Belle | Legal Internship at Absolute Internship

Belle

Legal InternshipAbsolute Internship|ParisParis

Currently at University of Texas at Austin

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Internship

LegalUnited StatesUnited States

Currently

Cultural Preservation LawyerUniversity of Texas at Austin

Hi, I’m Belle, a Senior student and Absolute ambassador at UT Austin! During my 8-week Paris program I worked with Custax & Legal, a corporate firm specialized in customs/export tax for aerospace and defense manufacturers. Interning abroad expanded my (bilingual) personal, career, & network skills!

Belle is a former student and verified Absolute Internship ambassador

Why Belle chose this path

“I wanted to go abroad while gaining real-life skills and work experience that would set me apart and prepare me for a future in international work!”

How I got in

I have been learning French for over 8 years and quickly fell in love with the cultural capital:)

Top tips for getting accepted

Be proactive and be teachable! If you are showing your hard work and willingness to learn with every task, you’ll go far and make a great, lasting impression.

Common mistakes to avoid

I wish my time was longer, never wanted it to end;)

What Belle wishes they knew

Things I wish I knew before starting

Don’t be too shy-it can be pretty daunting to live and work in a new place and culture, but don’t be afraid to participate in any opportunities during your workday or otherwise!

The hardest part

I chose to challenge myself by speaking only in French for my workplace and I was learning Legal terms and procedures simultaneously in English and French! But Absolute Internship provides amazing support and each company is fully prepared to work with English, that was just my choice and experience. My French skills are all the better for it!

The best decision I made

Exploring the incredible country and filling up my free time with so much fun. Whether that’s going on sunset picnics along the Seine with my new friends, going to nearly every museum the city has to offer, or taking trains throughout each region in France to discover the vibrant regional cultures!

What it's actually like

A typical day

I’d wake up around 6 to workout and start my day. Then I’d come back to my apartment, make coffee and breakfast while I’m getting ready for my work day (shower, dressed, packing my work bag). I’d head to the Metro at 9:30 straight to the Opera district where my office was, on the iconic Rue de La Paix, and be at the office by 10. Throughout my work day I would have various research projects/tasks and meetings as I learned and participated in EU trade regulation work. At 5, I would head back to my apartment and set out again to explore the incredible city with my friends or go on solo-adventures to cultural landmarks, restaurants, or events. The possibilities are endless for your internship and trip!!

Topics Belle can help with

Career DevelopmentWorkplace CultureNetworkingWork-Life BalanceInternational OpportunitiesDay-to-Day Life

Questions students ask Belle

What's student life really like at your university?
Being a UT Austin student means you are surrounded by hardworking students and faculty that excel in all areas-academically, athletically, etc. I have been a part of a number of communities on campus including the D1 Rowing team, an a cappella group, and as a Research assistant for the French department. Austin is such a cool city to explore as both a student and local, too. Every experience has deepened my appreciation for being a Longhorn!
How competitive is it to get onto your course, and how did you stand out?
The university in general is a top-level school meaning that it is highly competitive. Being well rounded as both a student and a person truly helped me in my path to being a Longhorn and helps show that you have what it takes to become part of UT’s legacy for “Longhorn Excellence.”
What would you do differently if you were going through the application again?
My studies in the humanities have evolved further and further into the creative and artistic industries, so I’d say that I would have loved to understand more about and develop my specialization earlier. Then again, college is the perfect place to learn more about your personal, academic, and professional strengths as you go along!

Ready to ask Belle a question?

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