From USA to ICMS

Shannon McCarthy, an ICMS intern from USA talks about her ICMS summer internship experience.

It’s a long trip from Massachusetts, USA to Sydney, Australia; a very long trip. By the time I’d landed in Sydney, I’d lost more than 20 hours in travel time, but gained more than 20 degrees in temperature.

I’d flown to Sydney with another student from Massachusetts and one other from Washington to gain experience working in three different departments in a three week period in the ICMS internship program.
 
In my first week I worked in the functions department under the direction of Nina Kim.  My unfamiliarity with the Opera booking system made my first day a bit challenging.  Each day following my first, however was better than the previous day.  With this pattern, I looked forward to going to work every morning.  Nina was unbelievably helpful and patient.  She was happy to answer any and all of my questions (and I had a lot of them).  By my last day, I was comfortable answering phones, booking events, emailing clients, and dealing with internal issues.  I was amazed by how much I learned in just five days.

I am currently working in the recruitment/marketing department.  Just like in functions, I have my own desk and computer.  Since yesterday (my first day in this department) I have been searching for the perfect location in Kansas City, MO to hold a memorable dinner party for a group of international associates.  Through emails and telephone conversations, I have stumbled across some really terrific venues. The independence and faith this College has instilled in me has given me motivation to keep pushing towards my goals and great confidence in my work and myself until I secure just the right site.

Next week, for my final week, I will be working in the housekeeping department.   While this may not seem like the most glamorous department, it is in fact just as important as any other.  While I do not know what this final week will entail, I am eager to begin.  I know that spending time working in housekeeping will broaden my range of industry training and further stretch my comfort zone, just as functions and recruitment/marketing did.