Do you know how to negotiate and cultivate Asian business? Junior marketing major Amy Svendsen does, after spending the summer of 2006 working closely with a Korean food additive company. She developed a real understanding of the morals and values that shape Korean business while conducting preliminary market research to determine how a food additive would perform in the U.S.
“I had to gather as much information as possible on who is importing and what is being upgraded in the food ingredient areas, who is manufacturing, who is selling and where,” Amy said. “I interviewed presidents and representatives of marketing firms and a couple of importing and manufacturing companies over the phone. I also got information on trade organizations for possible alliances and support finding information on the market for the Korean company.”
Once she had completed her research, Amy traveled to Orlando, Florida to present her findings at the International Food Trade Show in June. There she learned more than just how to present research, but also how to interact with international Food Trade Show in June. There she learned more than just how to present research, but also how to interact with international consultants from all over the world.
Amy is certain her experience with the Korean exporter will benefit her future. “My education from Millikin, along with the opportunity to apply what I have learned, has given me the confidence to pursue any career in my field because I know I’ll succeed,” she said. “I feel like a cliché when I say that, but it’s true.”
