Photo Gallery - BridgeUSA-FUSIA’s J-1 Internships

Jun Ze, a student from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, had the opportunity to intern at NYC Councilmember Sandra Ung's district office in Flushing, Queens during the winter of 2023.

Jun Ze described his experience as both enjoyable and fulfilling. He found himself empathizing with constituents and their daily life issues while gaining valuable insights into the NYC government system. Adapting to the American lifestyle was made easier by supportive colleagues who offered helpful tips and recommendations for exploring New York City. Jun Ze highly recommends the CCIP program in NYC to future participants, emphasizing the invaluable networking opportunities and experience it provides.

Jun Ze received ample support from his host office, where colleagues were friendly, patient, and guided him through his internship. The workload was manageable, and he appreciated the meaningful office conversations and positive reinforcement that boosted his confidence. He particularly praised Alexander, the Chief of Staff, for his friendliness and straightforwardness, as well as Rosie and Lucia for their cheerful presence and hospitality.

FUSIA, the program sponsor, played a significant role in Jun Ze's experience. Elizabeth regularly checked in on him, making him feel welcomed and included. He expressed a desire to stay connected with FUSIA's alumni network and offered to support FUSIA in any way possible, recognizing the potential for valuable friendships along the way.

Throughout his internship, Jun Ze acquired a deeper understanding of the U.S. government system, honed his skills in advising and communicating with constituents, and improved his overall ability to express himself effectively. He noted that in NYC, networking and communication take precedence over efficiency, and he learned how to assist constituents by providing resources and directing them to the right channels. Jun Ze encourages future participants to be vocal, as he believes that interns who actively engage leave the most memorable impressions on their colleagues.

Gia, a Linguistics and Multilingual Studies major at Nanyang Technology University of Singapore, embarked on a J-1 internship* during the Summer of 2023 as a Community Engagement Intern at Assembly Member Grace Lee's Office.

*The J-1 internship is one of 15 programs offered within the Department of State's Exchange Visitor Program, facilitated through designated visa sponsors. Gia is a participant of the CCIP Internship in NYC, and their program is administered by FUSIA, a designated sponsor in the J-1 internship.

NYS Assembly Member Grace Lee is an extraordinary and accomplished leader, bringing a wealth of experience and unwavering passion to her role as a public servant. With a background as a community organizer, small-business owner, and devoted mother of three, she possesses an intimate understanding of the challenges faced by her constituents. Her historic election as the first Korean American woman to hold office in New York State government is a testament to her tenacity and dedication.

Inspired by the remarkable accomplishments of Assembly Member Grace Lee, Gia, as an Asian woman navigating her own path in society, saw an invaluable opportunity to learn and grow. Interning at the office of such an accomplished woman was a chance for Gia to gain insights from a role model she deeply admired.

In her role, Gia not only engages with constituents but also actively participates in legislative research and attends committee meetings under the guidance of her supervisor. Her current project involves in-depth research on congestion pricing in the United States. Gia finds it incredibly fulfilling to apply the knowledge acquired during her research to real-world situations, like attending a congestion pricing meeting.

Gia firmly believes that those aspiring to follow a similar path should approach their endeavors with genuine interest and proactivity. Her advice is simple yet powerful - to question the world around them continually. "Always look at things around you and ask yourself why - Why is that happening? Why are you doing this? Why are they not doing that? Always stay proactive and stay interested. And you’re gonna have fun!"

Through her internship experience, Gia has come to realize the immense impact that dedicated individuals like Assembly Member Grace Lee can have on their communities. This enriching journey has further solidified Gia's commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others through her passion for linguistics, multilingual studies, and community engagement.

By embracing the wisdom and inspiration she gains from her internship, Gia is poised to make meaningful contributions to society, empowering her fellow citizens and shaping a brighter future for all.

Gia, a Linguistics and Multilingual Studies major at Nanyang Technology University of Singapore, embarked on a J-1 internship* during the Summer of 2023 as a Community Engagement Intern at Assembly Member Grace Lee's Office.

*The J-1 internship is one of 15 programs offered within the Department of State's Exchange Visitor Program, facilitated through designated visa sponsors. Gia is a participant of the CCIP Internship in NYC, and their program is administered by FUSIA, a designated sponsor in the J-1 internship.

