Business students land internship in the financial heart of Europe

Though it’s not the most recognized city in Germany, Frankfurt boasts an important advantage: It is the financial heart of Europe. Home to the European Central Bank, Deutsche Bank and Frankfurt Stock Exchange, it’s a major draw for business, finance and economics students. So when it came time for the University of Missouri’s Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business to find a new destination for its Europe Study Abroad program in 2023, Frankfurt stood out as an obvious choice. Trulaske launched the Frankfurt program with more than two dozen business students in 2023 and returned in 2024.

“With a direct STL-to-Frankfurt flight launching the year before — and a strong interest from STL-based students — Frankfurt became an appealing option, even though it’s not the most familiar German city to many,” said Shannon Breske, director of Trulaske’s Study Abroad Program. “Unlike massive cities like Berlin or London, Frankfurt is compact, safe, and easy to navigate — great for first-time international residents.”

Another plus: Frankfurt is home to OCO Global — an important trade partner that supports the State of Missouri by securing international investment, creating new jobs and bringing resources and ideas that promote long-term growth and vitality across the state. 

“Our role is both strategic and hands-on: We act as their in-market ambassadors, connecting Missouri with international companies and investors, facilitating trade shows and missions, supporting partner searches and driving market research,” said Nell Poehlman, director, Germany and Central Europe - Missouri & senior consultant, OCO Global. “We’re constantly working on both sides — helping Missouri businesses expand abroad and securing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from all corners of the world into Missouri.”

When a pair of internships became available at OCO Global, Breske reached out to the Study Abroad participants. Jonathan Crespy and Joseph Slane both applied and were offered internships for summer 2025.

“This is my ‘door opening’ moment,” said Crespy, who worked as an analyst for OCO Global over the summer. “This opportunity has put me on the map. Places I wouldn't even have thought to apply to before, I am now confident to because of the experience I've gained.”

The opportunity reflects Trulaske’s commitment to experience-centered learning, one of the college’s three pillars of excellence.

“Jonathan and Joseph are getting real work experience on a global stage,” Breske said. “This is at the core of our pillar, allowing students to apply their academic content to a real-life global experience.”

Slane, who’s studying Accountancy with a minor in German Studies, says the program gave him a deeper understanding of the intricacies of consultancy.

“I found the work very enjoyable, watching development projects go from list building and lead generation to outreach, and eventually seeing the results begin to materialize was incredibly rewarding and satisfying,” Slane said.

Balaji Rajagopalan, dean of the Trulaske College of Business, credits the college’s thriving Study Abroad program for helping provide business students with a broader vision for their future.

“Opportunities like this show our students that a business degree really does unlock a world of possibilities,” Rajagopalan said. “It also introduces them to exciting new ways of interpreting and applying what they’ve learned in the classroom.”

For Crespy, a junior who’s double majoring in finance and international business with a minor in French, the experience offered unique insight into a different work culture. He appreciated having conversations with people throughout the organization — including the CEO, who treated him like a colleague, rather than an intern. 

“Interns are entrusted with real projects from the start: They’re not just helping on the sidelines, but they’re actually driving research, contributing to client connections, and collaborating between teams across different countries,” Poehlman said. “The work isn’t limited to one sector — interns get to explore a variety of industries and markets, often working on projects that span several regions.”

As he prepares to return to the Mizzou campus for the fall semester, Crespy brings with him a valuable lesson.

“OCO's model of work is very individualistic in a good way,” Crespy said. “You won't have managers or supervisors breathing down your neck. I was expected to get work done, and that was it. I plan to take this mindset into my classes.”

Another big discovery? The walkability of European cities.

“I walked about 2 miles to work every day, right along the river,” he said. “Every morning, there were workers cleaning up the sidewalks and people biking and jogging. You really can live without a car and be totally fine.”

Crespy noted that international internship opportunities might not be for everyone and encouraged interested students to consider participating in a shorter study abroad program first. But for Crespy, who plans to work overseas in finance after graduation, the adventure is just beginning.

“This university has heaps of opportunities, but they don't fall in your lap,” he said. “The reason I've achieved what I have is because 18-year-old me in my freshman year took a risk to do something he had never done. Put yourself out there. This world has so much for you, and all you need to do is take a leap of faith.”

Mizzou’s Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business prepares students for success as global citizens, business leaders, scholars, innovators and entrepreneurs by providing access to transformative technologies, offering experience-centered learning opportunities and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset.