Beyond the Classroom: ITC Students Share Their Internship Experience

A group of four International Trade Center (ITC) students recently had the opportunity to travel to Nairobi, Kenya, as part of their internship with Kentegra Biotechnology, a leading company in agricultural biotechnology and sustainable farming solutions. This experience-centered opportunity not only allowed the students to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world setting but also offered them invaluable, hands-on exposure to the dynamic world of international trade and global business operations. Through their time in Nairobi, the students gained deep insights into the practical challenges and opportunities of working in the biotechnology industry, while also learning about the cultural, economic, and environmental factors that shape business in the African market. In this Q&A, the students reflect on their transformative journey, the skills they developed and the lessons they will carry forward in their careers.

Kevin Fan

International Business; Finance & Banking Emphasis

What was your favorite part about interning with Kentegra Biotechnology this semester?

My favorite part of interning with Kentegra Biotechnology this semester has been the opportunity to connect with local Kenyans, particularly the farmers contracted by the company. This experience provided me with valuable insights into Kenya's agricultural sector, which is the backbone of the economy, employing around 40% of the population and contributing approximately 33% of the country’s GDP. Through these interactions, I gained a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by farmers, as well as the significant impact that sustainable agricultural practices can have on local communities. One moment that stands out to me is when a farmer shared that, with the salary boost from contracting with Kentegra, they were able to foster a child. It was an incredibly humbling and impactful experience, as it highlighted not only the financial benefits of their partnership with Kentegra but also the broader social and emotional impact it had on their lives. This personal story reminded me of the power of business to create positive, lasting change and reinforced my passion for working in industries that have a meaningful, tangible effect on communities. It was a profound reminder of how business, when done right, can empower individuals and families in ways that go far beyond profit. 

What challenges did your group face while working with a company oversees and how did you handle them?

One of the challenges our team faced while working with an overseas company was the inability to meet our clients in person at the start of the project. In business, establishing trust and connection with clients is crucial, especially in consulting projects. Without the opportunity to meet face-to-face until mid-semester, it was difficult to fully understand who we were working with and the nature of their needs. Even after meeting our clients over Zoom, I still didn’t feel a strong personal connection. It wasn’t until our trip to Kenya, when we met them in person, that we truly got a sense of who our clients were. It was then that we were able to build a meaningful connection, but it came toward the end of the program. Despite this challenge, our team persevered and delivered our best work. We made sure to align our report and presentation closely with the company’s core values, as outlined on their website, throughout every step of the process, to ensure it resonated with the clients. 

How do you plan to use what you learned during this internship in your academic or career path moving forward?

During my internship with Kentegra Biotechnology, I gained invaluable insights that will directly shape my academic and career path moving forward. As an International Business major with aspirations of a career that allows me to travel the world, meet new people, and gain diverse experiences, this internship has provided me with a real-world understanding of how global business operates and the impact it can have on local communities. I was able to apply both the business concepts I’ve learned in the classroom and new skills, such as cross-cultural communication, adaptability, and relationship-building, to a real-world context. This hands-on experience reinforced my desire to pursue a career in international business, where I can work with diverse cultures and industries, and make a positive impact through sustainable and socially responsible business practices.  

In terms of my academic path, I am eager to continue exploring how business can drive both economic growth and social change, particularly in developing regions. Additionally, the interpersonal and problem-solving skills I honed through working with a global team and engaging with clients across cultural boundaries will be crucial as I pursue opportunities in international business and multinational companies. 

Ultimately, this internship has been the first stepping stone toward my career aspirations. It has shown me firsthand how business can be a force for positive change, and I am excited to build on this experience as I continue my education and prepare for a career that allows me to contribute to a more interconnected and sustainable global economy. 

What does having access to experience-centered opportunities like this one mean to you and your education?

