International trade internship opens doors for UWF student

Alejandra Lopez, native of Colombia and University of West Florida senior, is all about checking things off her list of goals. Pursue her education in the United States, check. Find a university that feels like home, check. Not only has Lopez completed her check list, she’s adding to it. Now Lopez has checked the completion of an internship in Washington, D.C. in the office of International Trade at the U.S. Small Business Administration, off of her list.

“Although I was nervous, I was ready for the big city,” said Lopez. “I knew that I had been given and amazing opportunity to fulfill one of my lifetime goals and any fears I had went away immediately when I arrived.”

Lopez, a management major, worked for the Office of International Trade, which is in charge of promoting exports in Small Medium Enterprises (SME) around the U.S. Gaining academic credit and real world experience, she worked on several projects, facilitating conference calls, organizing events and helped in the development of other objectives for the office.

“I think it’s important for every student to consider doing an internship,” said Lopez. “The work environment and the school environment are completely different. Through this internship I was able to put into practice what I’ve learned from my professors at UWF.”

Lopez also had the opportunity to work on a project close to her heart, looking at the logistics of creating Small Business Development Centers in Colombia.

“One of the biggest reasons that I wanted to pursue business is because I’m interested in many cultures and I truly want to get involved in international trade,” said Lopez. “I’d love to own my own business one day, helping business owners in Colombia import and export goods.”

Through networking, organization and patience, Lopez has learned several lessons through her experience in Washington, D.C. that will help her in future career endeavors.

“You can’t be shy in D.C. or anywhere else for that matter,” said Lopez. “In order to get things done and to be organized, you definitely have to put yourself out there to meet new people who are going to help you along the way.”

Although she plans to pursue graduate school, Lopez has already been contacted by interested employers, through connections and networks she’s made at UWF and her internship.

“I’ve always felt like I’m at home here at UWF; I think that says a lot, especially since I’m from another country,” said Lopez. “My parents are really proud of me and there are no words to describe how happy they are about the things I’ve accomplished at UWF and what’s to come in the future.”

To find out more about programs offered through UWF’s Department of Management and Management Information Systems, visit uwf.edu/management.

Written by Megan Tyson, University Marketing Communications