Alexandria Mason Mack ’17 interned at The Bubble in Buenos Aires, Argentina in summer 2015 after studying abroad in Argentina that spring. At UW-Madison she majored in Journalism with certificates in Afro-American Studies and Gender & Women’s Studies. Alexandria also earned a Master’s degree in Journalism from the University of Southern California in 2018. She currently works as a Multimedia Producer & Journalist at Milwaukee PBS.
After some years to reflect, what were some highlights or key takeaways from your IIP internship?
My internship at The Bubble was my first professional experience to use my second language. I was expected to interview in Spanish and translate the interviews into English, which was challenging but very rewarding.
How did you end up where you are now?
Following my time abroad, I returned to campus, building my resume with freelance articles and journalism internships. Upon graduating from UW, I earned my masters in multimedia at University of Southern California and completed an internship at ABC News in 2018. Following that experience I landed my first full-time gig at TMJ 4 News in Milwaukee, a NBC affiliate.
Is there any particular skill you gained from your internship that you think helped you get a job after? If so, what?
Definitely my ability to understand and translate Spanish.
Why should undergraduates consider interning abroad?
Going abroad is often looked at like an extended vacation of a semester when in reality it’s a great opportunity to build yourself as a stronger candidate for future opportunities and expand your cultural horizons professionally.
Is there any custom, food, tradition from your host country that you still enjoy now?
None that I can get a hold of! I miss the alfajores, my host mom’s empanadas and just how alive I felt at just 20 years old conquering a whole new country on my own!
In honor of the International Internship Program’s 10th Anniversary, we will be bringing you profiles of IIP alumni who have interned all over the world! Find more alumni profiles here.