For as long as I can remember, I’ve been captivated by the beauty and complexity of different cultures. This curiosity led me to pursue an internship with Ms. Seppanen at Sepp6, where I hoped not only to expand my global awareness but also to learn how to navigate diverse environments with the perspective of someone who has built meaningful relationships across cultures.
On my first day, I was introduced to activities designed to curate my analytical skills. We opened the day by analysing several websites and determining their vision, mission, and values. In doing so, I was able to further my understanding of global missions and learn how to properly gauge how reliable or moral a company is. With this, I was able to more effectively understand the process by which global agencies present themselves and align with their stated values.
Second, I participated in a listening test and gained more conversational self-awareness that allowed me to determine the proper times to add my personal input into discussions. This revealed the importance of being fully present in conversations and recognizing the appropriate moments to contribute.
To conclude the day, I completed the DISC personality assessment, which categorized me into one of four primary personality types along with a more specific subcategory. The DISC test sorted me into one of 4 categories (+12 subcategories), and I was able to understand my strengths and weaknesses as a result. With this, I was able to grasp how I may be perceived by my colleagues in the workplace, and found ways to collaborate with others more effectively.
I then prepared for several professional interviews. My first interview was with Brioni James, and she emphasized the importance of “understanding your role within any system you are a part of.” She emphasized that success in global work requires extensive knowledge and a profound regard for the “cultural practices of the community you serve.”. Her perspective reinforced the notion that genuine impact required both knowledge and humility. In my second conversation with Sydney Sparrow, the discussion switched to cross-cultural assimilation. She spoke openly about the difficulties of adjusting to new situations and emphasized the value of patience. My final interview was with Gururaj Kumar, who provided a compelling viewpoint on the importance of trust and respect in international employment. He emphasized that it is critical to enter foreign contexts without judgment and with an open mind. His emphasis on communication and mutual respect served as the foundation for successful cross-cultural collaboration.
Overall, my internship at Sepp6 was an experience that deepened my understanding of global engagement and diverse perspectives. Learning how to navigate different cross-cultural situations was incredibly valuable, and I’m sure that I will carry these lessons with me for the rest of my life.
