IXO Interns at the US Consulate

IXO Fall 2015 Study Abroad students Ryland Ploeger and Cyprian Christian are currently interning at the Department of US and Foreign Commercial Service, in the US Consulate, here in the UAE. Both Ploeger and Christian started their internships in February 2016 and will complete their internships at the end of this spring semester.

Ryland Ploeger, political science and international relations major

“My internship experience has been excellent. During this internship, we spend most of our time meeting with successful US companies in Dubai and helping smaller US-based companies enter UAE markets. I’ve connected with dozens of Dubai-based professionals across various industries. Apart from connections, this internship has taught me a lot about how to do business outside of the structured, rigid US framework. The professionals I’ve met have taught me that there’s a huge difference between US business and UAE business,” said Ploeger.

Cyprian Christian, economics and Arabic studies major

“The position with the Foreign Commercial Service exceeded my initial expectations and I accredit such a wonderful experience to the cooperation of my managers and teamwork of my colleagues. I have not only learned how business is done in the UAE and how it differs from the US, but I was made aware of all the similarities that exist between the two countries. I became comfortable with ambiguity in a setting that requires me to work with people of diverse backgrounds. I am very pleased with the internship experience. Times where I was challenged by not only my managers, but my colleagues and clients as well, provided me with the skills of adversity and adaptability that are needed in the workforce regardless of my future job. I now feel more confident that I am on the right path towards my career aspirations,” said Christian.