Where Are They Now?
Catching Up with Former MITC Interns
Maine International Trade Center (MITC) has been very fortunate over the years to welcome over 200 amazing interns to our team and love following their career journeys. Around 30% of our former interns are still in Maine, and about 10% are working internationally around the globe (e.g., Belgium, China, Germany, Mexico, Turkey, and United Kingdom). We’re pleased to share a few examples here.
Samuel Coons
Sales and Sourcing Specialist, Cozy Harbor Seafood, Inc.
MITC Internship: January - May 2019
“My advisor at Saint Joseph’s College encouraged me to apply for an internship with MITC, confident it would provide invaluable real-world experience in international business, and I was honored to be the first intern selected from my school. With my father also working in the field and his company being a MITC member, I was already familiar with the organization’s impact.
During my internship, I gained a clear understanding of how Maine businesses approach international expansion. I had the opportunity to participate in meetings with business owners, which helped me develop strong communication skills. The experience also helped me build expertise in research, analysis, and stakeholder engagement, all of which contributed to my sales roles at WEX and Cintas. Today, I work at Cozy Harbor, a local Maine seafood company, managing both domestic and international sales. One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is connecting with clients across the globe. Reaching out to businesses in markets like Singapore, Taiwan, and Saudi Arabia has been a fulfilling part of my career, as I help bridge the gap between Maine businesses and international markets.”
(Posted December 2024)
Sue Jordan
Senior Academic Advisor, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
MITC Internship: August - December 2006
“MITC was one of my first professional experiences shortly after graduation. With parents who owned a small business in Maine, I appreciated the chance to connect with MITC members and support local businesses through in-depth research. The staff at MITC fostered a supportive environment, encouraging each other’s success as much as achieving organizational goals. The confidence MITC placed in me significantly boosted my professional growth.
While exploring my career interests, I had the opportunity to stay on with MITC beyond my internship. One standout experience was coordinating registration for a large annual event for Maine small businesses, Maine International Trade Day, in 2007. Leading this project was instrumental in preparing me for my subsequent role with the MIT Alumni Association. Later, I gained management experience working for a pharmaceutical company before returning to education, specifically in constituent outreach and student advising at Columbia University.
Currently, as a Senior Academic Advisor at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, I work closely with students studying communications and media design and the sociology of science and technology. My role involves guiding them in selecting courses that align with their goals, ensuring they meet graduation requirements, and discussing their educational aspirations and future career plans.”
(Posted November 2024)
Luke Middleton
Account Executive, Leadr
MITC Internship: February - April 2016
“Shortly after completing my internship with MITC, I graduated and an unexpected opportunity in sales emerged. This led me down the path of working in sales and sales management for several startups and early-stage companies. The projects I’ve enjoyed the most have involved building and fixing ways of getting work done so that everyone is clear, aligned, and maximized. Currently, my role of an Account Executive at Leadr involves helping customers enhance organizational clarity and alignment while investing in the development of their frontline managers – a crucial yet often overlooked role.
My time at MITC deepened my appreciation for how businesses operate in foreign markets, giving me a broader perspective on international trade. These experiences have been invaluable in shaping my career and have given me a greater understanding of how to help businesses thrive.”
(Posted October 2024)
Joseph Long
Litigation Associate, Dentons
MITC Internship: June - August 2014
“Interning at MITC was one of my foundational professional experiences. The research and writing skills that I developed there have served me well in my later roles as an analyst at a law firm in Washington, DC, as a law student in Boston, as a judicial law clerk at the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, and now as a lawyer in Portland, Maine. In particular, interning with MITC helped me learn how to think creatively to identify and communicate answers to complex and often obscure questions.
But the one thing that really stands out to me about my time at MITC is that it was where I first went from feeling like just some college student to seeing myself as a member of the Maine professional community. The Future Global Leader (FGL) program provided so many wonderful opportunities to meet and engage with people, both inside and outside the office, who invariably treated us as peers. I joined MITC because I was looking for an opportunity to pursue my interest in international affairs, but, perhaps ironically, my time there is one of the reasons I have chosen to return to Maine.”
