Q. What were your job descriptions?
I had an international internship from Overseas Korean Trades Association (OKTA) in Los Angeles in 2018 winter. Basically I was responsible for basic assistant works such as preparing the association’s events, publishing relevant documents and brochure, membership list management, etc. Everyone at the Association, including the president and the secretary-general, was very nice and supportive, which was a big relief during the internship.
 
Q. What was the most memorable event?
I would say a visit to the International Consumer Electronics Show 2018 held in Las Vegas was the most impressive event than anything else. I was able to see the current technology trends and experience various new products from many companies around the world during the two days. Samsung Electronics, LG, and other domestic companies participated in the exhibition on a large scale were also impressive. I guarantee that if you are looking for a job in the industry, you should not miss the events like CES 2018.
 
However, because CES is held only in Winters, students participating in Summer internships will not be able to attend the event. Instead, you might want to participate in OKTA LA’s ‘Next Generation Trade School’ which is held in every summer. The ‘Next Generation Trade School’ will be a great opportunity to work on business projects, prepare for presentations so that the participants will learn from the experts in the field.
 
Q. How was life in LA?
Winter in LA is warm. It was a bit chilly in the early morning and evening, but during the day it is quite sunny and hot that you want to put on summer outfits. If you plan to visit LA in winter, like me, you might want to bring outfits that you wear in summer or early fall in Korea. However, do bring jumpers that you can wear in the morning and nights. The sun was quite strong as well, do not forget to bring sunblock, sunglasses and a hat.
 
The executive office provides a part of the expenses spent on lunch, unlike the accommodation, which is not supposed to be provided to us. However, the chairman arranged the residence for us so thankfully, all three of us were able to stay there. It was around 30 minutes’ distance by walk from the office. I took buses or Uber only when I am running out of time.
 
On the other hand, there were also things that I did not like, too: overall price levels and public transport. The general price is much higher in the United States than in South Korea, and the public transport in South Korea is way more convenient than in the U.S. Since buses or subways are running few and far between, I did not use them as much. Also it is not a good idea to take the public transport in the night for the sake of your safety. Take Uber or rent a car if you plan to travel to the U.S.
 
Q. Could you give us any other thoughts on your internship experience?
Despite such a short period of time, I was able to learn a lot during my internship at OKTA. It was such a great chance to work with the experts from diverse areas and broaden my knowledge and skills. CES was also a highly rewarding event to attend, where I was able to study current technological developments that I was not even aware of earlier. Overall, it was such an inspirational and life-changing two months in my life, which I gained a broader perspective on diverse industries as well as on my career path. I strongly recommend an overseas internship program; you will be able to achieve so many valuable lessons from it.