I am incredibly thankful for the Trulaske College of Business and its emphasis on experiential learning, as I likely never would have had the chance to travel to Kenya, build such meaningful connections with industry professionals from around the world, and gain such deep insights into the incredible opportunities that exist globally. Experiential learning offers a level of engagement and understanding that simply cannot be replicated in a classroom. The hands-on experience I gained in Kenya allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world situations, which not only deepened my understanding of global business practices but also helped me develop critical skills in communication, problem-solving, and cultural awareness. This experience exposed me to different perspectives and ways of thinking, which will be invaluable as I pursue my future career. I believe that the lessons learned, the relationships built, and the challenges overcome during this trip have equipped me with the tools and mindset to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and dynamic world. I’m confident that this amazing opportunity will serve as a foundation for my long-term success, both professionally and personally. 

How has interning with a company located outside of the U.S. influenced your world view?

Interning with the International Trade Center and partnering with Kentegra Biotechnology in Kenya has profoundly influenced my worldview, expanding my understanding of global business dynamics and the diverse challenges and opportunities that exist outside the U.S. Before this experience, my perspective was primarily shaped by the business practices and culture I encountered in the United States. However, working with a company located in an emerging market has exposed me to the complexities and nuances of operating in a developing economy, where both the opportunities and obstacles are often vastly different from those in more developed nations. 

One of the most impactful lessons I’ve learned is the importance of cultural context when doing business internationally. From interacting with local farmers to collaborating with a global team, I gained firsthand experience in navigating different communication styles, expectations, and approaches to problem-solving. I learned that establishing trust and building strong, personal connections is essential, especially in cultures where relationships often take precedence over transactions. This experience has made me more aware of the critical role that cultural sensitivity and adaptability play in international business. 

Additionally, witnessing the significant impact that Kentegra has had on the local community—such as providing farmers with the means to improve their livelihoods and contribute to social causes—has deepened my understanding of how business can be a force for good. It has shown me that international business isn't just about profit, but also about creating meaningful, sustainable change in the lives of people around the world. 

This internship has not only broadened my knowledge of global markets but has also ignited a passion for international development and social entrepreneurship. It has made me more aware of the interconnectedness of the world and how decisions made in one country can have far-reaching effects on others. Going forward, I will approach international business with a more holistic, inclusive mindset, recognizing the importance of both economic and social considerations in shaping the future of global commerce. 

I hope that the International Trade Center will be able to partner with more companies overseas and that the Trulaske College of Business will be able to support more experiential learning opportunities such as the one I have experienced for future students. The professional and personal growth I have gained from this experience has been life changing and I wish that future students can experience the same.  

Catherine (Cat) Hinkebein

Finance & Banking Emphasis

What was your favorite part about interning with Kentegra Biotechnology this semester?

My favorite part of interning with Kentegra was gaining hands-on experience working with an international company. I am deeply interested in pursuing a career with an international firm, so navigating challenges like coordinating across time zones and understanding differing business cultures and customs provided an invaluable learning opportunity. These experiences enriched my understanding of global collaboration and adaptability, both of which will be critical for my future career.

What challenges did your group face while working with a company oversees and how did you handle them?

Many of the resources and databases we utilized during the ITC internship were specific to the United States, which added complexity to our research for Kentegra Biotechnology. Some U.S.-centric data didn’t apply directly, requiring us to explore alternative databases and tools that better aligned with Kentegra’s international context. While this required additional effort upfront, it ultimately expanded our research capabilities and taught us to adapt to the unique needs of global companies.

How do you plan to use what you learned during this internship in your academic or career path moving forward?

Presenting our final reports to Kentegra’s leadership team, partners from Heron Ventures, and global investors was an incredible opportunity to refine my presentation skills. While initially intimidating, it taught me how to confidently present ideas to experienced professionals and adapt my communication style to diverse audiences. This experience will be invaluable in my career, where I’ll often need to pitch ideas and network with individuals from different fields, generations, and cultures.

What does having access to experience-centered opportunities like this one mean to you and your education?

Experience-centered opportunities like this internship enhance my education by bridging the gap between classroom concepts and real-world application. While I’ve learned foundational topics in previous classes, applying those skills to a real project with measurable impact for a company like Kentegra took my understanding to a new level. Opportunities like this allow me to see how academic theories translate into actionable strategies, preparing me more effectively for my future career.

How has interning with a company located outside of the U.S. influenced your world view?