(Posted September 2024)
Amelia Devine
Admin. Coordinator and Analyst, Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC) Japan Desk
MITC Internship: September - December 2011
“My time at MITC really shaped my career trajectory. It was my first exposure to international relations through a business lens and gave me a broader understanding of the scope of modern interconnectivity. The best part of my MITC internship experience was also what excites me about my current role – supporting companies from my home state as they work to engage with the world. So far, my career trajectory has wandered quite widely, from international education to international relations, and now to administrative coordination and bookkeeping at Cambridge Innovation Center. The most rewarding part of my job is seeing our acceleration programs in action, making connections, and broadening horizons for startups from Japan with really creative and powerful ideas.”
(Posted August 2024)
Fiona Wilson
Renewable Energy Specialist & Advisor, Pivotal180
MITC Internship: June - September 2010
“I was fortunate to kick off a rewarding career in renewable energy with my 2010 internship at MITC, working as an assistant to the trade specialist in renewable energy. At the time I was completing my degree at Princeton University. After the internship, I chose to write my thesis on the political economy of renewable energy in South Africa.
After college I moved to Bangkok – and then Cape Town – through my work as an Investment Associate at the Nollen Group, an environmental finance firm specializing in renewable energy. I worked on a range of energy projects, from IPPs to C&I projects in Southeast Asia and Southern Africa. I then spent 8 years building the Clinton Foundation’s Islands Energy Program, partnering with governments and utilities in island nations to implement energy transition solutions. As Associate Director, I managed our Africa work and advised on renewable energy projects in the Indian Ocean and Caribbean.
Now, I’m back in the US and have been working for Pivotal180, an energy finance firm that provides advisory services and financial modeling trainings globally. After more than a decade overseas, I’m looking forward to progressing energy transition from my home country!”
(Posted May 2024)
Sarah Cole
Economic Data Analyst (USAID Data Services), DevTech Systems Inc.
MITC Internship: January - August 2015
“I knew I wanted to work in international relations coming out of college, but MITC introduced me to the field of international trade research. I loved the fact that I got to learn new things every day about the local businesses and industries that connect Maine to the world, and the support and knowledge from everyone at MITC cemented my interest in the field. MITC inspired me to concentrate in international trade while getting a Master of International Policy and Development, which led to a research job at SelectUSA, the investment promotion agency within the Department of Commerce that assists foreign companies working to invest in the United States. I was able to translate so many of the skills I learned at MITC to the job, especially research and working with clients (and I even got to interact with Wade and other staff in my official role!) I have since moved even further into research as an Economic Data Analyst contractor at USAID, where I process and clean international trade data; conduct research on the effects of trade programs; and work with Missions to produce country economic reports, among other projects. It was thanks to my start at MITC and the Future Global Leaders program that I discovered and developed a career analyzing economic data for international development.”
(Posted April 2024)
Jaime Coyle
Senior Associate, Community Engagement, B Lab U.S. & Canada
MITC Internship: May - August 2019
“I credit my time as a Future Global Leader for the foundation of my career journey and my passion for creating positive impact through business. The exposure to different industries and diversity of perspectives I gained while supporting Maine businesses has been instrumental in my ability to engage impact-driven organizations in my role at B Lab U.S. & Canada. As a Senior Associate on their Community Team, I address the B Corp community at scale, acting as a community builder, relationship manager, and project manager in order to mobilize people and businesses towards a more fair and inclusive economy in the United States and Canada. I rely on the skills I developed at MITC on a daily basis. From relationship building, to report creation, and juggling competing priorities, I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to be a part of the Future Global Leaders program.”
(Posted August 2023)
Katie McMorrow
Sales Support Analyst, IDEXX Laboratories Inc.
MITC Internship: May - August 2019
“The Future Global Leaders program directly inspired the start of my career at IDEXX. In 2021, I started my journey as an Inside Sales Representative, gaining vital information about the Veterinary Industry and IDEXX’s role within this space. In 2022, I transitioned to my current role as a Sales Support Analyst. I work directly with our Sales Professionals daily by deal shaping and underwriting our Companion Animal Group commercial business. My team is not only a great asset to the Field, but a partner to senior leadership.
