Jose answers some of my questions in a recent interview about the IES Milan Program.
Why did you decide to study in Milan with IES Abroad?
Even before going to college I knew I wanted to spend a semester abroad in Italy. I had always been fascinated by its culture and its history (but then again, who isn't?). I chose IES Milan because it seemed like the best structured program; one that guaranteed I wouldn't be spending a 4 month, glorified "vacation" in Italy, but that would challenge me, and expose me to valuable work and academic experiences.
What impact did the availability of internships have on your study abroad decision?
It was conditio sine qua non. I knew Milan wasn't the most "laid back" of Italian cities, but I knew it would have the best internship possibilities being the hub of Italian commerce and industry. That, and the opportunity to take classes at the prestigious Bocconi University, were the main reason I chose Milan over any other Italian city.
How long did you intern with Comune di Milano and what were your responsibilities while there? Please describe what you did as an intern.
I was there for a little over 3 months. I worked over 20 hours a week at the Ufficio Stampa (The City's Communication and Public Affairs office) on all things related to Milan's bid to host the World's Fair in 2015. I was brought in just a few months after Letizia Moratti was elected the first female Mayor of the city, and launched her aggressive campaign to host the event. This was exciting since I got to participate in the jumping of the first hurdle on the track to winning the bid this spring; namely, beating other Italian cities to be Italy's official candidate city.
My main duty consisted in monitoring local and foreign press outlets and preparing dossiers for the city's communication director. This required that I think (and move) quickly on my feet as I had very little time to digest the most salient points of each news item and then communicate them to the director. Oftentimes, as he commuted between the office and City Hall across the square, he would brief the Mayor on the issues. It felt like a good deal of responsibility, and was just short of having me write official press releases for the city.
Did you encounter other American student interns with Comune di Milano (aside from your fellow IES Abroad students)?
I was told, by both the city's communication's director and the IES internship coordinator, that this was the first time the Comune had ever taken a foreign student as an intern. Consequently, I was forced to speak nothing but Italian for the 20 + hours a week while I was at the office; which of course did wonders for my Italian. I developed a great camaraderie with my Italian peers, who ended up welcoming me to their office Christmas party, to soccer games at the San Siro, and even ballet performances at La Scala.
In what ways were IES Abroad Milan center staff involved with your internship experience?
My IES internship coordinator was absolutely key to securing the opportunity of interning with the Comune. Because the city had never hired a foreign intern before the paperwork process was cumbersome and drawn out. My internship coordinator made sure the hiring process didn't stall, and remained involved throughout the remainder of my internship.
How would you characterize the overall quality of your IES Abroad internship experience?
Absolutely unique. Above and beyond my expectations.
How would you rate the overall significance of your internship abroad experience to your current and future career opportunities?
I think that any type of internship abroad experience, nowadays, is a huge resume boost. My internship experience didn't just give me that boost, it also helped me understand what kind of career track I wanted to follow after college. My internship in Milan definitely helped me choose, and obtain, my current job position.
What does your current job with the San Antonio International Affairs Department entail? Are you using some of the same skills you developed while interning with IES Abroad Milan?
The City of San Antonio is unique among US cities in having the largest department of its kind in the country and responsible for managing 4 trade offices abroad. As an International Trade Specialist I help small and medium size companies in San Antonio expand into the global market place, as well as help bring foreign investment to the city. Because of my Italian experience, I was designated the department expert in European trade.
What other field activities did you participate in while studying in Milan?
I kept a BUSY schedule. In addition to the 20 + hours I put in at the Comune each week, I took two economics courses at the Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (in italian), and one MBA course in "private-public relations management" at Bocconi University (in english). I also took an advance Italian course at the IES center.
I still made time for trips to nearby Switzerland and southern France on the weekend, as well as traveling to nearby Como, Bologna, Pavia, Firenze and Genoa. As I mentioned earlier, I also went to soccer games and performances at La Scala often. Good food was had in decent amounts as well.
What advice would you give to other students who are planning to study abroad?
Try as hard as you can to do it. If you want a steroid shot on your resume, in addition to having an unforgettable life experience, you should do it. No excuse is good enough not to; except financials. Even then, there are some countries that might even be cheaper than paying room and board at your US institution.
