2024 Lehigh-in-Milan with Professor Gupta

My expectations and interest for Professor Gupta’s academic course on Corporate Responsibility fall under the ethics within Corporate Social Responsibility. How companies function and make decisions based on their environments and ethics. Along with the cultural differences that impact the creation and evolution of a corporation. How the political and economic factors not only shape a company/corporation, but really alter their choices in regards to new and recurring Global issues. I’m also really interested in hearing other people’s perspectives (different from my own) on controversial topics, since it adds on to all the detailed sides of an opinion on the topic. I know I will be challenged in this class, but I welcome the challenge, since it will benefit me in the business world. 

I look forward to taking Professor Swain and Gupta’s Internship Seminar. I’m not sure what to expect specifically, being that this is my first official Internship. I hope to acquire better interviewing skills and general skills to read financial information, and analyze/compare data. Also I think it’s very important that I’m learning best strategies and workforce practices, and thus am able to successfully apply them to my internship. I will feel more confident and prepared with both these combined experiences. Should I need advice or have questions regarding the internship I have extra support/options. 

The internship will be a great opportunity to gain a perspective on the Italian culture side compared to the American culture perspective. By interacting and ultimately observing the process of an EU business and thus comparing it to Western and Eastern countries. I also intend to put my Global Studies critical thinking and interpersonal skills (D1 Rowing/being on a team) to use and now in a more professional setting, (whether its group work or tasks, etc). Balancing my schedule is something I’m still working on today, but ultimately is nothing new. The workload of class and athletics are challenges that I face daily and especially in season. However I face those challenges head on and I plan to do the same in Milan (for classes and the internship). 

I have only been to Italy once and as a baby, and now have the opportunity to return. I’m excited to learn and immerse myself in a new culture. Milan happens to be one of the capitals of fashion, and is known for their advanced technology designs immersed with historically legendary art and architecture. All are personal loves of mine and I’m incredibly excited to see it in person, through personal exploration and group travels. I plan to make time outside of classes and the internship to do this and use my Italian language class as best I can. I do not speak Italian yet, but I am willing to learn and use this as an opportunity to communicate with the locals. Or at least try my best. 

I am very interested in the ethics surrounding Corporate Social Responsibility. I expect to learn the foundations of the economic and legal responsibilities of corporations. Additionally, I will expect to be prepared to discuss the different topics in each class. Hearing from Professor Gupta about how he would like us to be able to form our own opinions and discuss controversial topics, I think I will be challenged in this course. I am ready to listen to people’s opinions different from my own. I think Social Responsibility is one of the most significant topics in the business world that is not talked about a lot. I believe seeing both sides of these topics will benefit me as an individual in the business world and in daily life.

In the Academic Enrichment via Gupta/Swain Internship Seminar, I don’t honestly know what to expect, but I think I will learn how to develop my resume and improve my interview skills. I don’t have much experience interviewing or in the professional world. I also expect to learn more about what it takes to be a good teammate or a quality employee. I want to make meaningful contributions to this discussion while taking in all the information. I am looking forward to making connections through networking, plus, I am ready to receive feedback from my professors and the people I work with. Overall, learning more about this topic will be helpful to me as I start to grow professionally.

The internship I will take on is very exciting to me. I can’t wait to learn more about Italian culture and the professional world in Milan. I hope to be very close with my coworker and absorb everything they teach me. I expect to be met with challenges each day at my internship. I know the balance of this work and class is essential, so I am ready to take on both. I also am undecided between a few different career paths so I hope the seminar can help me define my interests and narrow down what I’m thinking. I want to make an impact at the company I work for and build lasting relationships.

I have never been to Italy before, but I have heard a lot about it through family and friends. I expect to travel, exploring Milan with our whole group. I am so excited for this experience that includes learning a little of the Italian language. I hope to travel to other parts of Europe to visit people and see other cultures. I want to gain new perspectives from what I am used to. I have never lived alone at Lehigh, so I expect this experience to take me out of my comfort zone. I expect to try new foods, visit churches and ancient buildings, listen to new music, and maybe try some different wines. 