During my MITC internship in 2019, I met some of the IDEXX leadership team at a member appreciation event and knew I had a goal in sight. To work for a local, global company, helping the lives of pets and people on a daily basis, I couldn’t be happier with the career I’ve started here. Of the many skills we develop as FGL interns, the ability to build relationships, problem solve quickly, and communicate research are used regularly in my day-to-day role. I couldn’t be more grateful for my experience with MITC and the FGL program.”
(Updated July 2023)
Ryan Shaffer
President, The Japan-America Society of Washington DC
MITC Internship: September - December 2003
“I remember being very intimidated by the over-complicated phone system (and perhaps also the odd angular office space on Congress Street), but the internship was also an eye-opening introduction to the complexities of importing and exporting, which gave me an appreciation for the challenges faced by small businesses who rely on international trade. In later years, I worked for a think tank in DC that was advocating for the Trans-Pacific Partnership Free Trade Agreement, and the memory of trying to sift through and interpret pages of small-print import duty schedules added a certain layer of motivation to the work. I am now living in Maine and commuting weekly to DC where I work as president of the Japan-America Society of Washington DC.”
(Posted June 2023)
Maxine Secskas
Collaborating, Learning, Adapting, Monitoring and Evaluation (CLAME) Specialist, Headlight Consulting Services
MITC Internship: June 2014 -January 2015
“Growing up in the Midcoast, I was always fascinated by international culture, economics, and politics, which always felt so distant and exciting. My time at MITC opened my eyes to how globally connected we are here in Maine! This understanding helped me to reconcile my desire to live in the place I love so dearly, while also knowing I had opportunities for internationally-focused work close to home. Professionally, my internship at MITC helped me to build skills in technical research report writing and workshop facilitation, both of which I use in my job today.
My time at MITC helped build a foundation for a professional international focus that has since led me to coordinate teaching English abroad programs at CIEE (another great Portland-based organization), study in Germany to get my Master’s degree in Global Political Economy and Development, and now build a career in international development, right back here in Maine! In my current position as a CLAME Specialist for a small International consulting firm based in Maine, I have contributed to large qualitative data coding and analysis projects, helped clients define and understand their existing evidence bases, and supported a USAID mission in drafting their performance management plan and conducting their mid-course stocktaking. I strive to contribute to Headlight’s rigorous qualitative analysis work, while also promoting collaborating, learning, and adapting behavior change opportunities for clients.”
(Posted May 2023)
Apryl King
Liaison, Food Export USA - Northeast
MITC Internship: September – December 2017
“During my time as a Future Global Leader intern, I developed a passion for international trade and helping businesses achieve their goals. After completing my semester as a Future Global Leader, I was asked to stay on in a different capacity, as an Intern for Food Export USA – Northeast. Food Export is a non-profit trade organization that assists US companies looking to start or expand export sales. Since Maine International Trade Center is a member and partner of Food Export, I was able to work with Maine food, beverage, and seafood companies to assist in meeting their export goals. Learning about a company – its story, product, and goals – is always rewarding. After I graduated from the University of Southern Maine, I moved to Philadelphia to accept a full-time position at Food Export – Northeast as a Liaison. In my current role, I work with companies in Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, and Rhode Island. I continue to work with Maine International Trade Center, but in a different capacity, as we collaborate to help Maine’s businesses.”
(Posted April 2023)
Maeve Blodgett
Environmental Markets Trading Assistant, 3Degrees Group, Inc.
MITC Internship: January - May 2022
“My interest in trading sparked during my senior year of college when I took an International Trade course at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine where I double majored in International Business and Business Management. This course and my passionate professor prompted me to want to learn more about Maine’s trade service offerings for local businesses. Through my current role on the North American REC team at 3Degrees, I can see daily performance benefits from my time at Maine International Trade Center (MITC). In addition to understanding gained surrounding Maine’s economy and trade dynamics, I saw first-hand all that MITC does to support Maine businesses, allowing me to gain skills in collaboration, research, and communication.
