Bertshyna seems to be at home anywhere in the world and has quickly adapted to her new life in Bangalore, South India where she’s doing an internship at a marketing company. This young Frenchwoman grew up on the island of Saint Martin in the Caribbean. She speaks French, English, Creole, Spanish and is learning Mandarin and Russian. She’s currently in the first year of a Masters degree in International Management in Lyon, France.
This is not Bertshyna’s first independent experience abroad. She had already spent 7 months in the US and 6 months in China during her undergraduate studies. Always ready for an adventure, she’s glad she found an internship opportunity in India and the chance to work in an emerging economy. “I was interested in working in a developing country because there are more opportunities,” she says of her choice. “In France, people seem to have to fit into a mold. I was looking for a completely different experience. I was planning on going back to China because I’m learning Chinese and had a really good time there. But I’m glad I came to India because it’s a good experience – and it’s also cheaper than China so it suits a student budget better. There are many Chinese and Indians living in Saint Martin so I feel close to these cultures since I grew up with them.”
Bertshyna is interning with a marketing company specialized in branding as a project management executive and is greatly enjoying the experience and the new opportunities it has presented. She feels that new possibilities have opened up which may not have been possible had she stayed in France. “I love the job because there’s a lot of teamwork and the position involves a lot of multi-tasking, planning, and discussions with different people,” she says of her internship. “It’s also very creative: I can share my ideas and play an active role in the team. In France I would not have been able to have the same opportunity.”
The most valuable aspect of Bertshyna’s internship experience has been the opportunity to gain new skills and self-confidence. “I have learned to take initiatives. The advantage of working for a small company is it’s easier to get heard and there’s an openness to new ideas.” On a personal level, she is not afraid to try new things and test her limits. She has also figured out Bangalore’s bus system, taking the local bus whenever she can. “I force myself to live like a local. I like to push myself to my limits. As a result, I’ve learned how to manage things on my own,” she says of her new-found independence.
As a result of her effort to engage with the local culture, her personal experience of India has been one of discovery and many valuable lessons. “I love the food in India, the clothes, the colors, the packed buses – it’s definitely an adventure! Personally this has been an amazing cultural experience for me. I’ve had the chance to interact with a lot of Indian women and learn from them. In France we’re very liberal and free but I feel we could use some compromise when it comes to relationships and that’s something I’ve learned in India. Also the family is very strong and people take care of their parents. This is also a valuable lesson for us.”
Bertshyna would advise anyone thinking of coming to India to know what it is they would like to gain from the experience, and most of all, to have an open mind. “Don’t be scared of taking the bus or eating in small local restaurants, trying new foods, eating with your hands, this is the only way to experience everyday life here. Also India is not as dangerous as people say it is. I was warned about racist attitudes here, but I have only had good experiences. That’s also because I realize that people are simply curious about you.”
She strongly recommends India to those who would like to have a completely different experience and get first-hand insights into how the emerging economies are developing. “This is the best time to come to India because India is changing and growing quickly. In a few years it won’t be the same. I saw what happened in China: it now looks like New York! I’m glad I had the opportunity to come here and I would love to come again. The company has offered me a position after I graduate and I also have a business idea I’d like to put in action. These are all good reasons to come back!”
To apply for this internship, please email info@leaveurmark.com along with your resume.
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