From Nistler to Milan: Jenna Stein’s Global Marketing Experience

By: Marissa Burian

For Jenna Stein, a senior marketing student at the Nistler College of Business & Public Administration, studying abroad became more than an academic experience. It was an opportunity to step into a global industry, gain hands-on experience, and discover how business operates beyond the classroom.

A Mandan, North Dakota native, Jenna spent her time abroad in Milan, Italy, working as a Junior Assistant at a fashion startup while continuing her studies.

A Hands-On Role in the Fashion Industry

During her internship, Jenna worked closely with a fashion business consulting firm founded by Anja Tufina, an experienced industry professional who helps emerging brands grow, scale, and reach profitability. The firm supports brands through every stage of development, from design and production to marketing and brand strategy.

In her role, Jenna contributed across multiple areas of the business, supporting four different brands. Her responsibilities ranged from assisting with photoshoots and working directly with models to curating seasonal lookbooks for influencers and stylists. She also communicated with industry professionals, coordinated product deliveries, and photographed pieces for resale.

This hands-on experience gave her a comprehensive look at the fast-moving world of fashion marketing and brand development, while allowing her to apply skills from her coursework in a real-world, international setting.

                                                                              Adapting to a New Work Culture

Working abroad challenged Jenna to adapt in ways she hadn’t experienced before. The structure of her workdays and the flexibility of a freelance-driven environment required a new level of independence and discipline.

Without constant direction, she learned how to manage her time effectively and stay motivated in a less structured setting. This shift pushed her to take greater ownership of her work and develop a stronger sense of accountability.

A Broader Perspective on Business

Through her experience in Milan, Jenna gained a deeper understanding of what it means to work in an international environment. Collaborating with individuals from different cultural backgrounds strengthened her ability to communicate effectively and approach situations with empathy.

As she reflected, “Working in an international environment changed my perspective on the true meaning of being self-motivated, disciplined, and empathetic.”

These experiences not only expanded her perspective on marketing, but also gave her confidence in her ability to contribute to global business environments.

Shaping Future Goals

Jenna’s time abroad has had a lasting impact on how she views her future. The experience reinforced her desire to pursue opportunities that allow her to travel and work in international settings.

She now plans to explore programs such as Fulbright to continue gaining global experience and building on the foundation she developed in Milan. Her internship confirmed that international exposure is not just a goal, but an essential part of her career path moving forward.

Advice for Students Considering Going Abroad

For students who may be hesitant about pursuing an internship abroad, Jenna emphasizes the importance of simply taking the first step.

“Going abroad was single-handedly the best decision I have ever made for myself so far in my life,” she said. “If doing an internship abroad is even a mere thought in the back of your mind, simply start by doing research to discover how attainable it actually is.”

Her experience reflects the value of stepping outside of one’s comfort zone and embracing opportunities that challenge both personal and professional growth.