Today, I find myself in a role where I am continuously growing by working with various teams to meet corporate customers’ renewable energy needs and am learning something new every day. My strong values in sustainability led me to 3Degrees, which was recently named to the “Best for the World 2022” list by B Lab. I am beyond lucky to have had the invaluable experience of learning from Maine’s experts in trading advisement during my internship, and now to actively learn from the best in the renewable energy space leading the industry by example feels surreal.”
(Posted February 2023)
Tim Harder
Technical Sales Representative, Skretting / Bio-Oregon East
MITC Internship: September - December 2013
“After the Future Global Leaders program at Maine International Trade Center, I found my way to Alere Scarborough Inc. (now Abbott), working on the Alere i rapid molecular testing device. My time there also included various roles in quality and supplier management. I was amazed at the amount sophistication and technical know-how we had right here in Maine.
My first love is aquaculture, and since leaving Abbott I was able to find my way to a technical sales role with Bio-Oregon aquafeeds. Bio-Oregon offers the highest quality feeds for hatcheries looking to enhance their wild fish stocks and create attractive fishing opportunities. From our little warehouse in Maine, we supply thousands of tons of feed to customers all over the US!”
(Posted January 2023)
William O'Neil
Energy Analyst, ESAI Energy
MITC Internship: June - September 2020
“Working at MITC completely changed my career path by opening the doors to international business. I especially loved doing best markets research and learning the ins and outs of the shipping industry.
After MITC, I went on to work at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a think tank doing research on a variety of topics ranging from the future of autonomous vehicles to the role of hydrogen fuel in decarbonizing the global shipping industry. In Fall 2021, I started my Master’s degree at the Fletcher School at Tufts University, where I study international finance and energy policy.
Alongside school, I’ve worked at a consulting firm for about 2 years now, leading the firm’s analysis of energy markets in Russia and the Former Soviet Union. I plan to continue working there after graduation this May.
I have nothing but great memories from MITC and am grateful for the introduction to international trade!”
(Posted January 2023)
Bryan Hill
Mid Market Account Executive, HubSpot
MITC Internship: September - December 2012
“My time at MITC has proved invaluable and served as the perfect foundation for my career in software sales. In my present role, I’m tasked with identifying organizations who can benefit from our solution, building a relationship with them, and gaining an understanding of their business to determine how we help them scale effectively. All of the research and analytical skills I gained identifying potential international partners/distributors for Maine based businesses allowed me to flex those muscles early on. If you’re interested in business development or sales of any kind, an internship at MITC will strengthen your ability to identify potential opportunities and complete the research needed to begin building those bridges. Can’t recommend MITC enough!”
(Posted November 2021)
Claudia Salgado
Commercial Specialist for Energy and Environment, U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Department of Commerce
MITC Internship: January - July 2006
“I learned a lot from the people at the Maine International Trade Center (MITC) – Wade, Zeynep, Janine, and other colleagues and interns I had the pleasure to work with. I knew I wanted to pursue a career in International Trade, but I didn’t know where to start. MITC offered me the best opportunity a recent graduate like me could ever wish for. Through my internship at MITC, I had the opportunity to assist different companies that were looking to expand their activities to foreign markets, and I helped them with their initial research to locate the best markets and prospects for their products and services. MITC was co-located with the Export Assistance Center of Maine and both offices were constantly communicating and collaborating to help U.S. exporters.
Today, I work for the U.S. Commercial Service, which is part of the same organization as the Export Assistance Centers in the United States. I currently assist U.S. exporters in the Mexican market to find distributors and partners or participate in projects, especially in the energy and environmental sectors. I graduated from the University of Maine at Farmington with a BA in International Studies with concentrations in Business/Economics and Political Science in 2004, and I completed my MA in International Relations from Brock University in Ontario in 2005. MITC offered the perfect opportunity for me to practice what I had learned, a wonderful experience, and the right step to kick off my career. That internship experience was highly valued when I applied for jobs when I returned to Mexico. I am very thankful for that opportunity and what makes me more happy is that I still get to work with some of my former colleagues and friends from MITC when there is a trade mission from Maine to Mexico.”
(Posted July 2021)