10 answers
Alanis
Student
Lisbon, Portugal
2
Questions
Asked
849 views
Can I have an internship in a tech company being an International relations student?
#internship #business #technology #international-relations #IR #graduate-student #career-advice #techcareer
10 answers
Maite Lopez-Linares
BMC Software - Sales
3
Answers
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain
Updated
Maite’s Answer
Hi Alanis, It is important to look at the type of technology company you are applying to, probably the best would be to apply to a multinational, as there will be more positions in which you could apply for sure.
Being a student of international relations, allows you to know theoretically and practically how the world works or how countries relate, which is a multinational company where you operate with different countries can be an interesting knowledge to empathize with different regions that are culturally different. Another important point is languages, having knowledge of more than one language is an added value, Portuguese, English ...
Be confident and go for it, do not put limits on yourself for not being a career in science, technology or engineering. In the different technology companies where I have been, they have valued more the ability to learn, effort, empathy, teamwork.... except in positions where a very technical knowledge is required.
If it helps you, I remember the case of an economics student who wanted to improve her Italian, and she got a internship in a subsidiary of one of the companies I worked for in Italy for the marketing department. The experience for her and for us was great, because she really wanted to learn.
Think about the place/country where you would like to go.
Check the companies you would like to work for.
Investigate what intership programs are available in these countries.
Prepare a letter stating why you want to go with them and why you are the best candidate for the internship.
Hope it helps you, good luck ;)
Being a student of international relations, allows you to know theoretically and practically how the world works or how countries relate, which is a multinational company where you operate with different countries can be an interesting knowledge to empathize with different regions that are culturally different. Another important point is languages, having knowledge of more than one language is an added value, Portuguese, English ...
Be confident and go for it, do not put limits on yourself for not being a career in science, technology or engineering. In the different technology companies where I have been, they have valued more the ability to learn, effort, empathy, teamwork.... except in positions where a very technical knowledge is required.
If it helps you, I remember the case of an economics student who wanted to improve her Italian, and she got a internship in a subsidiary of one of the companies I worked for in Italy for the marketing department. The experience for her and for us was great, because she really wanted to learn.
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Hello Maite! I´m really grateful for your efforts to help me with such a complete answer. Your words gave me a dose of hope and now I’m more confident to pursue the opportunities I want for my career. Thank you so much for your answer and I hope you have a great day.
Alanis
Anastasia M.
Corporate Strategy Manager
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Anastasia’s Answer
Yes! It's ultimately more about the skills you've learned than the major you have, and I do think that companies are becoming more and more aware that majors don't matter as much. If you can think critically and problem solve while being up for a challenge, you are part way there already.
I have two other thoughts:
1) Be sure you are prepared for the interview process, which varies by company. If there are case interviews or something more technical you'd be asked about, be sure you have an answer for that, depending on the role.
2) Think about what you are trying to achieve by having an internship at a tech company as a international relations student and be able to articulate that. What inspired you to pursue international relations? What do you really like about it? How do you see those interests relating to tech companies? What is it about tech companies you are trying to learn/experience that you think will bring value to your career? It's okay if you have figured out that international relations isn't really for you and that you want to pivot, but being able to talk about that in a coherent way is a must.
I have two other thoughts:
1) Be sure you are prepared for the interview process, which varies by company. If there are case interviews or something more technical you'd be asked about, be sure you have an answer for that, depending on the role.
2) Think about what you are trying to achieve by having an internship at a tech company as a international relations student and be able to articulate that. What inspired you to pursue international relations? What do you really like about it? How do you see those interests relating to tech companies? What is it about tech companies you are trying to learn/experience that you think will bring value to your career? It's okay if you have figured out that international relations isn't really for you and that you want to pivot, but being able to talk about that in a coherent way is a must.
Glenn Fitzgerald
Federal Account Executive (Sales)
18
Answers
Hatboro, Pennsylvania
Updated
Glenn’s Answer
Yes, especially if you speak multiple languages. Companies like IBM as an International company are always looking for interns that can travel and speak multiple languages. Any company that has an international footprint will be in need of your services. Translators, writers negotiations, any profession that need to conduct business in other countries. I hope this helps, make sure you spell all this out on your resume and your LinkedIn Profile.
