciting to learn how my major could help foster stronger relations between both countries.”