My expectation for Professor Gupta’s academic course on Corporate Social Responsibility is to learn the framework of how companies think of and implement Corporate Social Responsibility within their environments and how I can recognize these efforts and add value as an intern within this framework. I think this is important to learn before entering into the workforce because it will hopefully teach us how this matter affects companies so that we can best support these values within our internships. Within this class I expect to learn how a company works to set and maintain ethical business practices and how it differs for each industry. Additionally, I hope to learn how Corporate Social Responsibility impacts a company’s reputation both globally and among their consumers.  

This summer, I look forward to taking Professors Swain and Gupta’s Internship Seminar in tandem while working in my first internship position. Since I have no experience as an intern, I think combining the seminar and the internship will be beneficial for me as I will be able to gain general insights about workforce best practices and apply them simultaneously to my internship role. I hope this seminar will give me the opportunity to demonstrate that I am an efficient and effective employee. Additionally, I am hopeful that this seminar will give me the opportunity to ask any questions that arise during my internship so that I may gain some advice on how to proceed with the next steps. Overall I expect the pairing of the seminar with the internship will be extremely beneficial. 

I am extremely excited to be doing my internship in Milan. Milan is a very progressive city and is the fashion capital of Europe if not the world. I do not know exactly what to expect but I do hope this internship will provide exposure and a network to those in marketing and specifically fashion as well as lifestyle because these are the industries I am interested in pursuing in the future after I graduate and I believe that this experience will be a great start towards what I want to do. I am also excited about a real life forum to be able to practice the things that I have learned in Lehigh’s business school for the past two years. 

Lastly, I am very excited to immerse myself in a new culture, a new role and a new industry.  I have never had the opportunity to live in a foreign country for an extended period of time like this and am eager to witness how the Italians live their daily lives. I am looking forward to learning more about Italian culture and language and I  hope to learn a little bit of Italian myself. Aside from the seminar and internship, I look forward to weekend trips traveling and  delving into the rich history of the art and architecture of Milan and neighboring areas. 

My expectations in terms of the academic enrichment aspect of the program via Professor Gupta’s corporate social responsibility course are high. As a current student of Professor Gupta, I know how passionate, comprehensive, and informative his teachings are. While I am not an accounting genius, corporate social responsibility has always been an interest of mine and I am eager to learn more about the topic especially with Professor Gupta. Currently, in BUS 203 we are doing a project on CSR and this has only piqued my interest further. Additionally, I think that the international component of this course will offer a new perspective to CSR that I might not have previously explored. Since I don’t yet know the nitty gritty parts of what we will be learning, it is hard to pinpoint my particular expectations or goals. Overall, I want to explore the overarching themes and standards within CSR worldwide while diving deep into the ethical issues and decisions that are made regionally and internationally. 

While I have been in a professional workplace before, I am excited for the academic enrichment via Gupta / Swain internship seminar. In school we are taught facts. Facts are important, they are what give us the knowledge to be competent within a career, but I feel a missing aspect of what we are taught is the lack of professional competence that we need within the workplace. I think that this seminar will give the whole class a better grasp on the standard practices of the workplace, teach us how to handle ourselves, and turn us into assets within an organization as opposed to a hindrance or a body in the room. I like to consider myself competent and responsible, but I often find myself doing exactly as I am told. While this is the standard and what is expected, I want to learn how to do the unexpected and be above the standard, learn the strategies and market myself and prove that I am unique. 

