Name: Xiaoyin (Miracle) Liu
Class Year: 2025
Major: Psychology and German
Minor: Economics
Hometown: Qingdao, China
Internship Organization:
Location: Berlin, Germany
What's happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!
I am excited to share an update on my internship journey, which has been truly enriching and rewarding. Throughout this experience, I have been involved in several key responsibilities that have significantly contributed to my professional growth.
A major aspect of my role has been writing funding applications. This responsibility has not only enhanced my writing skills but has also underscored the importance of securing financial support for impactful initiatives. Crafting compelling proposals has been both challenging and fulfilling, providing me with invaluable experience in grant writing.
Additionally, I have had the privilege of drafting invitations to Berlin's political officials for various events. This responsibility has allowed me to engage with influential leaders, refining my communication skills and understanding of professional correspondence in a diplomatic context.
One of the highlights of my internship has been organizing events. From conceptualizing event themes to coordinating logistics, each event has been a collaborative effort that has taught me essential lessons in teamwork and project management. Witnessing the successful execution of these events and observing attendees engage passionately has been incredibly rewarding.
Beyond the tasks themselves, I am fortunate to be part of a supportive and inspiring work environment. The guidance and camaraderie of my colleagues have fostered a positive atmosphere where I feel encouraged to learn and grow professionally.
Moreover, this internship has provided me with the opportunity to improve my proficiency in German. Immersion in daily conversations and correspondence has accelerated my language learning and enriched my cultural understanding, which has been invaluable for both personal and professional development.
My internship experience has been a journey of growth, learning, and meaningful contributions. I am grateful for the opportunities this role has provided and look forward to applying the skills and knowledge gained to future endeavors.
Why did you apply for this internship?
Choosing to apply for this internship was a decision driven by a blend of personal and professional aspirations, each intertwined with the promise of growth and enrichment.
Firstly, the opportunity to improve my German was a significant factor. As an aspiring professional in an increasingly globalized world, enhancing language proficiency is crucial. Immersing myself in daily conversations and professional correspondence has not only accelerated my language skills but also broadened my cultural understanding, preparing me to communicate effectively in diverse settings.
Beyond linguistic goals, this internship offered the chance to experience a new lifestyle abroad. Living in a different country has exposed me to unique cultural practices and perspectives, enriching my worldview and fostering adaptability鈥攁n essential trait in today鈥檚 interconnected workplace.
Moreover, I sought to enhance my working experience in a professional setting aligned with my career interests. The hands-on tasks and responsibilities have provided invaluable insights into grant writing, event organization, and diplomatic communication. These experiences are equipping me with practical skills and knowledge that are directly applicable to my future career aspirations.
Building friendships with colleagues and peers has been another enriching aspect of this internship. Collaborating with diverse teams has not only strengthened my interpersonal skills but also created a supportive network that enhances my professional journey.
Professionally, gaining knowledge in my field of interest has been instrumental. The exposure to real-world scenarios and challenges has deepened my understanding of organizational dynamics and community engagement, laying a solid foundation for my future endeavors.
Enjoying the summer in a vibrant city like Berlin has been a delightful bonus. Balancing work responsibilities with exploring the city鈥檚 rich history and cultural offerings has made this internship experience both fulfilling and memorable.
In conclusion, applying for this internship was driven by a desire to grow personally and professionally. It has provided me with invaluable experiences, skills, and relationships that will undoubtedly shape my future career path. I am grateful for the opportunity and excited about the prospects it has opened up for me.
What has been your favorite part of this internship?
My favorite aspect of this internship has undoubtedly been the nurturing environment that encourages continuous learning and personal growth. From day one, I have been immersed in a supportive culture where colleagues are not just coworkers but mentors and friends. The opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals who are passionate about their work has been incredibly inspiring.
One of the highlights has been the chance to learn new things every day. Whether it's mastering new software tools or diving into complex projects, each experience has expanded my skill set and broadened my knowledge base. The environment fosters a spirit of curiosity and innovation, encouraging us to try new approaches and push our boundaries.
Moreover, the camaraderie among team members has made my internship experience truly special. We actively support each other, sharing insights and offering assistance whenever needed. Building these relationships has not only enriched my professional network but also made the workplace feel like a second home.
Overall, my favorite part of this internship has been the opportunity for continuous self-improvement in a supportive and collaborative environment. It's a place where learning is embraced, friendships are made, and each day brings new possibilities for growth.
What has been the biggest challenge you have faced at your internship?
One of the most significant challenges I've encountered during my internship has been adapting to the predominantly German-speaking environment. Being surrounded by colleagues who communicate primarily in German posed an initial hurdle. However, this challenge became an opportunity for personal and professional growth as I immersed myself in language learning. Overcoming language barriers has not only improved my communication skills but also deepened my cultural understanding.
Another challenge was adapting to new software and technologies essential to my role. Navigating unfamiliar platforms required patience and perseverance, but mastering these tools has enhanced my technical proficiency and problem-solving abilities.
Additionally, adjusting to a new work environment and culture presented its own set of challenges. Integrating into a dynamic workplace with its unique norms and practices required adaptability and open-mindedness. Moreover, transitioning to a new living atmosphere initially brought moments of homesickness. However, with time, I have found comfort and a sense of belonging, thanks to the supportive environment both at work and in the community.
Overall, these challenges have been instrumental in my personal and professional development, equipping me with resilience and skills that will serve me well in my future endeavors.
Through the Career and Civic Engagement Center Beyond 黑料社区 Summer Internship Program, 黑料社区 students pursue opportunities in fields such as nonprofits, government and law, health care, research, sciences, business, and the arts. Thanks to the generosity of our alumnae/i and donors, over 150 students across all academic departments are funded to pursue unpaid internships or research experiences in the U.S. and abroad each year.