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Ohio Wesleyan Student Assists Entrepreneurs During Dominican Republic Internship
Name: Caroline Alvarez '28
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
High school: Upper Arlington High School
Major: International Business
Minor: Entrepreneurship
OWU Connection Experience: International summer internship
From May 17 through Aug. 11, Alvarez participated in a SEED (Small Enterprise Education & Development) internship in the Dominican Republic provided through the Utah State University Huntsman School of Business.
"As SEED Interns, my five teammates and I would host group classes, individual mentoring sessions, and assist our entrepreneurs in various ways with their businesses."
Why This Opportunity?
"I knew that this opportunity would challenge me in ways I had never experienced before. I had only left the country one time prior to this experience, and knew that I wanted to see a part of the world I hadn't seen before. I also knew that I'd make many meaningful connections and friends, and that it would open the doors to other opportunities."
My Favorite Moment
"Although there were so many moments that struck me throughout the experience, my favorite moments were those shared over food. Many of our entrepreneurs would cook large, delicious meals for us, allowing us to take a break from the workday and learn more about their personal stories and culture."
As I think about creating my own business, I'll draw on what I learned from working with entrepreneurs in the Dominican Republic
Lessons Learned
"This internship taught me many skills that directly correlate to my studies, such as speaking Spanish and developing business ownership skills. However, some of the most meaningful skills that I developed involved learning about cross-cultural differences, making meaningful connections, and finding new ways to help others. As I think about creating my own business, I'll draw on what I learned from working with entrepreneurs in the Dominican Republic."
My OWU Mentor
"I completed a one-semester course through USU (Utah State University), which was monitored as a directed study through Ohio Wesleyan Professor Cliff Hurst. Professor Hurst was extremely helpful throughout the entire internship process, especially in helping me get connected to USU originally." (Hurst, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of Economics and Business, specializing in entrepreneurship.)
My Campus Involvements
"On campus, I am a Global Scholar and a part of the Corns Business and Entrepreneurial Scholars Program. I've also worked as a resident assistant, peer educator, Student Involvement Office worker, and a Global Scholar Intern. Lastly, I'm involved in various on-campus organizations, such as the Circle K, The Incredible Film Club, Women in Entrepreneurship, and Pet Pals."
Why Ohio Wesleyan?
"I originally chose OWU for its amazing out-of-classroom experiences. I had always heard of students studying abroad, participating in Travel-Learning Courses, and working in service-learning projects. Since starting at OWU, I've already had three opportunities to travel out of the country and apply what I've learned to new settings."
In addition to the Dominican Republic, Alvarez has traveled with a group to Sweden and Denmark to study "Wellness in Scandinavia," and she will spend fall semester studying in Pamplona, Spain. "I'll be taking several Spanish courses to further my studies as an International Business major," she says.
My Plans After Graduation
"I've always seen myself as someone who wants to travel the world and start their own business right out of college. OWU has prepared me for this dream in various ways, including direct business-ownership internships, direct Spanish immersion, and on-campus programs and organizations. I'm now more confident than ever that I can make this dream a reality."