Commercial Service Chicago Interns' Bios and Areas of Interest are below for your reference.

If you would like to contact a current or former intern and ask about their experience working in our office, please mention in cover letter, we will be happy to provide their contact information.

Summer 2009

Krista Linares
I am a junior at DePaul University, pursuing a double major in Economics and Spanish as well as a minor in International Politics. Over the course of my studies I have developed a particular interest in the international economy and the increasing dependence of individual countries' economies on one another. An internship with U.S. Commercial Service allows me to explore this interest in perhaps the most direct way possible, by working closely with international trade. Through this internship I hope to gain a more refined understanding of markets both inside the U.S. and abroad, in order to later pursue a career in the field of international economics. After this summer I'll be pursuing my studies even further in Madrid, Spain and hope to be able to apply some of what I have learned at U.S. Commercial Service to my studies there.

Alan Waddell
I am currently a graduate student in a program focusing on International Commerce. I became interested in an internship with the U.S. Commercial Service after taking a class on international trade policy and practice which exposed the crucial elements of trade debates and highlighted the importance of trade promotion. Consequently, a summer internship with the Commercial Service offers an ideal opportunity to encounter trade promotion efforts from within the United States as well as better understand the economic and political dynamics of our international trading partners. Additonally, I look forward to taking advantage of the diverse business and cultural activites available on a daily basis in the city of Chicago. After this experience, and completion of graduate studies, I hope to secure a professional position which utilizes my interest and focus on international affairs.   

Spring 2009

Robert Madeja

I am a current senior at Loyola University Chicago double majoring in Finance and Economics with a minor in Asian Studies. Finance has always been something I have been passionate about because it is ultimately what drives commerce, and of course economics helps to understand markets and the way they work.  The U.S. Commercial Service internship appealed to me because I wanted to be on the forefront of international trade.  I wanted to understand how the US Government accomplishes the task of creating  relationships and trust with the goal of not only improving the lives of Americans, but people of the countries who are the recipients of the product or service that is exported.  I have always been interested in the world and its people, but a study abroad trip to Beijing, China in the Fall of 2007 fueled this interest even more. After graduation I hope to go into financial planning or consulting for a multi-national company. Down the road I would like to start my own consulting firm, helping firms to find financing to increase their competitiveness in this rapidly globalizing world. 

Ashley Mothershead

I'm a sophomore with an international business major at Elmhurst College. Originally from Brockway, Montana, I am interested in seeking a career within foreign trade or international affairs. After experiencing international study abroad and travel opportunities in places such as the Caribbean and Western Europe, I became triggered in exploring more careers that would allow me to pursue my passion for this field. I chose an internship with Chicago’s U.S. Commercial Service because it offers amazing opportunities to not only become engaged in the international business environment, but it also assists me in developing a deeper understanding of global markets. By helping companies in their development and exporting objectives, I am given the opportunity to experience real world issues outside of the classroom.  In addition to studying international business, I am also attaining a minor in both the French language and Music. My goals are to continue studying foreign languages and to one day be able to work for an international firm or organization. Also, my plans for finishing my degree include taking advantage of studying abroad in France.

Summer 2008

Aubrey McCullen

I majored in International Relations and French, with a concentration in economics and African studies. I spent a semester in England studying abroad my Freshman year, during which time I was able to travel throughout Europe, including France, Ireland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Italy, Germany, Slovakia, Spain, and the Netherlands. This experience fostered my interest in international affairs and encouraged me to pursue this field as a major. Working with the U.S. Commercial Service—Chicago has been an incredible experience, and every day I look forward to learning more about international trade and communicating with companies and colleagues around the world. This internship has allowed me to participate in an organization that continuously helps thousands of Americans promote and nurture their businesses domestically and abroad. After graduating I anticipate working with a federal agency with similar objectives. I plan to concurrently attend graduate school and continue my study of and experience in international affairs and global trade.

Miles Muellner

I am a senior Business Management major with a Chinese minor. I plan on studying abroad for a semester in Shanghai during the last half of my college career. I am particularly interested in Chinese relations, and try to take advantage of any related opportunities that arise; for example, this past June I attended the Hong Kong- Zhaoqing “Your Winning Formula in China” seminar. After college I plan on starting a career in International Business, hoping to one day start my own company.