International Programs at the University of Iowa continued its Study Abroad Conversation Series in November 2024, with a session titled, Internships, Careers, and Resume Prep. Hosted by Phoebe Nishimoto, UI study abroad advisor and program coordinator, this session brought together university staff and three UI Study Abroad peer mentors who did internships abroad to explore how international internships can shape career paths, develop essential skills, and create lasting personal growth.

“We aim to give students practical advice, connect them with peers, and help them see how these global experiences can open doors professionally and personally,” shared Nishimoto on the importance of the Study Abroad Conversation Series. 

This session’s panel included:

• Monica Ernberger, assistant director, internships, Study Abroad
• Jennifer Noyce, associate director, experiential education, Pomerantz Career Center
• Paige Pearson, study abroad peer mentor, IES Internships Sydney in Australia
• Maddie Phillips, study abroad peer mentor, IES Internships London
• Sofia Maestas, study abroad peer mentor, IES Internships Sydney in Australia
   

Below are some highlights and tips shared during the discussion.

The Case for International Internships

“Why do an international internship instead of a traditional study abroad program?” Monica Ernberger asked. “For me, that’s an easy one. It’s an opportunity to not only go and have that time abroad but also to try out your career and gain specific skills to advance your future career.”

She explained that these credit-bearing internships, often completed in the summer, are a way for students to build experience in a supported environment. From enhancing language skills to exploring potential career paths, Ernberger emphasized the transformative power of international internships.

“It’s not just about getting experience,” she said, “but gaining the intercultural competence and soft skills—like adaptability and resilience—that employers are seeking.”

Telling Your Story: Making the Most of Study Abroad Experiences

Jennifer Noyce encouraged students to think strategically about how they present their international experiences to future employers.

“A story is not good unless you tell it to someone else,” Noyce shared. She highlighted the importance of framing experiences abroad in ways that resonate with employers. “Many interviews will ask behavioral-based questions like, ‘Tell me about a time when you solved a problem.’ That’s where you can use your international experience to stand out.”

Noyce advised students to connect their stories to competencies employers value, such as cultural competence and adaptability.

“Even small tasks abroad can demonstrate transferable skills that employers are seeking,” said Noyce.

Learning from Experience: Student Voices

The student panelists, all of whom serve as current study abroad peer mentors, shared how their internships abroad expanded their horizons and provided practical career skills.

Paige Pearson described her role in talent acquisition for RSL LifeCare in Sydney, Australia. “I worked with the human resources team, doing pre-interview screenings and providing fresh eyes on their processes,” she said. “Being in a different country made me think critically about business practices and taught me to adapt.”

Maddie Phillips, who interned with Parliament in the United Kingdom, spoke about navigating unexpected challenges. “The internship I had changed a bit while I was in the U.K. because of the snap election, which changed everything,” she said. “I had to figure it out as I went, which taught me resiliency and adaptability—skills I know I’ll use in the future.”

For Sofia Maestas, her internship at MG Motors in Sydney, Australia aligned with her career aspirations. “I was able to work across different departments like sales, marketing, and finance,” she said. “It gave me leadership skills and cultural competence. Having that on my resume has already made me stand out in internship interviews back home.”

Top tips for highlighting international experience on your resume

1. Focus on transferable skills: Employers value adaptability, communication, and cultural competence.
   “Employers care most about the actions you take, and the results you have,” said Noyce. “Think about how you can combine the stories you want to tell with the competency language that your industry is going to speak.”
2. Quantify your achievements: Use numbers to showcase your impact (e.g., “Facilitated recruitment for 20+ positions”).
   “When you’re listing accomplishments, don’t just say, ‘I wrote,’” Noyce explained. “Quantify it. For example, ‘Wrote and edited 50 film descriptions for a festival guidebook.’ Numbers help show the scope of your work.”
3. Tailor to your industry: Align your stories with the competencies relevant to your target field.
   “Start with what the job description is asking for and think about your transferable skills,” said Noyce. “Your international experiences can demonstrate those skills, whether it’s collaboration, leadership, or cross-cultural communication.”
4. Show personal growth: Highlight experiences that demonstrate independence and problem-solving abilities.
   "Study abroad helps hone self-leadership, independence, integrity, and maturity, all needed to continue your journey into the workforce," said Noyce.
5. Tell your story concisely in interviews.
   “An employer might ask, ‘Tell me about a time when you solved a problem,’” Noyce said. “Using the STAR formula—Situation, Task, Action, Result—can help you articulate how you grew and succeeded through challenges during your internship abroad.”

Tips for studying abroad in the future

• Plan your packing: Packing versatile clothing, not over-packing, and leaving room for souvenirs.
• Stay open-minded: Be open to meeting others. You’ll make lifelong friends and grow from the experience.
• Budget carefully: Use a spreadsheet to stay on track of your finances and create categories for groceries, eating out, and activities.

The webinar concluded with reflections on the long-term value of interning abroad. Ernberger shared a story about a student who interned at a law firm in Sydney to explore his interest in law school. “He told me, ‘Law school is a huge investment of time and money. I wanted to make sure it was the right path for me,’” Ernberger said. “And after the internship, he knew he was all in. Global internships give students the chance to test their future career goals and pivot if needed while they’re still in college.”

The webinar reinforced that international internships are more than just a line on a resume—they are transformative experiences that shape students personally and professionally.

The final event in this Study Abroad Conversation Series, Mindful Travel, will take place in person on Monday, March 31, 2025, from 5 – 6 p.m. (CDT) in the International Commons, room 1117 in the University Capitol Centre.

Sign up for future Study Abroad Conversation Series events

The Study Abroad Conversation Series is dedicated to amplifying the voices of UI study abroad students, and covers essential topics like funding study abroad, leveraging international experiences for career growth, gaining global skills, and traveling mindfully.

International Programs (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement.  IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.