I think that all four components of this course fit perfectly with one another. Ever since I was an infant, I have been surrounded by painstakingly hard working interns at my mother’s company. I’ve always wanted to be like them: a passionate student who gets hands-on experience, learns new skills, and forges pivotal relationships for professional development. The internship aspect of the Lehigh in Milan program will give me the opportunity to get into the workplace within an industry that I am passionate about. While I do not know the true essence or theme of the internship that I will be getting, I know that this will be the first job where I will truly be able to learn, develop, and hone new skills. I am a people person, so I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work alongside professionals in Milan. Through reading blog posts of previous years, I have seen that interns have made incredible friendships with their coworkers and there is a mutually beneficial relationship that seems organic and genuine. A question often arises with students, “This job requires experience, but if every job requires previous experience how will I ever get the experience needed?” This internship is a privilege and memory that I am sure I won’t forget. It will give me the opportunity to gain experience within my industry of interest while also giving me the opportunity to make necessary connections. While I have no expectation of this internship setting the theme for the rest of my professional career, it will always be the first self earned opportunity that kickstarted a passion of mine. 

I am possibly most excited about the cultural immersion through group and personal travels. I have been traveling for as long as I can remember, but it has never been for long periods of time. Last summer, I did a study abroad program in Paris. I had been to Paris a number of times before, but this adventure was different. Since the program was for an extended period of time, it gave me the opportunity to get a more genuine experience that felt more natural than the tourist perspective. I am excited to be in another country where I get to immerse myself in an experience that is more native to the country. I have been to Italy once before, but only to the south. I am excited to get a fresh perspective on a different sector and I am sure, a completely different culture. One thing I learned in anthropology and history is that food has long been a universal language to understand another culture when you don’t speak the same language. Italy is easily one of the food capitals of the world and I am excited to try new things and eat at places I normally would not have the opportunity to go to. Milan is the fashion capital of the world, so once I am done trying all the foods I am sure I will need new clothing and what better place to shop? One thing I love about Italy is that every location has a completely different feeling, vibe, and structure. You can be in an incredible city one minute and two hours later you can be in the mountains. I will certainly be taking advantage of the ease of travel and visit as many locations as possible. 

I have many expectations for my Lehigh in Milan experience. The first of which is to learn about serious issues going on today in the classroom, and then taking a stance on a position and defending it. I feel it is very important to make educated arguments about something that you believe in, and I am excited to learn the skills needed to do this in the corporate social responsibility class I will be taking with Professor Gupta. I also am excited to learn how to work in a team efficiently, as I know we will be working in teams throughout the course. It is important to develop these skills, as I know I will be working on  teams throughout my future career. It is essential I learn how to cooperate and come to meaningful conclusions with others now.

Through the internship seminar, I expect to learn what is expected of me during my internship, and what type of practices and customs Italy follows when it comes to work. I am excited to develop relationships with my professors during this process as well, and connect with them on a deeper level. I feel it is important to connect with your professors, as it can make the learning experience more beneficial. I am looking forward to developing myself professionally. I want to learn how to make meaningful connections through networking, and what is required to do that.

As for the internship, I hope to gain valuable experience in my time at work. I would also like to expand my network, especially in a foreign country, as it is always good to establish connections wherever you go. I feel it is important to learn how different types of people do things, and taking knowledge from working in a different country can be very valuable in my future career. Learning from people who already have experience is also essential to being successful. It will be very beneficial to learn from employees who have knowledge on the field I will be working in soon, and it will put me ahead of my peers.

Finally, I expect to develop relationships with my peers during the cultural immersion process. I’m looking forward to go out and see a foreign area with new people, and I expect it to only add to the experience. I feel I will develop deep and meaningful connections with my peers, most of which I don’t know very well right now. It is important to develop new relationships whenever you can. I am also excited to learn about the daily lives of people in a foreign country, and am curious to see the differences between their lives and how people live in America. I expect to see as much as I can while I am there, and to take full advantage of the opportunity I have been given, as I do not wish to come back with regrets. I will do as many trips as possible, always looking to take on new adventures even if I am uncertain of where they may take me. It is essential to be okay with ambiguity, and I am looking to challenge myself as much as possible in a foreign environment.

