Alexander Moezzi '28 (Business Management) Sales Development Intern

Alexander Moezzi '28 (Business Management) was a Sales Development Intern at Gemell in Dublin, Ireland

What did you find most challenging about your internship?

I found nothing to be overly challenging about the work itself. But I will say that the biggest
challenge was definitely the adjustment to the Irish work culture. It was different from what I am used
to back home in the States. Coming in and working quickly, diligently, and efficiently is not as big of
a thing in Dublin. Instead, creating relationships and socializing is very important to everyone. Initially, I
would try to complete my work quickly instead of taking my time and valuing the time. It was a
shift that took a little getting used to. 

If you worked on a big project during your internship, please describe what you did to help.

A project I worked on was creating a welcome video for them. They didn’t really have anything on
their website to help a person understand the company’s goals, purpose, or reason. So, I created a
video for them that first highlighted the current issue in the textile industry with all the waste, then
explained the “why” for Gemell. Doing this video without having prior knowledge about the field
made it turn out better because I was able to address it basically. Other people like me, without
knowing much about the field, can watch the video and digest all the information easily. The video doesn't go way over people's heads with complex vocabulary. 

What advice do you have for other students that are also considering interning abroad?

Firstly, I would flat out just say to do it. I have found it to be one of the most rewarding experiences I
have ever done in my life. Words cannot explain how much of an impact it has had. I was for sure
nervous at first because it’s hard to know what to expect. The adjustment seems intimidating. I would
say picking a place that speaks English is very helpful and doesn’t make the decision seem too
daunting. But also, a lot of Western Europe speaks a lot of English (especially in the big cities), so it’s
not too much of an issue. I have also loved getting to work here. It is so fun getting to be in a different
working environment and giving you such a unique day-to-day experience. Working has created a
great schedule for me that has been way more engaging than going to school every day. The
internship makes you as local as can be; you don’t feel like a student studying abroad. You learn all
the local spots and are a part of the community, which I have really liked. So, long story short, commit to it. 

How did Eller (or your previous coursework) prepare you for your internship?

 I would say that a lot of the coursework helped me. I learned valuable and transferable skills from
several of my classes. For example, learning how to properly send emails in BNAD 200 has helped me
immensely in being professional now, sending a lot day-to-day. I have also been using Excel a lot,
which a lot of classes like MIS, BNAN, and ACCT have all strengthened my understanding of using the
platform. I would also like to mention the value of the pre-departure orientations. Those helped me a
lot to understand what I was getting into and taught me a lot about Ireland that I did not know. Even
as simple as saying what currency Dublin uses was helpful information from the presentations. They
definitely answered a lot of questions I didn’t even know I had.