My internship with the International Finance Corporation

Name: Cindy Makita

Cindy Makita, Corporate Information & Technology intern

Major: International business, Honors College and Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs

Where are you interning? International Finance Corporation (World Bank Group)

What is your title? Corporate Information & Technology intern

How did you get your internship? Through the FIU D.C. Fly-In

What projects have you worked on? Aside from my day-to-day work, I helped plan an event with the Millennial Resource Group at IFC. The event was a global speaker series in collaboration with the IFC Women’s Network and Catalyst that aimed to delve into the common myths about Millennials, as well as speak on how to build a more inclusive workplace with the next generation, retain top talent, and how companies can become the “Employer of Choice” for Millennials.

How does your internship connect to your current coursework? The IFC, being an international company relates directly to my coursework in international business. I get to see how the things I have learned in classes throughout my college career work first-hand in the real business world. Putting the two together has been an eye-opening learning experience.

What was the coolest thing that has happened thus far in your internship? Scheduling a coffee meeting with the head of the IFC Gender Secretariat, which is my dream job.

What do you enjoy most about your experience? Where do I start?! Firstly, the people. The fact that I am immersed in an environment that allows me to network with people from different departments, as well as from all over the world is amazing. Also, I’ve enjoyed the events that IFC and the World Bank host, and the various learning opportunities they offer their employees.

What have you learned about yourself? Through networking and talking to people about my passions and general career goals, I have received great advice that has allowed me to slowly discover more about what I am passionate about, refine my career goals, and figure out how I can combine the two. This is a process that takes time, but this internship has allowed me to take steps in the right direction toward my future.

How has the position increased your professional confidence? Through hard work, going above and beyond what was asked of me, and making a conscious effort to learn as much as I could every day, I received an extension for my internship. The people I worked with recognized my work ethic, and this definitely boosted my professional confidence.

How have you expanded your professional network? Each week I schedule 2-3 lunch/coffee meetings with people that work either in the IFC or at the World Bank, which allows me to expand my network beyond just the department I work in.

What advice do you have for those beginning the internship process? Believe in your ability to succeed, but also remember that it takes constant effort, a mentality of excellence, and an attitude to never give up. When you place your determination to succeed at the forefront, all your efforts and experiences, good or bad, big or small, pave the way to your success.

FIU in D.C. is working with more than 50 students interning in the nation’s capital this summer. The office has planned several networking programs and continues to serve as a resource for the students as they gain real-world experience in the city. To learn more about the opportunities available with FIU in D.C., visit the office’s website.