Global Spotlight: Marcus Carson '26 Singapore

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two students in front of Singapore skyline with "Wildcats" hand symbol

Marcus Carson '26 (Marketing) interned at Circles in Singapore

If you worked on a big project during your internship, please describe what you did to help. 
The biggest project I worked on was consolidating contact information for potential clients we wanted to target with newsletters. I was responsible for organizing their first names, last names, job titles, and email addresses into a Google spreadsheet, categorized by region and company. This required attention to detail and consistency to ensure everything was correctly formatted. The data I compiled is now being incorporated into HubSpot to support future newsletter outreach efforts. It was rewarding to see the information I worked on become part of an ongoing marketing initiative. 

What did you find most challenging about your internship? 
One of the most challenging parts of my internship was adjusting to a different work culture and communication style. It took some time to understand the team dynamics and how decisions were typically made or discussed. I also had to quickly get comfortable working more independently, since I was often managing my own projects without a given timeline. Despite the initial adjustment, this experience so far has helped me grow in terms of adaptability and confidence in professional settings. 

What advice do you have for other students that are also considering interning abroad? 
Be open-minded and ready to adapt, working in a new environment often means learning different ways of doing things. Don’t be afraid to ask questions early on, even if you feel out of your comfort zone. Building relationships with your colleagues can go a long way, both personally and professionally, so take the time to connect. Most importantly, embrace the opportunity to experience a new culture through a professional and no-professional lens, it’s a unique way to grow both as a student and person. 

How did Eller (or your previous coursework) prepare you for your internship? 
My coursework gave me a strong foundation in both marketing strategy and digital tools, which really helped me succeed during my internship. I was already familiar with platforms like Google Sheets and CRM systems, so I could contribute right away when working with contact databases and content planning. Classes that focused on communication and collaboration, like BCOM, also helped me feel more confident in a professional setting. We also used tools like ChatGPT in some of our classes, which was especially useful since it's something we regularly rely on in the workplace. Overall, Eller prepared with technical skills and the mindset to learn quickly and adapt in a fast-paced environment.