NYS Assembly Member Grace Lee is an extraordinary and accomplished leader, bringing a wealth of experience and unwavering passion to her role as a public servant. With a background as a community organizer, small-business owner, and devoted mother of three, she possesses an intimate understanding of the challenges faced by her constituents. Her historic election as the first Korean American woman to hold office in New York State government is a testament to her tenacity and dedication.

Inspired by the remarkable accomplishments of Assembly Member Grace Lee, Gia, as an Asian woman navigating her own path in society, saw an invaluable opportunity to learn and grow. Interning at the office of such an accomplished woman was a chance for Gia to gain insights from a role model she deeply admired.

In her role, Gia not only engages with constituents but also actively participates in legislative research and attends committee meetings under the guidance of her supervisor. Her current project involves in-depth research on congestion pricing in the United States. Gia finds it incredibly fulfilling to apply the knowledge acquired during her research to real-world situations, like attending a congestion pricing meeting.

Gia firmly believes that those aspiring to follow a similar path should approach their endeavors with genuine interest and proactivity. Her advice is simple yet powerful - to question the world around them continually. "Always look at things around you and ask yourself why - Why is that happening? Why are you doing this? Why are they not doing that? Always stay proactive and stay interested. And you’re gonna have fun!"

Through her internship experience, Gia has come to realize the immense impact that dedicated individuals like Assembly Member Grace Lee can have on their communities. This enriching journey has further solidified Gia's commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others through her passion for linguistics, multilingual studies, and community engagement.

By embracing the wisdom and inspiration she gains from her internship, Gia is poised to make meaningful contributions to society, empowering her fellow citizens and shaping a brighter future for all.

Rachel, Regina, and Arian, three students from Macau University of Science and Technology, embarked on their J-1 internship* journey in New York at the Flushing YMCA and Jamaica YMCA.

*The J-1 internship is one of 15 programs offered within the Department of State's Exchange Visitor Program, facilitated through designated visa sponsors. Angelia is a participant in the CCIP Internship in NYC, and their program is administered by FUSIA, a designated sponsor for the J-1 internship.

When they applied for the internship, they were first-year students who hadn't even declared their majors yet. Despite their lack of experience, they were eager to gain exposure to various fields and were excited about the opportunity to work at the NYC YMCA, specifically at the Flushing and Jamaica locations.

The Flushing and Jamaica YMCA are both part of the NYC YMCA network, one of the largest Y networks in North America. What made their internship special was the chance to rotate between two different locations that catered to different ethnicities. Moreover, due to the size of each organization, they had the opportunity to sample various departments, providing them with insights into how a professional nonprofit organization operates. This exposure also allowed them to engage with people from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities.

On the first day, Tiffany Dunbar, the Executive Director of the Flushing Y, provided them with a thorough walkthrough of the operations. Then, Gloria Messam, the Assistant to the Executive Director and Fundraising Development Specialist of the Jamaica Y, along with Sabrina Scott, Membership Sales Engagement and
Healthy Lifestyles Director, guided them through different areas, allowing them to shadow various aspects of the organization.

Rachel, who majors in tourism, particularly appreciated the opportunity to interact with members from different cultural backgrounds, which enriched her understanding of diverse perspectives. "It was truly an eye-opening experience! I had the opportunity to interact with individuals from different cultural backgrounds, enriching my understanding of diverse perspectives," she said. She added, "My parents always encourage me to try different things, and I really appreciate this experience. I believe I made the most of it."

Each J-1 intern is provided with a comprehensive training plan called Form DS-7002, which outlines essential information about the host organization and the objective activities of their internship. The plan consists of two phases: the introductory phase, which is dedicated to familiarizing them with the environment, and the implementation phase, where they actively rotate between different departments to gain a holistic view of nonprofit organization operations.

The rotations allowed them to get an idea of how each site works. Regina, who is majoring in journalism and communications, found the experience to be highly educational. "It was really enlightening to see how each department efficiently collaborates and communicates with each other to create something bigger," she shared.