 

I am very much looking forward to my summer abroad experience with Professor Gupta in Milan! I am interested and excited to learn in Professor Gupta’s Corporate Social Responsibility course, where I expect to learn more about a company’s obligations beyond what is required for their own gain. In other words, what a company is responsible for in regards to the wellness and success of its community and surrounding environment. This topic is full of varying opinions and unclear answers, leading to lots of discussion and debates which help people to consider various viewpoints. I aim to learn and gain understanding in this class by being attentive in group discussion and actively working with and listening to others when in groups.

As for the internship seminar, I expect this portion of the program to be very beneficial in developing my professional skills. In this seminar, I am prepared to learn how to create a well rounded resume and develop professional habits. This is very useful information to learn at this point in my academic career, as I prepare to interview for future internships and work in serious company environments. Knowing how to utilize these skills would definitely help me to better present myself as a serious candidate for jobs, and furthermore better communicate with my peers in a corporate setting (if I were to take the corporate route). Overall, learning more about this topic will be very beneficial to me as I start to grow professionally.

I am very eager for the hands-on internship portion of this program. I have only held one internship position before and it was in a very local environment, so I am excited to branch out. From this internship, although I have not been placed yet, I expect to be exposed to new jobs and career types which will be very beneficial in opening my eyes to potential career paths I may want to pursue. Besides this, I also expect to learn about Italian/European working culture, and actively partake in their working habits and styles. I am excited and prepared to develop professional connections and absorb whatever knowledge they are willing to teach me, regarding both my work position and the company’s work style.

Lastly, the part of this program I am most excited for is to experience Milan and its culture through personal and group travel. I expect to make the most of this part of the experience, using all the time available outside of the internship and class to learn and explore Milan. I expect to step out of my comfort zone and immerse myself in the Italian lifestyle. I plan to do this by making the most of the Italian language class and group activities, as well as exploring different areas of the city and country when there is time available. In all, I expect to learn a lot of different useful skills and knowledge throughout the length of this program, from professional skills, to cultural knowledge, to considerate viewpoints on corporate social responsibility.

I’m expecting to learn a lot of new knowledge from this class that might not have been touched upon in the business classes that I’ve taken previously.  I expect this class to require me to acquire a new skill set because I’m going to have to take on roles and make decisions regarding issues that I might not agree with.  I expect to elaborate on what I’ve learned about ethicality in the business world by adding in the sustainability component that I have yet to discuss.  I’m also expecting to improve on my understanding of management, especially in terms of being ethical.  Lastly, I expect to engage with a lot of intelligent and new peers that I haven’t gotten the opportunity to interact with yet.

I haven’t really done too much internship preparation this year because I knew that my goal this semester was to study abroad and my goal for my junior summer was to secure an internship here in the US.  I’m expecting to do a lot of reflection regarding the internship that I get placed into and discussion about how I can get the most out of it.  I’m expecting to practice several skills necessary for good workplace etiquette through different group activities and exercises.  I’m expecting several presentations from professionals in the field explaining their experiences and gaining some interior knowledge.  I’m expecting to learn how to carefully and strategically craft the tools needed to secure internships and full time jobs, such as interview preparation and resume writing.

I haven’t been placed yet internship wise and I am not 100% sure what my focus will be on, however, I know that whatever it ends up being will prepare me greatly for a domestic internship next summer.  I’m expecting to create connections with professionals and expand my network which could potentially help me get a full time job.  I’m also expecting to get hands-on experience and work around a plethora of driven people who will motivate me to be the same.  I expect to get accustomed to how working an actual corporate job might go and how different cultures do different things.  I’m excited to learn more technical skills that will apply more directly to my future career.  Lastly, I’m expecting feedback and advice that I can apply in my day to day work to improve my skills both during the internship and after it concludes.

