Sadie Johnson '27 (Economics) COO Business Change Intern

Sadie Johnson '27 (Economics) was a COO Business Change Intern at Bank of Singapore in Singapore

What did you find most challenging about your internship?

The biggest challenge was adjusting to a new corporate environment while living halfway across the world. There were many banking systems, processes, and acronyms that were completely new to me, so I had to learn quickly and become comfortable asking questions. Working with colleagues from different backgrounds also strengthened my communication skills. Looking back, those challenges ended up being some of the most valuable parts of the experience.

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

During my internship in the COO Office, I worked on several business change initiatives focused on making internal processes more efficient. One of my biggest projects involved improving the team's repository by helping organize resources so employees could more easily find the information and training materials they needed. I also supported updates to training content and documentation to make onboarding and day-to-day processes more user-friendly. It was rewarding to contribute to projects that will continue benefiting the team long after my internship ended. 

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

I would absolutely recommend interning abroad if you have the opportunity. It helps you grow professionally, but it also teaches you independence and gives you a completely different perspective on the world. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to people, ask questions, and take advantage of networking opportunities. Outside of work, explore as much as you can because experiencing another culture is just as valuable as the internship itself.

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

Eller gave me a strong foundation in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, all of which I relied on throughout my internship. Many of my classes involved collaborating on projects, presenting ideas, and thinking critically about business challenges, which translated directly into my work. I also felt more confident contributing in meetings and working with professionals because of the experiences I had at Eller. My coursework gave me the skills to adapt quickly while continuing to learn every day.