In September 2009, I will have the opportunity of bringing three years of European Studies into practice in an international environment, by undergoing a five-month traineeship. I would really appreciate being given the chance to do this in Turkey at your company.
January of this year I spent a month in Turkey and how I was impressed: a country that on the one hand is extremely modern, but on the other hand is till full of traditions.
I chose to follow the European Studies programme as I wanted to study languages and cultures, but also because I have a keen interest in negotiating and business transactions within a business environment. During this programme I have studied cross-cultural communication, which I believe would be advantageous when working in an international environment. In September last year, I spent a term studying in a Russian University, where I was able to learn to deal with a totally different culture. In addition, this has enabled me to adapt more easily to different cultures and situations.
During my study, I have learned about international trade, how to establish this, awareness of and dealing with bottlenecks and how to create an export policy plan. Moreover, I often work in project groups and have learnt how to organise projects, both individually as well as in groups. For that reason, I am used to working within a team, but also working independently.
Another thing I realise is that I do not speak Turkish very well. I started a course last February and I really enjoy it, but I am not able to have an actual conversation yet. When I would be given the chance to do a traineeship in Turkey, I would also like to do a language course during my stay. However, besides my native language Dutch, I do speak English, German and Russian(a compulsory part of my study). This may be a huge advantage for Turkish international trade companies, considering that Turkey is one of the main trade countries for Russia.
I have had several part-time jobs (ranging from 3 to 20 hours a week), and particularly enjoyed a job working in a theatre. I am very suited to work where I am able to have direct contact with the customer and have thus developed excellent customer-oriented skills.. During one summer, I worked in the centre of Amsterdam as a shop assistant and was soon asked to deal with the non-Dutch-speaking customers, on account of my international background. During my first year of European studies,
I am looking for an export or marketing traineeship. This traineeship can, for example, involve contacting international clients, assisting in setting up an export policy plan or giving advice about doing business in Western Europe or Russia.
Please, do not hesitate to contact me for more information. I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Larissa Bakker