Some things you just don’t know until you do.

In this final post of my reflection series, I want to share more about my internship in London with IES Abroad and offer some takeaways for anyone planning to study or work abroad. My time here wasn’t just about professional growth or academic fulfillment – it was a full immersion into a new way of living, learning and dreaming.

I’m currently wrapping up my final semester here at Mizzou, where I’m pursuing a degree in international business management. My aspiration is to leverage this background into a career in the film industry, particularly in HR-related functions such as production management, commissioning, contracts, compliance, location management, and – most notably – talent management. For me, storytelling is the ultimate way to connect with others, and my heart for people aligns seamlessly with my passion for film. Together, they form the foundation of my dream career – one filled with variety, trailblazing, and community.

After serving as the sponsorship coordinator for the True/False Film Festival earlier this year, I sought out more hands-on experience in the field. I didn’t choose International Business just for the title – it’s always been about expanding my knowledge across borders – so London became the perfect place to take this next step.

---

I worked as a talent agent assistant at a mid-tier local agency under the direct guidance of its founder, which was nothing short of an absolute blessing. The agency had a reputation for landing its clients roles in major feature films, TV shows, and West End productions. My role gave me an inside look into the world of talent management – a field that operates far differently from the structured environments I’ve encountered in other industries. Talent representation relies heavily on discretion and relationships, lending full credence to the saying, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.”

On a personal level, this internship was a turning point. I set firm boundaries, challenging my tendency to overextend myself and rejecting the notion – so often perpetuated in American culture – that success requires exhaustive effort. I discovered that I thrive in roles where I can exercise creative leadership and enjoy a balance of autonomy and collaboration. But London itself was just as much a teacher as the internship. The city’s slower work pace gave me space to reflect deeply on my goals, while its vibrant energy contrasted with the familiarity of my hometown. The combination of professional and cultural experiences challenged me to consider how I want to shape my life and career.

And that’s where the essence of this post lies: put yourself out there. Your network is one of your greatest assets, and every opportunity – big or small – is a chance for growth. While abroad, take time to pause and assess. Could this city become a new home? What aspects of yourself does it bring out? What new habits or hobbies are you discovering? How do you build friendships? How is your routine building? What desires for your career or lifestyle are being reshaped? These reflections often reveal truths with long-term implications, connecting to greater questions about your vision and purpose in life. Know this: purpose is tied to function.

For me, living in London felt like stepping into a movie – a compelling, spontaneous, introspective plotline with all the makings of a blockbuster. And while the city’s magic remained, my expectations were certainly tempered over time. Yet, that cinematic feeling of life unfolding never left me. And that’s what we’re all living – a documentary of our own making, shaped by our choices and how we respond to them. Our audience? Everyone we encounter. So step out boldly – not just in new countries but in your every day.

May the Lord bless and protect you as you navigate this journey called life and seek to understand who you are beyond the borders of the United States!

---

Learn more about this blogger’s study abroad program: Global Internships