A summer internship in Vietnam gives one K-State student a crash course in international communication, cultural exchange and career growth.
Imagine whizzing through the crowded streets of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on a motorbike, stomach full of fresh fruits and vegetables from one of the many street markets. You’re on your way to your summer internship, preparing to assist the social media and marketing team with content projects using your knowledge of American culture and advertising.
Paige Margreiter, K-State advertising and public relations major, experienced this on a daily basis, working 240 hours in two months with Vietnam’s MCV Media Group. MCV, the country’s leading content company, produces more than 300 television programs and manages over 500 influencers and key opinion leaders.
American appeal
Margreiter’s main duties centered on researching ways for the company to gain influence in American media. She created reports and presentations about how she believed MCV could develop content that appealed to American viewers. She also wrote press releases, developed marketing materials and met with potential international partners, including representatives from Japan and South Korea.
Margreiter overcame many obstacles: She was 8,000 miles from home with a 12-hour time difference, and had to adjust to language barriers as well as Vietnam’s socialist government and its differing social media restrictions.
“K-State equipped me with all the necessary tools to have success in this experience,” Margreiter said. “My professors and peers were helpful all along the way, offering resources and support whenever I needed. I leaned on my K-State community for guidance throughout the process, and I couldn’t have done it without them!”
Internships like Margreiter’s boost resumes and future careers with first-hand experiences and unique learning opportunities.
“Step outside of your comfort zone and always be open to new experiences, because you never know what could happen,” Margreiter said. “Taking this internship has opened so many doors for me, and I could not be more grateful to have had this experience.”
By Kate Ellwood
