Borshoff bids farewell to Taiwanese Intern
Borshoff hosted its first international intern this spring through a program sponsored by Butler University.
Sandy Huang, a native of Taiwan, spent six weeks at Borshoff learning about public relations while taking in as much American culture as she could from her stay in Indianapolis. This was Huang’s first trip to the United States. She has an undergraduate degree in linguistics and communications and is working toward a graduate-level certificate from the International Trade Institute in Taipei, Taiwan.
Huang said she chose the United States because it was the most appealing to her compared to other countries such as England and Australia. By interning in America, Huang is helping to pave the way for the communications industry in Taiwan. In the past, the trade business in Taiwan has been relatively weak, according to Huang. Therefore, the government created the International Trade Institute to help boost international trade. Huang hopes her efforts as an international intern will boost her ability to obtain an international sales position with a Taiwanese company. She has applied for four positions in her home country: three sales positions and one public relations position.
One of Huang’s primary duties at Borshoff was to conduct research for several clients including Rolls-Royce, Eli Lilly and Company, White River State Park and the new US 31 Hamilton County project. During her internship, Huang also attended client meetings, training sessions and photo shoots. She also shared information about her native country during a presentation to Borshoff staff.
Huang, who initially thought public relations only focused on event planning and giving awards, was impressed with the in-depth knowledge required at a communications agency such as Borshoff. She credits her Borshoff experience for helping her gain a better understanding of American business and a greater knowledge about what it takes to be a public relations professional.
“I woke up in the morning excited to come to work because I felt very admired and appreciated, especially by Jennifer (Dzwonar),” Huang said. Dzwonar is a principal at Borshoff who served as Huang’s mentor during her internship. “Everyone here encouraged me to do my best work.”
While learning about public relations was her primary goal during her internship, Huang also strengthened her English-speaking skills. She attributes her growing mastery of the English language to her Borshoff colleagues.
Although Huang worked hard at Borshoff, it hasn’t been all business during these past six weeks. During her stay, she and her 15 classmates also received VIP treatment from Mayor Ballard at several city activities. Huang sampled plenty of American cuisine, including turkey and chicken burgers, which are now some of her favorite foods. She also toured the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and spent a weekend with classmates in Chicago.
Huang’s says her American experience will help her achieve great things in Taiwan and, possibly, prepare her for a return to the United States.