Born in New York City and raised in New Jersey, Meher is a Marketing major at Rutgers University. Through the Center for Career Services, Meher obtained an internship at the Frank J. Guarini School of Business, where she helped coordinate numerous events during the semester.
Tell us a bit about yourself. What brought you to JCU?
I knew from the beginning that I really wanted to study abroad, but I didn't know whether it was going to be Rome or somewhere else in Europe. Rutgers has a pretty good partnership with JCU, so I applied.
I'm taking all my business classes here because I need them to graduate. It was great to have the opportunity to work towards my degree requirements and also get to live in Rome. Back in December, the Center for Career Services reached out about internship opportunities. I had an interview with Professor Silvia Pulino, Director of the Frank J. Guarini Business School, for a marketing internship.
How did you know that you were interested in Marketing?
I took my first marketing class during my sophomore year, and I was so interested in it that I realized that’s what I wanted to do. I've just had a couple of professional experiences that made me realize this was my passion, and I'm glad I also got to take some awesome marketing classes here at JCU.
I don't know if this sounds controversial, but I like being able to influence the way people think and see things. It's like the Art of Perception, you know — marketers are masterminds in shaping perception. I think it's really cool, and you can do it in any field, anywhere. It's so versatile.
How was your overall experience as a study abroad student?
This is my first time as an adult on my own in Europe, and it was so much fun! It's been only four months, but I already feel like I know the streets, and I have my little comfort places. It's going to be really sad when I have to leave. John Cabot is so well situated. You go to class, and you go get a trapizzino on your way out; you hang out at Ponte Sisto, and you know life is good.
What would you say to someone who is worried about studying abroad?
You won’t know until you do it. You really have to get out of your comfort zone, push yourself, and realize how much you're going to gain from it in the end. You won't recognize yourself by the time it's over
And I think that imagining that your future self will really thank you for doing it will help you get through it. The application process, the course scheduling, and everything you have to do will then be 100% worth it. It's worth it for the person you become, and the people that you meet who change your perspective in so many ways. I've made so many wonderful friends from all over the world, and I wouldn't have had that if I had stayed in New Jersey.
What is one thing you learned about yourself while studying abroad?
I learned that I definitely want to work in an international environment. It's so dynamic and interesting to me. I love being around people who speak other languages, learning about their language and their culture, and being able to interact with different cultural norms. I think that whatever career path and company I decide on, this international mindset is going to be an important factor in my decision.
Tell us about your experience as a marketing intern for the Frank J. Guarini School of Business.
I was responsible for all the behind-the-scenes execution of the events that we organized. We did over 25 events this semester, and I attended almost every one of them. I was responsible for logistics and for managing the speakers at each event, coordinating with them, making sure that they had everything they needed, and making sure everything went smoothly. I also checked in all the students, made sure we had photos and everything we needed, recorded the event, and then posted about it online. I also followed up with the speaker, wrote articles about the events, and promoted them. It was a lot of hustle and bustle, but it was really, really fun.
I liked being able to get in touch with so many different parts of the University and with speakers from all kinds of industries. I got to work with faculty and the offices of Development, Marketing, and Web Communications. I really got to experience many aspects of JCU.
Is there a specific class or professor that had an impact on you?
The B2B Marketing class with Professor Anna Fiorentino. She's so cool. I already knew before taking that class that I was going to like it, because the subject matter is close to what I want to do as a career. But the way she taught it was just exceptional. I feel like it was MBA-level business teaching, and it was totally my favorite class.
What are your plans for the future?
This summer I'll be in New York City. I have another marketing internship, so I will be in New York for the foreseeable future, and then I have to complete my last year of university.
I think studying abroad has expanded my love for travel and wanting to see new places. So that is definitely going to be part of my future, too. I see myself booking flights whenever I can, trying to travel, and making it work with the job I’ll have.
Is there anything else you want to add?
Take advantage of the professional and internship opportunities here. Being able to work abroad in other countries is such an insane differentiator. And you know, besides the weekend trips and basic class requirements, I think there's so much to be gained from doing something a little extra. I think an internship is an amazing way to do that. JCU makes it easy to connect with companies or University offices that match your interests.