Interning with Kentegra Biotechnology, a company located outside the U.S., has significantly broadened my worldview. Collaborating with a team rooted in Kenya allowed me to see firsthand the unique opportunities they have provided for over 37,000 farmers across Kenya. I was unfamiliar with business practices or much of what happens outside of Nairobi in Kenya’s business landscape. It was so meaningful to see just how beneficial growing this pyrethrum is for farmers. It has truly changed many of their lives, and it was neat to see the effects this business can have on others.

James Bianco

Management Emphasis

What was your favorite part about interning with Kentegra Biotechnology this semester?

My favorite part of working with Kentegra this semester is being able to be a part of helping a company that does such an important job for the people of Kenya and is a company that does a lot of good for its community. 

What does having access to experience-centered opportunities like this one mean to you and your education?

Having an experience like this has been incredibly rewarding. It is one thing to do the project, but to see the impact of what it all means in person brings it to a whole new level. I think as a person who plans on working with global companies, having different cultural understandings is crucial to being successful.

How has interning with a company located outside of the U.S. influenced your worldview?

Having been out of the country before, I really didn't know what to expect when going to Kenya. I knew a little bit about its history and its role in Africa, but as far as what it would actually be like to experience, I went in completely blind. What I found was that while of course Kenya has its problems, it is a wonderful country that is vibrant and full of many wonderful people. 

Lexi Tucker

Management Emphasis

What was your favorite part about interning with Kentegra Biotechnology this semester?

My favorite part about interning with Kentegra Biotechnology this semester was working with a company driven by a strong mission to support Kenyan communities and farmers while maintaining excellent business operations. Seeing how they balance business success with social impact inspired me and deepened my appreciation for purpose-driven work. The experience also provided valuable insights into the complexities of manufacturing operations, where I gained a deeper understanding of the intricacies involved and how precision and innovation drive impactful outcomes. This internship reinforced my passion for making a meaningful difference in my future career.

What challenges did your group face while working with a company overseas and how did you handle them?

Our experience working with a company overseas was fantastic, but one challenge we faced was limited opportunities to connect with David due to his demanding schedule. We could only meet with him virtually once before traveling to Kenya. However, we overcame this by maintaining clear and consistent communication through email. David and Derek were incredibly responsive, which made it easy to stay informed and prepared despite the time zone and scheduling constraints.

How do you plan to use what you learned during this internship in your academic or career path moving forward?

During my internship, I learned the importance of staying people-focused and saw firsthand how strong relationships within a company and its surrounding community can drive success. Moving forward, I plan to apply this lesson to my academic and professional endeavors by fostering collaborative team dynamics, building meaningful connections with stakeholders, prioritizing effective communication, and ensuring that people remain at the center of everything I do. Additionally, I gained valuable insight into the importance of long-term vision when setting short-term goals. Kentegra’s steady growth, built from scratch through persistence and a clear vision, has inspired me to approach my future projects with a similar strategic mindset.

What does having access to experience-centered opportunities like this one mean to you and your education?

Having access to experience-centered opportunities like this is incredibly impactful to my education. It allows me to move beyond the classroom and gain real-world insights that deepen my understanding of the business world. This experience has shifted my perspective on what it takes to successfully run an organization, especially the importance of leading with heart and fostering genuine connections. Witnessing the impact of Kentegra Biotechnology’s business dealings on all stakeholders in the value chain was like connecting all the puzzle pieces, giving the operation a deeper meaning. Additionally, these experiential opportunities have provided me with a clearer picture of what to expect in the future of global business, helping me prepare for the challenges and opportunities.

How has interning with a company located outside of the U.S. influenced your worldview?

Interning with a company located outside of the U.S. has profoundly influenced my worldview. Having never traveled internationally, I wasn’t sure what to expect when visiting Nairobi, Kenya. However, I was deeply moved by the overwhelming acceptance and happiness expressed by many of the locals I met. This experience has given me a new lens through which I view the world, emphasizing the importance of cultural appreciation, adaptability, and the shared human values that transcend borders. It has been a truly eye-opening journey, challenging any preconceived notions I had about other cultures and deepening my appreciation for diversity and global citizenship.