Bond University Student Gains Competitive Advantage at U.S. Department of Commerce

“I am interning with the U.S. Commercial Service at the Department of Commerce in Washington DC. The U.S. Commercial Service is an organization that promotes and supports American companies exporting to foreign markets. My duties at the U.S. Commercial Service include creating performance metrics spread sheets, infographics, media advisories, newsletters, weekly department reports, managing an award program and assisting my colleagues in whatever they can use my help. The internship relates perfectly to my studies of international business and gives me the possibility to gain university credits through practical work. My experience here provides me with insights in government, international trade and the professional working world. I believe this will make me more valuable for future potential employers and give me a competitive advantage over other applicants.

The Washington Internship Institute (WII) made my current internship with the Department of Commerce possible. WII guided me through the steps of the application process and assisted me with organizing my stay in Washington, which was not easy as I am an international student from Bond University in Australia. I appreciated the orientation program of WII at my arrival in Washington. It helped to prepare for the internship, to find my way around Washington and to make social connections with other interns in the WII program.

The Internship Seminar offered by WII encourages me to reflect on my internship experience and also gives me valuable tips on how to network and be professional. I really enjoy the Foreign Policy class as well. This class broadens my horizon through field trips to different organizations in Washington DC and discussing current issues with Americans and other foreign students.

In addition to the classes and the internship, I also like the life in Washington DC. It is a fun city with a lot to do in your free time. I will miss my time here and hope that the connections I made will last.”

-Christopher Corbeil, Bond University, Fall 2015 Intern at U.S. Commercial Service, Department of Commerce- International Trade Administration