tion (DOT) in Las Vegas, Nevada (USA), he took an active role with contract management and administration of policies implemented by the DOT for the longest steel girder bridge ever built in the State of Nevada. On his third work term, as a Civil Engineering Intern at Woodard & Curran in Portland, Maine (USA), he assisted professional engineers with design, cost-estimates, and peer review of water treatment plants and storm-water drainage systems, as well as in site inspection of various municipal water and waste-water treatment plants.
Travel and Educational Opportunities Combine in Many Programs
There are a wide range of opportunities for students who wish to travel. Some, like co-op work terms, must be related to their academic program. Others may be unpaid internships. The Government of Canada, through International Experience Canada, has agreements with a variety of countries for working holidays, young professionals programs and international co-op opportunities. There are also other associations and agencies which specialize in helping youth gain a global perspective. Concordia International is an excellent place to start. Not only are they the place to contact if you wish to study abroad, but their website spells out options if you want to work outside Canada. One of the programs offered to all qualified Concordia students through Concordia International is called The Washington Center. As described on Concordia International’s web page, “… The Washington Center has been providing university students with an integrated academic and work experience to prepare them for professional lives of achievement, leadership, and civic engagement.”
Her work term made a difference in more ways than one. When she started, she had a minor in political science, but then switched. “As much as I still have a strong interest in political science, I realized that a business minor in supply chain operations management (SCOM) would be a better fit for my future career path. Talking with some professionals in Washington reinforced my decision. The minor in SCOM always appealed to me and I see a lot of potential to apply sustainable practices – another of my interests – to this area of business.”
An international work term gives you a new perspective and possibly a better understanding of your field. When asked how she felt about her experience, Rodriguez Estrada had this advice for her fellow students: “I don't think I will ever forget my time in Washington, D.C.” She goes on to encourage other Concordia students to consider participating in this program. “There is so much to gain. Students will have the opportunity to meet influential professionals with astonishing careers, build connections from all over the world, and prepare themselves for the current competitive job market. It is an experience that will change them forever.”
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International business major Maria Camila Rodriguez Estrada participated in The Washington Center program. “I thought there could be no better city than Washington, D.C., to see if I would like to pursue a career in politics or in a related field,” says Rodriguez Estrada. “Also, I had always wanted to do an international work term.”
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Fine-tuning Career Plans through International Experience
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