IES Abroad - Virtual Internship

IES was a great program in which I learned a lot about not only my future ideal profession, but I also learned about the country's culture and how to engage in cultural competency in all fields. I was given the tools to independently succeed and did not need to check in with the program, but I always wanted to because I felt as if I had a strong community there at IES in which I could ask for advice or just go to them to share my stories. All of the people, from everyone who interviewed me to see my ideal placement to my teacher to the program I was placed in, all had very kind and understanding individuals who wanted me to succeed.

During my time at Impact Hub Vienna I was a Data Analysis and Market Research Intern. I was brought on to analyze multiple years' responses of their Members Survey and break down the questions by other variables of interest for multiple groups of people with different aims. An additional goal of my position was to research which organizations were running a program similar to the one my supervisor's team was looking to create and gather information about each program already functioning. Managing time differences and travel, my supervisors and I created a balanced schedule of meetings and independent work allowing me autonomy in the process of producing benchmark and final deliverables. I developed personally and professionally with the help of my supervisors and IES Mentor, Liz. I was able to gain additional data analysis knowledge through STATA work, hone my articulation skills in weekly meetings and presentations to team members, and virtually immerse myself in Austrian culture learning about popular food, music, history, economy, and political structure. I would definitely recommend this experience and had a great time with Impact hub and IES.