Aria, a rising sophomore majoring in computer science, shared her thoughts on the internship experience, saying, "The colleagues were extremely friendly and patient with us." She advised future interns to approach their journey with an open mind, as they are likely to encounter diverse situations and circumstances. Despite not having an extensive technical skill set, Aria's supervisor assigned her a project that involved using Access to analyze membership data. This opportunity provided her with valuable experience she could add to her resume and allowed her to apply her learning to practical situations.

Rachel, Regina, and Arian, three students from Macau University of Science and Technology, embarked on their J-1 internship* journey in New York at the Flushing YMCA and Jamaica YMCA.

*The J-1 internship is one of 15 programs offered within the Department of State's Exchange Visitor Program, facilitated through designated visa sponsors. Angelia is a participant in the CCIP Internship in NYC, and their program is administered by FUSIA, a designated sponsor for the J-1 internship.

When they applied for the internship, they were first-year students who hadn't even declared their majors yet. Despite their lack of experience, they were eager to gain exposure to various fields and were excited about the opportunity to work at the NYC YMCA, specifically at the Flushing and Jamaica locations.

The Flushing and Jamaica YMCA are both part of the NYC YMCA network, one of the largest Y networks in North America. What made their internship special was the chance to rotate between two different locations that catered to different ethnicities. Moreover, due to the size of each organization, they had the opportunity to sample various departments, providing them with insights into how a professional nonprofit organization operates. This exposure also allowed them to engage with people from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities.

On the first day, Tiffany Dunbar, the Executive Director of the Flushing Y, provided them with a thorough walkthrough of the operations. Then, Gloria Messam, the Assistant to the Executive Director and Fundraising Development Specialist of the Jamaica Y, along with Sabrina Scott, Membership Sales Engagement and
Healthy Lifestyles Director, guided them through different areas, allowing them to shadow various aspects of the organization.

Rachel, who majors in tourism, particularly appreciated the opportunity to interact with members from different cultural backgrounds, which enriched her understanding of diverse perspectives. "It was truly an eye-opening experience! I had the opportunity to interact with individuals from different cultural backgrounds, enriching my understanding of diverse perspectives," she said. She added, "My parents always encourage me to try different things, and I really appreciate this experience. I believe I made the most of it."

Each J-1 intern is provided with a comprehensive training plan called Form DS-7002, which outlines essential information about the host organization and the objective activities of their internship. The plan consists of two phases: the introductory phase, which is dedicated to familiarizing them with the environment, and the implementation phase, where they actively rotate between different departments to gain a holistic view of nonprofit organization operations.

The rotations allowed them to get an idea of how each site works. Regina, who is majoring in journalism and communications, found the experience to be highly educational. "It was really enlightening to see how each department efficiently collaborates and communicates with each other to create something bigger," she shared.

Aria, a rising sophomore majoring in computer science, shared her thoughts on the internship experience, saying, "The colleagues were extremely friendly and patient with us." She advised future interns to approach their journey with an open mind, as they are likely to encounter diverse situations and circumstances. Despite not having an extensive technical skill set, Aria's supervisor assigned her a project that involved using Access to analyze membership data. This opportunity provided her with valuable experience she could add to her resume and allowed her to apply her learning to practical situations.

Rachel, Regina, and Arian, three students from Macau University of Science and Technology, embarked on their J-1 internship* journey in New York at the Flushing YMCA and Jamaica YMCA.

*The J-1 internship is one of 15 programs offered within the Department of State's Exchange Visitor Program, facilitated through designated visa sponsors. Angelia is a participant in the CCIP Internship in NYC, and their program is administered by FUSIA, a designated sponsor for the J-1 internship.

When they applied for the internship, they were first-year students who hadn't even declared their majors yet. Despite their lack of experience, they were eager to gain exposure to various fields and were excited about the opportunity to work at the NYC YMCA, specifically at the Flushing and Jamaica locations.

The Flushing and Jamaica YMCA are both part of the NYC YMCA network, one of the largest Y networks in North America. What made their internship special was the chance to rotate between two different locations that catered to different ethnicities. Moreover, due to the size of each organization, they had the opportunity to sample various departments, providing them with insights into how a professional nonprofit organization operates. This exposure also allowed them to engage with people from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities.

