My name is Eliza Petrean, I will start this semester as a U3 student at McGill University, majoring in Political Science and minoring in Economics. I’ve always wanted to understand the inner workings of international relations, trade agreements, internal politics, and their impact on public policy and how every aspect of society impacts the international community. As such, I decided to major in political science but also minor in economics, to get a complete understanding of my interests though both the political and financial elements. I found that the internship at the U.S. Consulate General in Montreal was the perfect opportunity to get some real, hands-on experience in the domain of international relations, while combining the business aspect of creating commercial ties between two countries: the United States and Canada. I felt this was truly a hidden gem of an internship, the chance to observe and put all the theory I learned in class to use right in the heart of downtown Montreal.
The U.S. Consulate General is responsible for representing and promoting the interests of the United States government within a certain region of Canada. To put it simply, it is like the embassy only a bit smaller, and under the authority of a Consul General instead of an ambassador. The section to which I was assigned was the Foreign Commercial Service, under the Department of Commercial and the State Department. We were responsible for promoting U.S businesses in Canada, trying to create commercial ties and helping American enterprises expand into the Canadian market. We also promoted the United States as a business partner and encouraged Canadian companies to invest in the States.
As an intern, I was immediately put in a position of responsibility and trust within the team. My internship supervisor and my colleagues gave me tasks that ranged from participating to meetings with companies and taking notes, attending webinars to research important commercial topics like semiconductors, cybersecurity, or mining, to directly contacting companies and organizations on behalf of the U.S Consulate to help negotiate deals and create commercial relationships.
During my internships, I took part in the preparation of a massive networking event with a delegation from the State of Michigan’s economic development team. Not only did I write bios for the attendees and curate the guest list of major Quebec companies attending, but my colleagues trusted me and my fellow intern enough to invite us to the event. We took attendance and worked the gate but after the arrivals, we made small talk with CEOs and high-ranking executives as members of the Consular team. There was a level of trust and respect from my coworkers that was wonderful, and they gave us tips on how to work the room and network. Another big project was organizing a delegation to a cybersecurity forum taking place in Montreal this year. I needed to research companies, draft a promotional email, design a flyer and determine a budget. These tasks were new and exciting, and I appreciated the fact that I was given the autonomy and the trust to accomplish them individually, while always knowing I had the full support, experience and help of my coworkers. If I ever had a question and made a mistake, they would always give me fair and constructive feedback, I was free to learn in a wonderful environment.
A difficulty for me during this internship was the commute, I hadn’t realized how different and somewhat tiring going to and from work everyday would be for me. However, I do appreciate the experience as it did give me a real look at what to expect from my chosen career.
Looking back, I do believe this internship gave me a new perspective on my area of study and I can’t wait to bring this new outlook to the classroom. My unique experience has not only given me more confidence and maturity, but it will also allow me to bring a different position to debates when I participate in class or a new and unique approach to any essays or exams I will take.
Finally, I did not receive any academic credit for this internship, nor is the internship paid for by the U.S Consulate, so I was incredibly lucky and grateful to receive the Judy Patton Hamilton Arts Internship Award. This award has allowed me to pursue my academic and professional career while maintaining my financial stability and has made an incredible difference in my future endeavors.
