By Hanna Kim, Intern, Arlington Chamber of Commerce
I have been interning at the Arlington Chamber of Commerce for about seven months, since November 2018. My journey to the United States actually started when I was a student in China. I spent two-and-a-half years studying in China, where I had a lot of opportunity to work on projects with a Korean government agency, an international trade company, and a marketing firm.
Through those experiences, I started to study the growth and decline of small and medium-sized firms. During my last semester, I prepared a thesis about cases of direct investment by Korean companies in China. Once I completed my studies, I realized that I needed a comprehensive understanding of what America is like, because the U.S. and Korea have a close partnership – not only economically, but also politically.
Through those experiences, I started to study the growth and decline of small and medium-sized firms. During my last semester, I prepared a thesis about cases of direct investment by Korean companies in China. Once I completed my studies, I realized that I needed a comprehensive understanding of what America is like, because the U.S. and Korea have a close partnership – not only economically, but also politically.
Fortunately, I got accepted into the internship program, which has a partnership between the Korean Ministry of Education and the U.S. Department of State. After I took four months of language courses in D.C., I started my internship assignment with the Arlington Chamber of Commerce. Now, as I look back on my internship at the Chamber, one of the most significant benefits has been the abundant business connections and resources I’ve gained.
The Chamber’s mission statement is “To strengthen businesses and the economic environment for those who work, live, and do business in Arlington.” They accomplish their mission through a very professional staff, developing the local business community, and well-prepared events each month. These factors have created a perfect environment for me to observe various aspects of not only Arlington County, but also this country.
One thing that has impressed me about business in the U.S. is corporate social responsibility. I never thought corporate social responsibility programs would be sustainable. I thought there would be a lack of participation, or it would be hard to get people engaged in the local community without real interests. Many nonprofit organizations have been founded on people’s needs with a clear mission and purpose, but businesses are different. However, while I was working at the Chamber on some of their events, I’ve seen a lot of members practicing corporate social responsibility by contributing their time and resources to the Arlington community and the Chamber.
My internship ends on June 13, and time has gone by quickly, but I’ve experienced a lot in a short amount of time – not only in the workplace but also in my daily life. I feel very lucky to have this opportunity to work with the Arlington Chamber of Commerce. This experience has given me a more in-depth understanding of business and this country. I want to express my gratitude for all that my co-workers have done for me and their encouragement and help.
Editors Note: Hanna Kim is an intern with the Arlington Chamber of Commerce through the Korea WEST exchange program which provides top South Korean university students and young professionals the opportunity to intern abroad in the United States.
The Chamber’s mission statement is “To strengthen businesses and the economic environment for those who work, live, and do business in Arlington.” They accomplish their mission through a very professional staff, developing the local business community, and well-prepared events each month. These factors have created a perfect environment for me to observe various aspects of not only Arlington County, but also this country.
One thing that has impressed me about business in the U.S. is corporate social responsibility. I never thought corporate social responsibility programs would be sustainable. I thought there would be a lack of participation, or it would be hard to get people engaged in the local community without real interests. Many nonprofit organizations have been founded on people’s needs with a clear mission and purpose, but businesses are different. However, while I was working at the Chamber on some of their events, I’ve seen a lot of members practicing corporate social responsibility by contributing their time and resources to the Arlington community and the Chamber.
My internship ends on June 13, and time has gone by quickly, but I’ve experienced a lot in a short amount of time – not only in the workplace but also in my daily life. I feel very lucky to have this opportunity to work with the Arlington Chamber of Commerce. This experience has given me a more in-depth understanding of business and this country. I want to express my gratitude for all that my co-workers have done for me and their encouragement and help.
Editors Note: Hanna Kim is an intern with the Arlington Chamber of Commerce through the Korea WEST exchange program which provides top South Korean university students and young professionals the opportunity to intern abroad in the United States.
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