On the first day, Tiffany Dunbar, the Executive Director of the Flushing Y, provided them with a thorough walkthrough of the operations. Then, Gloria Messam, the Assistant to the Executive Director and Fundraising Development Specialist of the Jamaica Y, along with Sabrina Scott, Membership Sales Engagement and
Healthy Lifestyles Director, guided them through different areas, allowing them to shadow various aspects of the organization.

Rachel, who majors in tourism, particularly appreciated the opportunity to interact with members from different cultural backgrounds, which enriched her understanding of diverse perspectives. "It was truly an eye-opening experience! I had the opportunity to interact with individuals from different cultural backgrounds, enriching my understanding of diverse perspectives," she said. She added, "My parents always encourage me to try different things, and I really appreciate this experience. I believe I made the most of it."

Each J-1 intern is provided with a comprehensive training plan called Form DS-7002, which outlines essential information about the host organization and the objective activities of their internship. The plan consists of two phases: the introductory phase, which is dedicated to familiarizing them with the environment, and the implementation phase, where they actively rotate between different departments to gain a holistic view of nonprofit organization operations.

The rotations allowed them to get an idea of how each site works. Regina, who is majoring in journalism and communications, found the experience to be highly educational. "It was really enlightening to see how each department efficiently collaborates and communicates with each other to create something bigger," she shared.

Aria, a rising sophomore majoring in computer science, shared her thoughts on the internship experience, saying, "The colleagues were extremely friendly and patient with us." She advised future interns to approach their journey with an open mind, as they are likely to encounter diverse situations and circumstances. Despite not having an extensive technical skill set, Aria's supervisor assigned her a project that involved using Access to analyze membership data. This opportunity provided her with valuable experience she could add to her resume and allowed her to apply her learning to practical situations.

Rachel, Regina, and Arian, three students from Macau University of Science and Technology, embarked on their J-1 internship* journey in New York at the Flushing YMCA and Jamaica YMCA.

*The J-1 internship is one of 15 programs offered within the Department of State's Exchange Visitor Program, facilitated through designated visa sponsors. Angelia is a participant in the CCIP Internship in NYC, and their program is administered by FUSIA, a designated sponsor for the J-1 internship.

When they applied for the internship, they were first-year students who hadn't even declared their majors yet. Despite their lack of experience, they were eager to gain exposure to various fields and were excited about the opportunity to work at the NYC YMCA, specifically at the Flushing and Jamaica locations.

The Flushing and Jamaica YMCA are both part of the NYC YMCA network, one of the largest Y networks in North America. What made their internship special was the chance to rotate between two different locations that catered to different ethnicities. Moreover, due to the size of each organization, they had the opportunity to sample various departments, providing them with insights into how a professional nonprofit organization operates. This exposure also allowed them to engage with people from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities.

On the first day, Tiffany Dunbar, the Executive Director of the Flushing Y, provided them with a thorough walkthrough of the operations. Then, Gloria Messam, the Assistant to the Executive Director and Fundraising Development Specialist of the Jamaica Y, along with Sabrina Scott, Membership Sales Engagement and
Healthy Lifestyles Director, guided them through different areas, allowing them to shadow various aspects of the organization.

Rachel, who majors in tourism, particularly appreciated the opportunity to interact with members from different cultural backgrounds, which enriched her understanding of diverse perspectives. "It was truly an eye-opening experience! I had the opportunity to interact with individuals from different cultural backgrounds, enriching my understanding of diverse perspectives," she said. She added, "My parents always encourage me to try different things, and I really appreciate this experience. I believe I made the most of it."

Each J-1 intern is provided with a comprehensive training plan called Form DS-7002, which outlines essential information about the host organization and the objective activities of their internship. The plan consists of two phases: the introductory phase, which is dedicated to familiarizing them with the environment, and the implementation phase, where they actively rotate between different departments to gain a holistic view of nonprofit organization operations.

The rotations allowed them to get an idea of how each site works. Regina, who is majoring in journalism and communications, found the experience to be highly educational. "It was really enlightening to see how each department efficiently collaborates and communicates with each other to create something bigger," she shared.