Lisa Alexander
Technical Project Manager
5
Answers
New Brunswick, New Jersey
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
As an international student, some stipulations may exist especially if the internship is paid. Good news is that many companies have guidelines also for permitting international students to work, but this could also be on a case-by-case basis depending on the employer and industry. I recommend double-checking with the Career Services office at your college or International relations office regarding any stipulations, if any exists.
Thank you, Lisa for the advice.
Alanis
David Moton, MBA
Sales and Project Manager
6
Answers
Wilmington, North Carolina
Updated
David’s Answer
Good Morning Alanis R.
I think you could absolutely earn the opportunity for an internship. The first thing I would suggest is researching the specific organizations that you might be interested. Try and find out about the culture, growth opportunities, and how they invest in and attempt to retain talent. Think about the short-term outcomes you hope to gain and always consider volunteer opportunities to gain experience. Good Luck on your journey and check out the Verizon Link below.
https://www.verizon.com/about/news/4-tips-our-2021-verizoninterns
https://www.verizon.com/about/careers/college-students
I think you could absolutely earn the opportunity for an internship. The first thing I would suggest is researching the specific organizations that you might be interested. Try and find out about the culture, growth opportunities, and how they invest in and attempt to retain talent. Think about the short-term outcomes you hope to gain and always consider volunteer opportunities to gain experience. Good Luck on your journey and check out the Verizon Link below.
https://www.verizon.com/about/news/4-tips-our-2021-verizoninterns
https://www.verizon.com/about/careers/college-students
Hello David! Thank you so much for this advice. I will carefully examine the points you cited to better structure my career plan.
Alanis
George Decker
Engineer/Project Manager
5
Answers
Morristown, New Jersey
Updated
George’s Answer
An international relations professional looking for a role in technology should consider companies with consumer sales in multiple nations. Marketing teams of such companies would appreciate your advice on how to address and convince prospective customers.
Additionally, companies that pursue construction projects that span multiple nations need capable negotiators to address customs, partner companies, and government agencies. Such companies may build bridges, perform geologic surveys, or build international telecommunications networks.
Additionally, companies that pursue construction projects that span multiple nations need capable negotiators to address customs, partner companies, and government agencies. Such companies may build bridges, perform geologic surveys, or build international telecommunications networks.
Hello George! I’d like to thank you for your insights. I will study them carefully. Have a great day.
Alanis
Oliver Hopkins
Account Manager
2
Answers
Manchester, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Oliver’s Answer
Yes!
Hope this worked out for you!
Hope this worked out for you!
Sameer Mardhekar
Solutions Architect
7
Answers
Pune, Maharashtra, India
Updated
Sameer’s Answer
Its surely possible. Now more than before, as all Tech companies have been working from home for nearly two years and have developed confidence that the work can be done even if the employees are interacting online.
So it will be now a question of your own preparation. You will have to think about
- How will you discover the companies offering right opportunity? Its easier if there is already a local office for a multi-national company, but its not an issue anymore too.
- How will you present your own skills to them? This needs a preparation in terms of updating the right skills and information in the resume.
- How do you convince that you can be effective being in a remote country? You need to build the right reasoning about how you can manage the international relations via online machanism
Hope this helps !
So it will be now a question of your own preparation. You will have to think about
- How will you discover the companies offering right opportunity? Its easier if there is already a local office for a multi-national company, but its not an issue anymore too.
- How will you present your own skills to them? This needs a preparation in terms of updating the right skills and information in the resume.
- How do you convince that you can be effective being in a remote country? You need to build the right reasoning about how you can manage the international relations via online machanism
Hope this helps !
Gemma Cole
HR Business Partner
3
Answers
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Gemma’s Answer
- tech companies have so many different roles, dont have to be techy to have a route to entry there
- look into companies that have a global scale if you'd like to use intl relations knowledge
- look into what each different department does to see what you'd most enjoy working on/ where you have transferrable skills that can be applied
- look into companies that have a global scale if you'd like to use intl relations knowledge
- look into what each different department does to see what you'd most enjoy working on/ where you have transferrable skills that can be applied
Your advice was so helpful!
Alanis
Sanjana A
19
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Sanjana’s Answer
I would say it is definitely not impossible. While international students may have a little more trouble with their visa and the current status at the time, many tech companies are willing to sponsor interns for visas, if needed. It does not hurt to apply for roles regardless of whether you are an international student or US Citizen. If the company believes you are the right candidate, I am sure they will be willing to go the extra mile to bring you aboard.
Loved reading this, thanks!
Alanis
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