As Americans, we often don’t realize how explicit and direct our communication style is until we step outside of the country. This distinct contrast has become very real to me in the last few months since coming to France, and it has been one of the most unexpected, yet formative experiences of my internship. I…
Tag: Zoé MacKenzie
A Shift in Leadership Style
Before this internship, I would have described my leadership style as efficient and goal-oriented. I viewed leadership as setting clear expectations and being able to maintain a strong work ethic. Most importantly, I find that it is crucial to create an environment where people feel motivated in what they do and how they contribute. I…
Developing Intercultural Skills Through Non-Profit Work
Throughout my time at Fondation Scelles, I have been working with the sensitive issues of prostitution and sex buying, which often involve various forms of exploitation and violations of human rights. Given this topic of research and my role in the organization, it is important to have a sense of empathy and attentiveness, especially when…
Adapting to French Customs
Before traveling abroad, I went to numerous orientations for this International Internship Program that prepared me for the different customs I would encounter during my time in France. During these sessions, we discussed the work-life boundaries that would be expected in the workplace, as well as the formal administrative differences compared to my experiences in…
Navigating Uncertainty in the Workplace
The concept of uncertainty is something that has always scared me, as it does for many people with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Ambiguity can often feel threatening, and it is uncomfortable to walk through life not knowing what will happen next. However, that is an inevitable part of the journey, and you just have to accept that…
The Importance of a Work-Life Balance
As a young college student tasked with independently navigating an exciting new country while simultaneously having the responsibilities of a full-time working adult, time management skills are essential. Being in a (somewhat) foreign country, there are infinite things to explore. It is thrilling and beyond liberating to have these two months to venture through as…
Assessing the Industry Environment of the Scelles Foundation
This week, I officially began my journey to France! I met with the EUSA team, which included members of the organization as well as other students from surrounding Universities such as UVA and UMB. Together, we started this week by navigating our way through the different arrondissements of Paris. Something I immediately noticed when arriving…
Voilà, c’est moi!
Bonjour à tous! My name is Zoé MacKenzie, and I will be entering my senior year at the University of Pittsburgh. I grew up in Media PA, which most people know as “outside of Philly” or the DELCO area. When I toured Pitt for the first time, I fell in love with the atmosphere. I…
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