Aria, a rising sophomore majoring in computer science, shared her thoughts on the internship experience, saying, "The colleagues were extremely friendly and patient with us." She advised future interns to approach their journey with an open mind, as they are likely to encounter diverse situations and circumstances. Despite not having an extensive technical skill set, Aria's supervisor assigned her a project that involved using Access to analyze membership data. This opportunity provided her with valuable experience she could add to her resume and allowed her to apply her learning to practical situations.

Natalie, from Macau University of Science and Technology, Kate, from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Jennifer, from the University of Hong Kong, embarked on their J-1 internship* journey at New York's ADMERASIA.

*The J-1 internship is one of 15 programs offered within the Department of State's Exchange Visitor Program, facilitated through designated visa sponsors. Natalie, Kate, and Jennifer are participants of the CCIP Internship in NYC, and their program is administered by FUSIA, a designated sponsor in the J-1 internship.

ADMERASIA is a full-service agency founded in 1993 with roots in multicultural marketing. Its client list includes McDonald’s, PayPal, Citibank, Nissan, and more. Renowned for its strategic approach, creative excellence, and deep understanding of multicultural consumer behaviors, ADMERASIA empowers brands to effectively engage and connect with a wide range of communities, making a lasting impact in the ever-evolving landscape of advertising and brand communication.

Jennifer is a second-year student studying landscape architecture, Kate is a second-year student studying information engineering, and Natalie is a third-year student studying finance.

The three interns work in different departments. Kate and Natalie are in the media department, where they are engaged in media planning and conducting research. Meanwhile, Jennifer is in the creative department, where she takes on the responsibility of contributing to the development and design of advertising concepts.

Jennifer states that the most striking aspect of her internship was the emphasis on creativity and innovation. "I've been encouraged to bring fresh ideas to the table and have been amazed at how my perspectives as an intern are not just welcomed but actively sought after."

Natalie adds, "My supervisors and colleagues have not only guided me through projects but also encouraged me to speak up. While Asia stresses hard skills, here, there is a strong emphasis on developing soft skills, which really takes effort to work on."

Kate advises future interns that they should adjust their mindset for the workplace where there is an emphasis on both the process and results, unlike in school where only the end results matter.

Toward the end of the interview, all three interns commented on the value of not just hard skills but also the importance of perception and mindset. They recognized that these transferable skills, while not immediately needed as students or fresh graduates, are essential for developing a useful managerial mindset.

All three interns expressed their appreciation for the support and opportunities provided by their supervisors.

Natalie, from Macau University of Science and Technology, Kate, from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Jennifer, from the University of Hong Kong, embarked on their J-1 internship* journey at New York's ADMERASIA.

*The J-1 internship is one of 15 programs offered within the Department of State's Exchange Visitor Program, facilitated through designated visa sponsors. Natalie, Kate, and Jennifer are participants of the CCIP Internship in NYC, and their program is administered by FUSIA, a designated sponsor in the J-1 internship.

ADMERASIA is a full-service agency founded in 1993 with roots in multicultural marketing. Its client list includes McDonald’s, PayPal, Citibank, Nissan, and more. Renowned for its strategic approach, creative excellence, and deep understanding of multicultural consumer behaviors, ADMERASIA empowers brands to effectively engage and connect with a wide range of communities, making a lasting impact in the ever-evolving landscape of advertising and brand communication.

Jennifer is a second-year student studying landscape architecture, Kate is a second-year student studying information engineering, and Natalie is a third-year student studying finance.

The three interns work in different departments. Kate and Natalie are in the media department, where they are engaged in media planning and conducting research. Meanwhile, Jennifer is in the creative department, where she takes on the responsibility of contributing to the development and design of advertising concepts.

Jennifer states that the most striking aspect of her internship was the emphasis on creativity and innovation. "I've been encouraged to bring fresh ideas to the table and have been amazed at how my perspectives as an intern are not just welcomed but actively sought after."

Natalie adds, "My supervisors and colleagues have not only guided me through projects but also encouraged me to speak up. While Asia stresses hard skills, here, there is a strong emphasis on developing soft skills, which really takes effort to work on."

Kate advises future interns that they should adjust their mindset for the workplace where there is an emphasis on both the process and results, unlike in school where only the end results matter.

