BU Student, Marcelo Arana

What is your most significant piece of advice for international students on how to get an internship?

I believe that networking makes a crucial difference when it comes to selecting candidates for a specific internship. International candidates that go beyond and above to get to know the team, ask thoughtful questions, and show interest are often the winners. I would also say that preparation is critical for interviewing, following up with a professional contact, or reaching out to learn from opportunities. Through my experience, I have realized that you pay attention to small details through preparation, and those small details matter and set you apart from other candidates. Lastly, international students tend to see situations differently because we all share different backgrounds, cultures, and ways of thinking. Use this global mindset as an advantage; position yourself as a global candidate that can adapt and perform in any work environment.

What resources at BU or elsewhere did you use to get your internship(s)?

As a BU international student, you have many opportunities to build a strong network and look for internship opportunities. First, you should prepare and participate in your school’s career and job fairs. Do your research, come up with thoughtful questions, and identify the companies interested in the event. Second, your professors are a great resource to expand your network. Most professors have professional experience and have connections in multiple industries; you can always ask them for advice or an introduction to a professional of interest. Third, build a strong LinkedIn profile and reach out to professionals that share something in common with you. In this way, you can start building a professional network that will most likely help you land an internship opportunity.

What is your biggest takeaway from your internship experience(s) that you would like to share with international students?

Last summer, I had the opportunity to intern as a financial analyst in New York City. My biggest takeaways were the importance of attention to detail and feedback. Attention to detail is significant in any work, and something that helped me was to implement a system to make sure I didn’t miss important details. I also learned the value of feedback and constantly asking for it to improve my performance and not repeat mistakes.