Hometown: Flint, Michigan
Major and class standing: Apparel and Textile Design, Senior
Instagram: Rissacarr_
Where you interned: Grip Co. Seoul, South Korea
What was your internship title and role/responsibilities?
I was a Global Business Development International Intern with Grip Co. in Seoul, South Korea. I conducted market research, analyzed e-commerce apps, created spreadsheets to track data, analyzed market trends, and tracked product performance on reports from content I made.
Conduct Market Research- Researching trendy products/unique Korean products both online and office for United States consumers so I could better understand the market dynamics of the company.
Analyzed other e-commerce apps- Visit Korea’s online e-commerce platform + write a report on the results of the visit
Detailed planning with Spreadsheets of Fieldwork planning and Execution and Outlining- Strategically planned and mapped out weekly fieldwork districts to go to, to collect data firsthand and created content layouts.
Data Organization and Comparison- Created spreadsheets to track data and compare online and offline products, Analyzed market trends, and tracked product performance on reports from content I made
Presentation development- made and presented reports of my findings of research observations, product comparisons, and recommendations for market improvements, through 30-minute presentations at meetings
Business planning- conducted a Korean business plan to market in the United States
Script and Content Creation- created scripts for my presentations and made engaging content highlighting novel products with potential appeal in the U.S. market and posted it on two platforms and tracked its process
How did you obtain your internship? What resources did you utilize to secure your internship?
I started by reaching out to the study abroad office on campus and they led me to the portal online through there, I did my research on multiple options, met with an advisor, and decided which one would be best for me based on my goals, and started to save money by doing scholarships and made a Go fund me.
What did your daily routine include?
I worked from 8 AM to 5 PM or 9 AM to 6 PM Monday through Friday.
My work schedule: I came in at Eight or nine and went to my desk.
I usually did research in the morning or started on my tasks before I met with my supervisor every day when she came in at 9:30 am.
I looked over my work from the previous day and gave me feedback I Worked on my tasks until lunchtime we had all together and then I finished my work Throughout the day until 6 or 5 pm.
Your favorite experience from the internship?
My fieldwork included making up my schedule for my team to explore districts in Seoul, where I thought that I could find unique Korean products that the US would love. So for a whole week, me and my team Explored these seven districts while working, it was one of my best experiences there because they wanted me to see as much as I could while I was in Korea. The company gave us Funds for me to try new foods and new coffee spots while I was out.
What was your least favorite part of the internship?
I don’t have a part of my internship I didn’t like but, I think the only thing I didn’t enjoy much was the long hours Because I’m not used to working 40 hours a week, and the hour and 20-minute commute on the subway or bus from home to work. So some days I would get home very late and my day would be over after my workday.
What skills did you learn and/or build upon during your internship?
– Time management
– Patience
– Better at Multi-Tasking
– Better at using Microsoft devices
– how to adapt to anything in a workplace
– how to work in a fast-paced environment
– Communicate my needs in a workplace, especially abroad
What did you learn about the industry or your career path as a result of the internship? What are your future plans?
My internship experience in the e-commerce industry taught me a lot about myself and what I can accomplish In a short period. In a fast-paced work culture like South Korea, I learned how to plan my whole workday and carry that out by managing my time better. I also learned how to communicate very professionally and communicate what I need in the workplace which will help me in the future. I truly feel that my internship led me on a path where I’m more confident to choose a career field later down the road. For me, I noticed that I like more active work than maybe sitting in the office all day But I do you like working with the team.
What advice do you have for other students seeking out internship opportunities?
My advice would be to choose something you are interested in, And be bold and take that big leap out of the country! There are so many jobs out there and you can learn so many different skills within those jobs, That could help you in your future career and life, you not only learn in the workplace but also you will grow so much from the environment, the culture, the friends you meet. I was very scared to go out of the country for the first time But it was truly worth it And I’m so glad I did it. I came back with so many memories and stories to tell. I 100% recommend.