Toward the end of the interview, all three interns commented on the value of not just hard skills but also the importance of perception and mindset. They recognized that these transferable skills, while not immediately needed as students or fresh graduates, are essential for developing a useful managerial mindset.

All three interns expressed their appreciation for the support and opportunities provided by their supervisors.

Jackson, from the University of Hong Kong, and Velu, from the Nanyang Technological University, embarked on their J-1 internship* journey at GC ENG & ASSOCIATES.

*The J-1 internship is one of 15 programs offered within the Department of State's Exchange Visitor Program, facilitated through designated visa sponsors. Jackson is a participant of the CCIP Internship in NYC, and their program is administered by FUSIA, a designated sponsor in the J-1 internship.

Jackson, a fourth-year mechanical engineering student, decided to pursue a US internship at GC Eng & Associates during the summer of 2023, marking his second participation in the J-1 exchange program. Prior to this, he also took part in an academic exchange at Northeastern University amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

When asked why he was so eager to come to the US again, considering he had attended an exchange program for a semester during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jackson commented that his previous experience was solely focused on the classroom. This time, however, the internship presented an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations, whmething he truly needed before entering the workforce.

Before joining the US internship, Jackson had already completed an internship in Hong Kong. When asked about the difference between the two experiences, he noted significant distinctions. In Hong Kong, the emphasis was more on technical skills, while in the US, the focus shifted towards practical experience, soft skill development, situational management, communication, and interactions with people, which he considered essential for his future career.

Now that Jackson is ready to intern for the second half of the program, he was asked if his experience was different from what he had thought before. Jackson commented that he had previously been to Boston and other different cities, but New York felt so unique – like a melting pot of all cultures. It gave him a lot of fresh perspectives on top of innovations, diversity, and stress in the work environment.

When asked if there was anything else he wanted to add, Jackson encouraged others to step out of their comfort zones. “The benefits from US internships were far different and went beyond what other places could offer. He believed that the skills, knowledge, and views he learned in the US, especially managerial skills, would probably benefit him more in his future career as a manager and help him position himself in the professional arena,” Jackson added.

Jackson stated that the United States offers an environment where innovation thrives, and as much of his formative college years was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, he aimed to challenge himself to provide a positive impact both within his home country and on an international scale.

Jackson also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Gene Eng, his boss, for providing him with this opportunity, along with his other colleagues. Jackson felt that his assignments were very challenging, and he was happy to be treated as part of the team, not simply as an intern.

On the other hand, Velu, a second-year mechanical engineering student, is required to complete a 5-month internship at a firm office to graduate. “Why not differentiate myself from my peers who are interning in Singapore and do an oversea internship? I ended up finding this internship when conducting some research online and thought this could be a win-win situation. I get to gain experience with my major and experience a new culture!”

Upon joining GC ENG & ASSOCIATES, Velu actively contributed to the building services side of mechanical engineering, an area where he lacked experience initially. However, with the help of his team, he has been involved in numerous drawings, calculations, and software work using AutoCAD, making every day meaningful. He expressed his gratitude to all the engineers for their guidance and support.

Velu emphasizes the importance of keeping a notepad and pen nearby. Velu talked about how he likes to take notes while communicating with his superior. As he deals with many small details and calculations, taking notes would save a lot of time for both you and your coworkers. “In mechanical engineering, you would also be exposed to many drawings and diagrams. Color coding the outline can make it a lot more efficient when referring to it later. That way, you don’t waste your time trying to figure out what is what.”

"What is especially valuable to me is that I feel treated as part of the ‘family’ despite being new," Velu added. “I wanted to especially thank Jackson for guiding me through each step. I’m rather new to this internship, so I’m not as familiar with the office culture and requirements. Jackson have been extremely patient with me and even gave me small tips!”

GC ENG & ASSOCIATES is a NYC-based consulting engineering firm founded in 1993 by Gene Eng, PE. Since its inception, the firm has built its reputation as a dedicated and principled company with a wide range of services and talents. The company specializes in providing a comprehensive range of design and consultation services for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and fire alarm systems.

