Dominic Gianfrancesco, a Spring 2014 SPC graduate, is the first student to participate in SPC’s newly established international internship! Gianfrancesco interned as a business analyst for Tech Data in San Jose, Costa Rica for six weeks in November/December 2014.
“Tech Data is appreciative of the opportunity to partner with St. Petersburg College in support of their international internship program” said Marian Morlock, Director of Human Resources at Tech Data. Morlock continued, “internships are a win for students, academic institutions and employers. They provide invaluable hands-on experience to supplement what is learned in the classroom. Low in cost and high in value, internships prepare students for the workforce while creating talent-ready job applicants.” Jason Krupp, Director of Workforce Services, agreed, stating that this was a “great example of how internships lead to increased employment opportunities, and how SPC teams worked together to help a student connect with one of our areas top employers.”
Ramona Kirsch, Director of SPC International Programs, added, “this type of international partnership is an important collaboration in which an academic institution and a global corporation see first-hand the essential role that global competencies and international job experience plays in a graduating student’s ability to be competitive in the marketplace and to secure employment.”
Along with his daily work at Tech Data as an intern, Gianfrancesco was also immersed in Costa Rican culture full of delicious food, soccer, volcanos, white water rafting, hiking, and zip-lining! In his final blog Gianfrancesco wrote, “Overall, I could not have asked for anything different. I see great things ahead of me and I am extremely thankful to everyone at both St. Petersburg College and Tech Data for supporting me through this journey”. Follow Dominic’s journey through the weekly posts he submitted to the SPC International Blog.
Upon his return to the US, Gianfrancesco was offered a job with Tech Data, which he graciously accepted! SPC would like to congratulate Dominic on completing the first SPC international internship and for securing immediate employment in a great company!
Click here to read all of Dominic’s blogs
Click here for information on SPC International Programs
Learn more about SPC’s Costa Rica Spanish Study Abroad Program
For information on SPC Study Abroad Programs
Click here for more information on SPC Internships