By DANIEL RIEHL
The Case Study Practicum course at CIBU provides students an opportunity to study, analyze, conduct research and present findings within actual business settings and companies. Students research and apply for quarter long unpaid internship opportunities in and around San Diego for 80 hours over 10 weeks. Westin
Laurène Vaslin is one of CIBU’s recent Bachelor graduates from Paris. She worked with The Westin hotel in San Diego for her internship.
- What were your tasks? Building flyers and training pamphlets for intern communication, to help organizing community services, to help organize events, to create new hire packets and announcements bios, to assist with interviews.
- What did you learn that you didn’t know before? Everything about HR. I didn’t know a thing about it, it was my first internship in this field and through this I learned that California is the most regulated state in the US!
- Do you think the specific field will be something you are interested in more in the future now that you have some experience? I definitively think I may want to work in this area when I finish my studies. I am going to find another internship (part time) in this field next year to be sure.
- How was the internship overall? One of the best internship I have ever had. I loved the fact that this company is well organized, structured and growing!
- What was your favorite part about the experience?- To be able to improve my English and learn more about American work culture. The cafeteria, free for employees, was a good benefit too!
- Was it hard to find an internship? It can be easier than in France. As a foreign student you are free workforce. If you are motivated and go directly to see them, you have a good chance.
- What advice can you give other students looking for internships? Go directly to the company to show your motivation, rather than sending resume and cover letter.
- Where are you from? I am from Paris, France
- What do you like most about San Diego? The weather and the kindness of people here in California.
- What are your hobbies? Traveling, watching movies and fashion
- What degree were you working on and what was your major? Bachelor in Science of Administration; Business is my major.
- How did you hear about CIBU? I heard about CIBU with my school in Paris because they have a partnership.
- What do you want to do when you are done with school?-I would like to work in HR for a big company; I don’t know yet if I would prefer working in France or abroad.
- What do you miss most about home? French food and family
- What do you like most about CIBU? The ability to discuss about everything with professors