This internship first and foremost has been one of the most formative
experiences of my post academic career. As I transition into the workforce, my experience
at the Department of Commerce has focused my interests and guided the direction
of my career in economic development. Through my work I’ve learned to appreciate
stakeholders as critical partners in service delivery (i.e. when offering an
export assistance it is up to us as much as the business we are serving to
ensure the success of our intervention.) I’ve developed an appreciation for
multilateral community partnerships and network governance, which play a key
role in promoting and expanding U.S. businesses and international trade. Through
this internship I’ve also identified the importance of delayed gratification in
program implementation, unlike most public works, the benefits of economic
development both at the local and international scale is not immediate and is
incredibly dependent on external factors and multi-stakeholder collaboration, thus
it takes considerable patience and investment to begin seeing positive benefits.
I stated in my first entry that my first objective was to
find a job in the field. Unfortunately, this hasn’t yet panned out as I had hoped,
but my eyes and ears continue to be wide open for opportunities. My second goal
was to enhance my network in the field. This goal I’ve been able to meet
successfully. The relationships I’ve been able to form have been interesting
and truly impactful and I look forward to continue building them as I hopefully
make my way into the sector. The third objective was to have fun. In my time
with the Department of Commerce, I’ve had the opportunity to make a difference
in the business I served, make friends with an incredible set of colleagues
that share international perspectives of the world. I’ve also been intimately introduced
to some of the most powerful policy makers in the state which to a political
and policy junky has been an exhilarating experience in itself.
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