During this past summer, I was an intern at Skoda Auto a.s. in Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic. Skoda Auto has a history of over 100 years and is currently a division of the Volkswagen group. Skoda exports vehicles to 83 different countries all around the world What made Skoda interesting to me is that Skoda is virtually unheard of in the United States. While with Skoda I worked in the International Marketing Communications Department, which was was staffed by an international group of employees. As part of my internship, I worked on projects relating to two new car lines, the A5 Octavia and the Fabia Facelift, which were launched into many markets this summer, including the Czech Republic. Also during this time Skoda was the official sponsor of the Tour de France. These activities made close communication with international importers of high importance and one of my major tasks. I worked closely with the rest of the team to plan several marketing information meetings with importers, and to provide the importers with necessary marketing material such as product catalogues, outdoor advertising material and displays, color and upholstery books, and other advertising material created by Skodas outside advertising agencies. The Marketing Department as a whole was very interested to hear my opinion on the current marketing efforts as well as the future direction for marketing Skoda automobiles. The fact that Skoda is a nonexistent brand in the United States gave me the advantage of giving an unbiased opinion of the brand. The marketing department was also very interested in the direction of the US car market and gave me the task of reporting on current trends. This internship was a valuable experience, which opened my eyes to the international business industry as well as European work culture. Spending my time with such an international crowd and traveling through Europe were also substantial parts to this rewarding experience. The experience gained through the Skoda internship program will definitely open doors for my future career aspirations. -Jessica DeVirgilio
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In the fall of 2001, the Charlton College of Business invited a number of incoming freshmen to participate in an International Business Certificate program, which would have a focus on Germany. The students studied two semesters of German language with Professor Joseph Bronstad of the Foreign Literature and Language Department. At the end of their first year, the students participated in the Hessen International Summer University program at the University of Marburg, Germany. The program at Marburg is part of an overall exchange program between the State of Hessen and the University of Massachusetts.
These activities made close communication with international importers of high importance and one of my major tasks. I worked closely with the rest of the team to plan several marketing information meetings with importers, and to provide the importers with necessary marketing material such as product catalogues, outdoor advertising material and displays, color and upholstery books, and other advertising material created by Skodas outside advertising agencies.