In terms of cultural immersion, this is the least nerve wracking part of the trip for me.  I’m excited to explore a new place and create new relationships with the people that I am traveling with.  I’m expecting many opportunities to get out, try new foods and activities, such as hiking, taking bullet trains, traveling to countries outside of Italy and exploring many of the sights that Italy has to offer.  I’m expecting to learn about the way Italians live and the structure of their society, I’m also expecting to learn a bit of their language as well and expand my ability to communicate with different people.  I’m excited to escape the US and see just how different other cultures are outside of it.  Lastly, I’m expecting to learn more about myself and my independence and how I’m able to manage many different things at once.

My expectations for Professor Gupta’s Corporate Social Responsibility course are to learn more about the global business environment and to broaden my understanding of the ethics of business. I expect to learn a great deal through a conversation based course because I will not only be developing my own opinions but also hearing the opinions of my peers. I am excited to know more about positive ethical change in the business world. 

As a rising junior I have had very little experience in the professional world, and I expect that Academic Enrichment via Gupta/Swain Internship Seminar will broaden my current knowledge. I hope to be provided with the framework of what to expect in an internship and to hone my professional skills with hopes of applying my education from this class to real world scenarios. By engaging in discussions with my peers and industry professionals I will learn to better navigate organizational environments and corporate settings. The internship seminar will hopefully connect in-class learning to real world professional experiences to make me a better professional in my chosen field

The internship component of the Lehigh-In-Milan program offers us a unique opportunity to acquire real world experience in a professional setting that is streamlined with our interests both academically and career-wise. I look forward to applying what I have learned in my education at Lehigh in an experiential learning setting to deepen my understanding of my chosen industry. I hope to broaden my professional network, clarify my career interests, and build my confidence as a professional individual.

The cultural immersion prospects of the Lehigh-in-Milan program are one of the main factors that brought me to the program in the first place. I cannot wait to immerse myself in a new culture while being able to share these new experiences with my peers. I hope that through group excursions and experiences I may foster meaningful connections with both locals and fellow students. On an individual level, I believe that cultural immersion can serve as a means for self discovery, personal growth, and experiential learning.

 

My expectation for the Corporate Social Responsibility course is to learn how to conduct myself in a corporate environment with a foundation of ethics, wisdom, knowledge, and critical thinking. I’ll be immersed in materials and experiences in which I can learn how to be a force for positive change in the corporate world, both individually and as a member of a team. I expect to learn from experts, case studies, academic articles, and my peers. Exposure to the different layers of this world will naturally develop in me an appreciation of the challenges, history, theories, and prepare me to make future decisions with a solid foundation. 

 

Like most rising juniors, I’m anxious about finding an internship next year. I’m looking forward to developing the skills to successfully navigate the world of internships and job seeking—and the timing could not be better. After returning from Milan, when I begin the internship process, I’ll bring with me the tools and resources (not to mention confidence) that I developed in the seminar. I intend to build my resume and obtain expert advice in fine-tuning it to my intended field and potential first jobs. I will gain skills in interviewing and interview preparation, which in turn will enhance how I present myself and my chances of success.

 

I’m most excited about the Milan internship. I’ll gain my first work experience in a corporate environment. It will prepare me for my junior year internship in a way that a college course cannot. I’ll learn about work in a foreign country, which will give me a unique perspective, and perhaps give me an advantage in the competitive internship process next fall. This experience will likely influence my perspective as I’ll be immersed in real life in a foreign workplace. I imagine it will be a reference point for the rest of my career. I may also make connections in Milan that broaden my network and opportunities in the future.

 

I look forward to the group and personal travel in Milan. I expect to bond with fellow students in the program while we share this unique experience. I believe the experience of living abroad and exploring a new place and culture will make me a stronger and wiser person. I’m sure being away from the familiar will be challenging for me, but will force me outside my comfort zone. By living in Milan, I’ll be exposed to the day-to-day reality beyond the superficial tourist experience. I hope to try new foods, to learn about all aspects of the city, to make some Italian friends, and to learn some Italian.

