As a small town Kentucky girl, my internship with the US Commercial Service broadened my understanding of the complicated process of international trade. Guided by experienced and knowledgeable staff, I gained valuable commercial trade experience. I conducted market research and learned to navigate government regulations in order to promote prosperous trade across borders. My experience during the internship will be very beneficial as I receive my Masters in Diplomacy and International Commerce and begin my career. I highly recommend this internship because of the beautiful location, genuine people, and professional experience.

Allyson Hamilton
May-July 2007

After having spent a semester studying at The University of New South Wales (UNSW) and traveling around Australia, interning with USCS was a great conclusion to my Australian adventure. This opportunity to understand and work with the behind-the-scenes operations that link Australia and the US on so many levels was quite exciting. This experience has provided me with insight into the difficulties American businesses face when trying to penetrate new markets and the necessity of local expertise when it comes to successful market making for a given product. My time here has also exposed me to industries I never knew existed and given me a new perspective on quality products and promotion. Whether you are able to work for 1 month or 5, there is much to be gained from participating in this work experience.

Jessica Crowell
July 2006

(Our friend Brian, from this picture, interned with the State Department’s Political Section.)  

Interning at the USCS provided me with a unique opportunity to engage in a foreign business environment and culture without leaving Australia. (If it hadn’t been for the gorgeous view of the Sydney Harbor outside the window, I would have felt like I was in the U.S.).  As an Australian, I found the behind-the-scenes exposure to the process that brings the numerous American products to our shops and supermarkets quite interesting. Though I was already familiar with Australian regulatory bodies and procedures, my internship provided me with a new perspective into their impact on the product decisions and promotions of companies that wish to export to Australia.

My primary tasks involved conducting market research on various industry sectors and seeking potential Australian distributors for American products. The trade specialists and other staff with whom I worked were incredibly supportive and more than willing to share their expertise. I appreciated the independence I was given in performing tasks and was treated as a valued member of the team. The internship definitely enhanced my research abilities and strengthened my verbal and written business communication skills.  Even though I participated in a short-term internship, the knowledge and perspectives I gained about the working world and my own aspirations will be invaluable. My advice for future interns is come with an open mind, work hard, ask questions and just take in all that the Commercial Service has to offer. 
Snehal Barot
July, 2006

Interning in Australia with the Commercial Service places you in the unique position of dealing with American corporations while working for an entity that is neither in the private sector nor in the US. Through the projects and assignments, you develop a familiarity with a range of Australian brands, companies, and industry sectors that range from cutting-edge IT products to defense contracts to pharmaceuticals. Tasks include performing generic secretarial duties as well as online market research, scheduling and attending business meetings, writing newsletters, presenting at trade shows, preparing for conferences, and writing market reports. The office is located within the US Consulate in the heart of Sydney’s Central Business District, affording you an inside look at the work and lifestyle of overseas government officials and amazing views of Sydney harbour. Your coworkers are wonderfully friendly and eager to help you learn about their jobs and about Australia. Overall, this internship provides a well-rounded experience of another country’s economy through the lens of your country’s governmental departments and business interests.
Lianna Chang
February-May, 2006

Congratulations to our former intern, Nancy Schlesiger, who married U.S. Air Force officer, Dave Edwards in August 2006.  Nancy and Dave met at the U.S. Consulate in Sydney, Dave was part of the Air Force Detachment here.  They are now enjoying a posting in Yokota, Japan.
Nancy Schlesiger
January-February, 2006

My internship with the USCS taught me about the kinds of issues a company faces when trying to expand internationally.  My experiences helped me to truly understand the importance of free trade agreements in facilitating business across borders. My work included calls to local companies, arranging meetings between U.S. companies and potential partners, accompanying our industry specialists to meetings with potential partners, and researching local markets to identify new opportunities.  Our industry specialists were more than willing to answer my questions, and the overall atmosphere at the consulate was professional while still very friendly.
Sydney is a particularly enjoyable city in which to work as it has so much to offer in terms of fun things to do and sights to see.  I found myself doing something new almost every day of the week.  The great weather and friendly people in Sydney complemented an already wonderful internship experience, and I would certainly recommend it to other college students.
Susan Abramczyk
April and May, 2006

Interning with the U.S. Commercial Service in Sydney was a wonderful and unforgettable experience. This internship really allowed hands-on learning from the first day with the guidance of an extremely knowledgeable and talented staff. I gained insight into the Australian-United States trade market, while learning the key aspects of the U.S. Commercial Services and foreign trade. This internship provided me with the opportunity to develop my skills in communication and business. I would thoroughly recommend this program!
Sarah Heyen
August-December, 2005

My internship with the United States Commercial Service in Sydney, Australia proved to be challenging, educational, exciting and fun. In my capacity as research assistant, I was challenged to explore world markets in an effort to determine business potential in Australia for American investors.  In doing so, I gained insight into international business practices as well as similarities of, and differences between, American and Australian culture. I greatly enjoyed and appreciated my coworkers, the beautiful centrally-located downtown office, and the authority and independence I was granted in order to complete my assignments. It was a wonderful, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity I will never forget.
Jaclyn Schottenstein
March-July, 2005

Through this internship experience I not only gained practical insight into U.S.-Australia business and trade relations, but also gained exposure to a wide variety of issues and aspects of U.S. international commercial activities. Despite the fact that during this internship I primarily researched opportunities within the Australian market, I believe that the practical analysis skills that I learned through assisting U.S. firms enter and develop opportunities in an international market are applicable to U.S. ventures in other countries and thus, valuable throughout my career in international business development.
Brooke Lord
July-August, 2003