Student view: Reflecting on my Canadian Consulate internship

Grace Fitzgerald is a fourth-year student majoring in international studies, economics and French. In spring 2025, she interned with the Canadian Consulate as a junior trade commissioner through a partnership coordinated by the MSU Canadian Studies Center, James Madison College and the Canadian Consulate.

Throughout my courses at Michigan State University, I developed an interest in understanding why states make certain decisions as well as the political, economic and social factors that shape those choices. I began my internship at the start of the new federal administration, where I observed how shifts in national policy influence economic relations between Canada and the United States. Working under Senior Trade Commissioner Jan Scazighino gave me a firsthand understanding of the diplomatic and trade challenges that arise during periods of policy change.

I have always been interested in strengthening my French language skills and broadening my appreciation for francophone cultures. Interning with the consulate allowed me to apply my French in a professional setting, as many staff members are native French speakers.

Throughout my internship, I attended events such as the Indiana District Export Council’s conference, a meeting at Eli Lilly headquarters in Indianapolis with Consul General Colin Bird and a Lansing gathering with state representatives to support positive relationships with Canada. These experiences helped me strengthen my networking skills and deepen my understanding of the political role consulates play.

I worked on a variety of projects for my supervisor and the trade commission team. My assignments included vetting, compiling resources and data, building stronger client relations, condensing large data sets, designing materials and creating solutions across the agriculture, automotive, foreign direct investment and clean tech sectors. I also managed social media content for the consulate general and senior trade commissioner. These responsibilities piqued my interest in foreign policy, government systems, trade, cooperation, conflict and investment.

I continue to use the skills I gained during my internship in my courses, allowing me to draw connections between current international and domestic politics. I look back on my internship fondly and value the professional relationships I built during the six-month experience. Working across both trade and government relations, combined with my coursework, also strengthened my interest in international law.

Learning about the legal processes Canadians must follow to enter or live in the United States, especially during the current political climate, sparked my interest in immigration law. After completing my undergraduate degree, I plan to take a gap year and work in domestic policy to deepen my understanding of how federal decisions shape communities. I then hope to attend law school and become an immigration lawyer, allowing me to continue studying policy changes and make a positive impact.