Elaine Volpe

Global experience: I spent six months living in Dumbarton, Scotland, and working as a marketing intern in Glasgow at Aggreko, a global company. They had reorganized a new division, and I was hired to carry out their mailing campaign. I organized it, designed and wrote the copy, and oversaw the campaign’s fulfillment. I found other marketing projects to do, and worked on their Web site, wrote press releases, and helped with trade show presentations.

Lessons learned: My work in Scotland gave me a broad overview of what marketing can do. I was able to work on a variety of tasks there. It was good experience, almost entrepreneurial in nature.

Personal growth: I didn’t know I could be so outgoing and resourceful, but I had to be, living abroad and not knowing anyone.

Horizons broadened: In Scotland, I learned a lot about the importance of being a good communicator, especially when dealing with non-English speakers. I saw how the rest of the world sees the United States, how we’re on a whole different wavelength when it comes to how we work.

Educational value: Experience is the best way for me to learn. My internship in Scotland got me into the real world with lots of different people. I went back into the classroom and better understood my courses because I’d applied what I’d learned.

Career: I am enjoying my job with a teleconferencing company. I was recently promoted from assistant marketing manager to relationship marketing manager, so I get to work closely with a lot of large global companies.