International Internships Provide Students Unique Perspective

As Baylor University and the Hankamer School of Business continue to invest more in global educational opportunities and initiatives, students in the Business School are benefiting from the practical experience and cultural awareness that comes from international internships. 

“We believe international internships can enhance students’ resumes and give them a competitive edge in the global job market,” said Dawn Carlson, PhD, director of the McBride Center for International Business. “International internships are transformative experiences that prepare students to thrive in diverse work environments, combining the cultural immersion of studying abroad with hands-on professional experience.”

In the spring of 2024, Cole Rand, a junior Accounting major from Vernon Hills, Illinois, participated in the Baylor Business in London program alongside Madison O’Rourke, a senior Baylor Business Fellow from Flower Mound, Texas. While in London, Rand and O’Rourke gained internships to supplement their study abroad programs, working with CEA CAPA Global Internships to connect them with potential opportunities. 

Rand was placed with Options Group, a global executive search firm for banks and financial institutions located in London’s financial district. He worked closely with experienced professionals in the industry, some with more than 30 years of experience. Rand especially valued learning from a group with diverse backgrounds and knowledge. 

“The most amazing part about working there was I got to work with people from all over the world,” he said. “There were a couple of Americans in the office, but there were also people from Spain, France and Australia. It was great to see the different backgrounds at work, and I tried to learn what I could from each of them.” 

O’Rourke’s internship took a slightly different route. As a Pre-Law student, she earned a spot with the Commonwealth Magistrates’ and Judges’ Association (CMJA), which aims to advance the administration of the law throughout the Commonwealth. O’Rourke worked closely with CMJA’s secretary general and gained a deeper understanding of legal systems across the Commonwealth. 

While not specifically a business internship, O’Rourke credited her business mindset to her success in the role. 

“Possessing time management skills and being assertive in my internship was important,” she said. “I had to learn how to ask the right questions and be okay with receiving positive and negative feedback – especially when I was learning to write in a British style.” 

Tristan Demotica, a sophomore Professional Selling, Entrepreneurship and Finance major from Schertz, Texas, took part in the Baylor Business in Singapore program during the summer of 2024. He also participated in an internship during his studies, working with Absolute Internship to find the right opportunity. 

Demotica was placed with Huddleston Jones, an executive search firm in the finance, private banking, insurance, technology and digital sectors. His responsibilities varied by the day, but he gained experience throughout the sales cycle of a role, including setting up meetings with potential candidates, conducting cold calls and evaluating the position’s progress. 

In addition to learning the basics of industry, Demotica also gained valuable experience working within a culture unlike his own. 

“The biggest takeaway for me is how culture impacts business,” he said. “Some cultures can be conflict-avoidant, so I had to spend more time with the client to understand them better.” 

In the coming academic year, HSB is building on the London and Singapore internships offered, Carlson said. The Business School will also add internship options in Lisbon, Portugal, and Dublin, Ireland, providing more opportunities for students to engage.

Rand, O’Rourke and Demotica all agreed the experience impacted how they will approach business moving forward and helped lay a strong foundation for their future success.

“It has been the most formative experience of my college career,” O’Rourke said. “There is so much to gain, including the relationships you will build with people.”