SELECTFLORIDA Taiwan Pacific Rim Office

In summer 2023, Helen Drajat and Javier Tanoto, sophomore students from Indonesia who major in Environmental Systems Engineering and Chemical Engineering respectively, applied for the NTU International Mentorship Program seeking to venture into new fields beyond the laboratory. They undertook internships at the SELECTFLORIDA Taiwan Pacific Rim Office. Mentored by Director Wennie Chen, they researched bilateral trade between Taiwan and Florida, acquired business knowledge, and gained self-discoveries.

During their internship, Helen and Javier stepped into the business world for the first time: they analyzed international trade markets, crafted business reports, and conducted research across various industries, spanning from agricultural products and medical devices to electric scooters. With the diverse trading landscape between Taiwan and Florida, they leveraged their academic knowledge to propose insights into sustainable market development. While expanding their knowledge and research skills in the business sphere, Helen and Javier also amassed hands-on experience. Facilitated and encouraged by Wennie, they collaborated with US corporate representatives to promote Florida's products at the Taipei International Food Show and participated in the meetings of the American State Offices Association (ASOA). These practical involvements sparked their interest in business operations and interpersonal dynamics and uncovered for them the multitude of job prospects integrating engineering and commerce.

Beyond being the mentor at the workplace, Wennie served as a mentor in life, fostering cultural exchanges and guiding Helen and Javier to explore facets of Taiwan outside campus. Their bond transcended professional mentorship and resembled the warmth of friendship. For instance, Javier shared one memorable moment of grabbing coffee with Wennie, during which they were fortunate to witness Wennie’s multidisciplinary talents as a street performer amid a performance on a bustling street. In this brief summer internship, Helen and Javier boldly traversed interdisciplinary domains, discovering latent passions, career potentials, and the endless possibilities of life.

【For more information】
NTU IMP: https://oiainternship.ntu.edu.tw/
SELECTFLORIDA Taiwan Pacific Rim Office: https://oiainternship.ntu.edu.tw/sector/view/2Bdc23A9129C