What and where did you study before your Mountbatten internship?
I studied advertising & history at Marshall University

What made you apply for the Mountbatten program?
The ability to live and work internationally while learning about global business practice. To me, it made more sense than studying international business while staying Stateside.

Describe your sponsor company and your role within it.
I worked with Thomson Reuters on their Learning Team. I helped create the company e-learnings and assisted with implementing the communication and education of key company initiatives/policies.

What was the highlight/most memorable moment of your working experience during this year?
My team at Thompson Reuters really became like a family. I still keep in touch with several of them to this day almost 9 years later.

What was the social highlight/most memorable moment during this year?
Going to Chelsea soccer games in London and also getting to tour Buckingham Palace. I did the MBA track and loved the Bangkok experience as well.

Please share a little wisdom/philosophy that you acquired during your internship
By working with people from all over the globe, I was able to gain perspective and effective communication skills to resonate with folks from all different backgrounds.

Upon reflection, what do you consider has been the biggest impact of your Mountbatten year?
The independence of living abroad in a new country, while also navigating a new job and earning a Masters degree. It is a lot to take on, but taught me how to balance it all and push myself out of my comfort zone.

What happened after completing the year – what did you do next?
After the program I moved to DC and briefly worked in a Government contracting firm before going into the hospitality industry with Hilton.

Where are you now in your working life and what do you do?
I am currently in a brand marketing role with Hilton working on the Hilton Hotels and Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, and Signia by Hilton brands. I help support the strategy and brand goals all while driving awareness through many communication methods – websites, social media, email…etc.

Do you have any future plans that you would like to realise & what are they (career & social)?
I would like to continue growing my career in a remote capacity. As a Military spouse, having a career is a bit more tough, but not impossible. I’d like to continue to grow in the marketing space in the hospitality industry.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I’ve lived in 3 different places in the last year. The Military has moved us from Texas to New Jersey and now we live in the Bay Area of California.

Is there any other information that you would like to be included?
I’d just like to stress to future students getting the opportunity to take part in this Program, to really take advantage of the opportunity to travel. Those memories are some of my favourite times of my life and I have permanent travel bug as a result.