Jackson, from the University of Hong Kong, and Velu, from the Nanyang Technological University, embarked on their J-1 internship* journey at GC ENG & ASSOCIATES.

*The J-1 internship is one of 15 programs offered within the Department of State's Exchange Visitor Program, facilitated through designated visa sponsors. Jackson is a participant of the CCIP Internship in NYC, and their program is administered by FUSIA, a designated sponsor in the J-1 internship.

Jackson, a fourth-year mechanical engineering student, decided to pursue a US internship at GC Eng & Associates during the summer of 2023, marking his second participation in the J-1 exchange program. Prior to this, he also took part in an academic exchange at Northeastern University amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

When asked why he was so eager to come to the US again, considering he had attended an exchange program for a semester during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jackson commented that his previous experience was solely focused on the classroom. This time, however, the internship presented an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations, whmething he truly needed before entering the workforce.

Before joining the US internship, Jackson had already completed an internship in Hong Kong. When asked about the difference between the two experiences, he noted significant distinctions. In Hong Kong, the emphasis was more on technical skills, while in the US, the focus shifted towards practical experience, soft skill development, situational management, communication, and interactions with people, which he considered essential for his future career.

Now that Jackson is ready to intern for the second half of the program, he was asked if his experience was different from what he had thought before. Jackson commented that he had previously been to Boston and other different cities, but New York felt so unique – like a melting pot of all cultures. It gave him a lot of fresh perspectives on top of innovations, diversity, and stress in the work environment.

When asked if there was anything else he wanted to add, Jackson encouraged others to step out of their comfort zones. “The benefits from US internships were far different and went beyond what other places could offer. He believed that the skills, knowledge, and views he learned in the US, especially managerial skills, would probably benefit him more in his future career as a manager and help him position himself in the professional arena,” Jackson added.

Jackson stated that the United States offers an environment where innovation thrives, and as much of his formative college years was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, he aimed to challenge himself to provide a positive impact both within his home country and on an international scale.

Jackson also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Gene Eng, his boss, for providing him with this opportunity, along with his other colleagues. Jackson felt that his assignments were very challenging, and he was happy to be treated as part of the team, not simply as an intern.

On the other hand, Velu, a second-year mechanical engineering student, is required to complete a 5-month internship at a firm office to graduate. “Why not differentiate myself from my peers who are interning in Singapore and do an oversea internship? I ended up finding this internship when conducting some research online and thought this could be a win-win situation. I get to gain experience with my major and experience a new culture!”

Upon joining GC ENG & ASSOCIATES, Velu actively contributed to the building services side of mechanical engineering, an area where he lacked experience initially. However, with the help of his team, he has been involved in numerous drawings, calculations, and software work using AutoCAD, making every day meaningful. He expressed his gratitude to all the engineers for their guidance and support.

Velu emphasizes the importance of keeping a notepad and pen nearby. Velu talked about how he likes to take notes while communicating with his superior. As he deals with many small details and calculations, taking notes would save a lot of time for both you and your coworkers. “In mechanical engineering, you would also be exposed to many drawings and diagrams. Color coding the outline can make it a lot more efficient when referring to it later. That way, you don’t waste your time trying to figure out what is what.”

"What is especially valuable to me is that I feel treated as part of the ‘family’ despite being new," Velu added. “I wanted to especially thank Jackson for guiding me through each step. I’m rather new to this internship, so I’m not as familiar with the office culture and requirements. Jackson have been extremely patient with me and even gave me small tips!”

GC ENG & ASSOCIATES is a NYC-based consulting engineering firm founded in 1993 by Gene Eng, PE. Since its inception, the firm has built its reputation as a dedicated and principled company with a wide range of services and talents. The company specializes in providing a comprehensive range of design and consultation services for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and fire alarm systems.

CCIP Internships in NYC

Singapore Student's NYC Council Internship Experience

Office of NYS Assemblyman Ron Kim

Office of Congresswoman Grace Meng

Office of NYS Assemblyman David I. Weprin

Office of NYS Senator Toby Ann Stavisky

Office of Grace Lee

YMCA of Greater New York - Jamaica

YMCA of Greater New York - Flushing

Admerasia, Inc.

GC Eng & Associates, PC