Gaining Global Experience: Kyara’s Internship Journey at FDU Vancouver 

Student experiences beyond the classroom can provide valuable opportunities for growth and career development. In this student spotlight, Kyara, a Labor Market Management student from Germany, shares how her six-week internship with Career Services at FDU Vancouver helped shape her academic and professional journey. 

 

When I applied for an internship at FDU Vancouver, I was hoping to gain international work experience and learn about a different labor market. What I did not expect was how much this experience would contribute to both my personal and professional growth. 

I am from Germany and currently studying Labor Market Management with the Federal Employment Agency of Germany. As part of my program, I had the opportunity to complete a six-week internship abroad. Wanting to challenge myself in a new environment, I chose Vancouver and looking back, it was one of the best decisions I could have made. 

During my internship, I worked with the Career Services team, which aligns with my future career at the Federal Employment Agency. I wanted to learn how students are supported in their career development, how the Canadian labor market functions, and how career services help students prepare for their professional journeys. 

From day one, I felt welcomed by a team that genuinely cared about my learning experience. Rather than simply observing, I was encouraged to take initiative, contribute to projects, and explore topics that interested me. 

Throughout the six weeks, I gained valuable insights into Canadian hiring practices, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), networking strategies, and the role LinkedIn plays in career development. I also participated in student appointments, supported events, and developed my skills in event moderation and professional communication. 

One of the highlights of my internship was attending the Night of Non-Profit Engagement. This networking event allowed me to connect with professionals, learn about different organizations, and experience firsthand how networking can create valuable career opportunities. Through these conversations and interactions, I gained confidence in building professional relationships and expanded my understanding of the Canadian job market. 

Another aspect that impressed me was the wide range of resources and support offered through Career Services. Before coming to Vancouver, I was not very familiar with university career services in this form. Seeing how actively students are supported with career planning, job applications, networking, and professional development gave me many new ideas that I can take back to Germany and apply in my future work. 

The regular feedback I received throughout the internship was also very valuable. The Career Services team consistently took the time to discuss my progress, recognize my strengths, and encourage my development. This helped me build confidence, step outside my comfort zone, and reflect on my personal and professional growth. 

Beyond the workplace, living and working in another country taught me lessons that cannot be learned in a classroom. It challenged me to adapt to new situations, communicate across cultures, and better understand the experiences of international students building a life and career in a new country. 

Looking back, this internship was much more than a requirement for my studies. It was an experience that challenged me, helped me grow, and provided valuable skills and perspectives that I will carry with me throughout my career. 

For anyone considering an international internship, my advice is simple: be open to new experiences, take initiative, and step outside your comfort zone. You may discover opportunities and perspectives that shape your future in ways you never expected. 

My time at FDU Vancouver has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my academic journey, and I am grateful for everything I learned along the way. 

Learn more about FDU Vancouver’s Career Services and how we support students with career development, networking opportunities, and job readiness at fdu.edu/cs-vancouver 

-30-

About Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Vancouver Campus

Since 2007, FDU Vancouver has shaped professionals in British Columbia through personal, global and transformational education. As a comprehensive not-for-profit university, FDU Vancouver delivers industry-aligned undergraduate and graduate education in business, health, hospitality and tourism, humanities and information tech. Learn more about FDU Vancouver at fdu.edu/vancouver 

Media Contact

Kira Straesser
Career Services Advisor
vancouver.communications@fdu.edu

go to Vancouver news