'Crucial' Career-Builder
Ohio Wesleyan Student Expands Skills, Confidence During Ohio Export Internship
Name: Ava Bruns '26
Hometown: Delaware, Ohio
High School: Delaware Hayes High School
Majors: Finance and Business Administration
OWU Connection Experience: Bruns completed a summer-long, paid internship at Global Recovery Group through the Ohio Export Internship Program. After completing the 12-week internship, she was able to stay on this academic year, working part-time during fall and spring semesters and full-time during winter break.
"I chose this OWU Connection experience because it perfectly aligned with my interests in global business and finance. The Ohio Export Internship Program offered a unique blend of academic preparation and hands-on experience in international business, which I saw as crucial for my future career."
A Valuable Combination
"The Ohio Export Internship Program combines academic preparation with hands-on internship opportunities. It begins with a required spring semester course at an affiliated university, in my case, The Ohio State University.
"The rigorous course provides a comprehensive overview of international trade and equips students with the knowledge to assess export readiness and develop export strategies for small to midsize Ohio companies. Upon successful completion of the course, students are strategically matched with Ohio companies for a 12-week paid summer internship. …
"During my internship at Global Recovery Group (an international debt recovery firm), I leveraged my finance skills to manage international debt recovery cases, conduct research on potential EB-5 visa program investors, and prepare detailed financial reports for export credit agencies."
Enriching Lessons
"These experiences allowed me to apply my classroom learning to complex international business challenges, deepening my understanding of global finance. Key takeaways include practical application of classroom concepts, importance of cultural intelligence, complexity of international trade, data-driven decision making, networking, adaptability. … These lessons enriched my understanding and solidified my career aspirations in international business and finance."
This experience represented significant professional growth, demonstrating my ability to confidently communicate strategic recommendations to industry professionals.
Favorite Moment
"Presenting my team's export strategy plan to our Ohio company was my favorite moment. It showcased our research, teamwork, and growth from the entire semester while validating our skills and knowledge gained from the program. This experience represented significant professional growth, demonstrating my ability to confidently communicate strategic recommendations to industry professionals."
OWU Support
"Barbara MacLeod (professor of Economics and Business) provided a direct reading and spoke highly of the program. Carolyn Lammert from Career Connection helped me find the program and helped me with my resume, LinkedIn, and mock interviews. …
"And Ralph Griffith '78 is the CEO of Global Recovery Group, where I completed my summer internship."
My Campus Involvement
"Member of OWU Women's Soccer team, Accounting and Finance Fellows program participant, and executive team member of Ski and Snowboard Club."
Why I Chose OWU?
"Strong business program aligned with my academic goals, and the opportunity to play soccer at the collegiate level."
My Plans After Graduation
"I plan to start working at a corporate company. OWU has provided a strong academic foundation and professional development, helping me secure two great internships prior to graduation."