 

My expectations for the Academic Enrichment vis Professor Gupta’s CSR course are that we as students will gain a comprehensive understanding of CSR principles and practices in the context of the global business environment, with a foxus on the Italian and European perspectives. I will expect to have increased awereness of ethical issues in business, the ability to critically evaluate CSR strategies of companies, and understanding of the role of businesses in addressing societal and environmental changes. The anticipated outcomes of this course are multifaceted. Firstly, I will develop a heightened awareness of the ethical dilemmas and responsibilities that businesses face in today’s interconnected world. By examining real-world examples and engaging in critical analysis, I will sharpen my ability to evaluate the CSR strategies adopted by companies, considering their effectiveness and ethical implications. Moreover, I will gain a deeper understanding of how businesses can contribute to addressing societal and environmental challenges, beyond simply pursuing profit. This holistic perspective on CSR not only equips my peers and I with valuable knowledge but also instills a sense of responsibility and purpose in our future professional endeavors.

My expectations for Academic Enrichment via Gupta/Swain Internship Seminar is to be provided theoretical framework for my internship experiences, practical isnights, and reflective opportunities. I expect to develop a deeper understanding of the industry I am interning in, refine my professional skills, and learn how to apply my education from this class to real-world situations. Also, I expect to enhance my communication and teamwork abilities through interactions with peers and other speakers. I will develop a deeper understanding of the industry in which they are interning, gaining insights into its dynamics, challenges, and opportunities. By reflecting on my experience and engaging in discussions with peers and industry professionals, I will refine my professional skills and learn how to navigate complex organizational environments effectively. The seminar fosters the development of crucial soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability, which are essential for success in any professional setting. Overall, the internship seminar plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world application, empowering me to become a versatile and competent professional in their chosen fields.

The internship component of the Lehigh-in-Milan Program offers us students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a professional setting aligned with our academic and career interests. Throughout the duration of our internships, we will have the chance to apply the theoretical concepts and practical skills they have acquired in the classroom to real-life situations within their chosen industry. This experiential learning approach enables us to deepen our understanding of our chosen field, refine our problem-solving abilities, and adapt to the dynamic demands of the workplace. We will have the opportunity to develop practical skills and competencies that are directly relevant to our future careers. By actively engaging with professionals and projects in their respective organizations, students will gain valuable insights into industry practices, trends, and challenges. Furthermore, the internship experience facilitates the building of professional networks and relationships, which can open doors to future career opportunities and mentorship. The internship serves as a catalyst for personal and professional growth, helping us to clarify our career goals, refine our interests, and gain confidence in our abilities as we transition from academia to the workforce.

The cultural immersion aspect of the Lehigh-in-Milan Program is designed to foster a deep appreciation and understanding of Italian culture while simultaneously broadening our global perspectives. Through a combination of group activities and personal exploration, we are encouraged to engage with the rich cultural tapestry of Milan and its surroundings. Group excursions may include visits to iconic landmarks, museums, and historical sites, as well as participation in local festivals and events. Additionally, we will have the freedom to explore the city and its diverse neighborhoods at our own pace, immersing ourselves in the daily life and rhythms of Italian society. The anticipated outcomes of cultural immersion are diverse and transformative. By actively participating in cultural activities and interactions, we will develop increased cultural sensitivity, empathy, and adaptability, essential skills for navigating diverse and interconnected global environments. Moreover, immersion in Italian language and customs provides us with the opportunity to enhance our linguistic proficiency and intercultural communication skills, breaking down barriers and fostering meaningful connections with locals and fellow peers. Furthermore, exposure to Italy’s rich artistic heritage, culinary traditions, and historical legacy stimulates intellectual curiosity and broadens our horizons beyond our academic and professional pursuits. Ultimately, cultural immersion through group and personal travels is not only an enriching experience in itself but also a catalyst for personal growth, self-discovery, and lifelong learning.