--- title: "Student Spotlight: Virginia Tartabini - A Double Degree, a Summer Internship at the U.S. Embassy: a Busy Life at JCU" description: Double major student, Virginia, shares how JCU gave her the opportunity to work as an intern at the American Embassy in Rome. image: https://blog.johncabot.edu/hubfs/2016-04-06%2012.09.02-1.jpg --- [![JCULogo1](https://blog.johncabot.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/JCULogo1.png?width=300&height=80&name=JCULogo1.png "JCULogo1")](https://blog.johncabot.edu/blog?hsLang=en) [![JCULogo2](https://blog.johncabot.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/JCULogo2.png?width=300&height=82&name=JCULogo2.png "JCULogo2")](https://blog.johncabot.edu/blog?hsLang=en) - [Undergraduate](https://blog.johncabot.edu/tag/undergraduate) - [Graduate](https://blog.johncabot.edu/tag/graduate) - [Study Abroad](https://blog.johncabot.edu/tag/study-abroad) - [Italian](https://blog.johncabot.edu/it/blog) - [Website](https://www.johncabot.edu/) - Filter By Topics - Scegli Il Topic # Student Spotlight: Virginia Tartabini - A Double Degree, a Summer Internship at the U.S. Embassy: a Busy Life at JCU June 15, 2016 SHARE [mailto:?body=https://blog.johncabot.edu/student-spotlight/degree-seeking-students/italian-students/virginia-tartabini](mailto:?body=https://blog.johncabot.edu/student-spotlight/degree-seeking-students/italian-students/virginia-tartabini) ![](https://blog.johncabot.edu/hubfs/2016-04-06%2012.09.02-1.jpg) SHARE [mailto:?body=https://blog.johncabot.edu/student-spotlight/degree-seeking-students/italian-students/virginia-tartabini](mailto:?body=https://blog.johncabot.edu/student-spotlight/degree-seeking-students/italian-students/virginia-tartabini) ![John Cabot University](https://blog.johncabot.edu/hubfs/JCUCrestWhiteonBlue-1.jpg) Written By [John Cabot University](https://blog.johncabot.edu/author/jcuadmissions) Topic [Career Services](https://blog.johncabot.edu/tag/career-services) ![jcu student spotlight, jcu career opportunities, studying abroad in Rome, summer internships at U.S. embassy, international affairs majors jcu](https://blog.johncabot.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Virginia1-225x300-1.jpg?width=225&height=300&name=Virginia1-225x300-1.jpg)Hello! My name is Virginia and I have just finished my first year at John Cabot University, where I study [International Affairs](http://www.johncabot.edu/academics/majors-minors/study-abroad-international-affairs-degrees.aspx).  If I had to describe this first year I would use the word “frenzy,” an inclusive and constructive frenzy that engages everyone and leaves no one behind. It is precisely this environment that encouraged me to decide to do a double degree in [Economics and Finance](http://www.johncabot.edu/academics/majors-minors/study-abroad-economics-finance-degrees.aspx) in addition to International Affairs, and to make the most of all the great opportunities that JCU offers. This is why one evening, as I was looking through the many emails that I receive from the University, I found one from the [Career Services Center](http://www.johncabot.edu/about_jcu/center-for-career-services/default.aspx) that announced a six-month internship opening at the American Embassy in Rome. At that moment I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. It was the middle of the night and I realized I had only two days in which to prepare my resume and cover letter, but it was also an opportunity to apply for a position in one of the most prestigious places I could imagine and that I had always dreamed of.  I left all emotions aside and got to work. The same day I had my job interview, I received a call telling me I had been accepted to work at the Embassy’s Shipping Unit.  I was very happy! This happiness gets fueled every day as I cross the sumptuous gates of the Embassy, display my Embassy card to the security guards and admire the historic buildings that house my office. I have been working for a month and from the very first day I was given quite a bit of responsibility and a lot of independent work. I am amazed at all that I am learning. I liaise with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ask for deductibles, I contact shipping companies on all kinds of issues, I am in touch with diplomats who are arriving and leaving Rome.  It’s a great experience for a 19-year-old like me who is eager to try out different kinds of jobs and understand what I really like. Thanks to JCU I have been able to combine work and academics and it has made a dream come true. I am sure it will continue doing so. 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