Noreen Cioffi, a Penn State Berks senior majoring in business with a concentration in finance, will complete an international internship at B. Braun’s corporate headquarters in Melsungen, Germany from June 1–Aug 31. Cioffi will be the first U.S. intern for B. Braun, one of the world´s leading health care suppliers.

According to Cioffi, the German philosophy of conducting internships – known as “apprenticeships” – is for students to learn about the whole company. During her time at B. Braun, Cioffi will learn about and work in various departments. The internship uses a holistic approach, much like the Penn State Berks Business degree program employs in providing a broad overview of business principles. The fact the Cioffi had this broad foundation in business was one of the keys to her being awarded the internship.

It all began when B. Braun’s need for an intern came to the attention of two Penn State Berks faculty members: John Guiseppe, instructor in economics, and Jayne Leh, assistant professor of special education, who knew employees at the company through her travels to Germany. Both Guiseppe and Leh knew and admired Cioffi, so they encouraged her to apply.

The next step was for Cioffi to interview with Janet Janda, associate director of talent acquisition at B. Braun’s Bethlehem, Pa., location, and Susanne Hain, who works with the internship program at B. Braun’s corporate headquarters in Germany, while Hain was visiting the Bethlehem location.

Cioffi gives much of the credit for finalizing the internship to the Office of Career Services at Penn State Berks, whose assistance in negotiating the terms of the internship was invaluable. She also credits the faculty at the college for their support of her goals.

“I am very interested in international business,” explained Cioffi. “The faculty and staff at the college have been unbelievably supportive of that interest and my career goals. Penn State Berks presents many great opportunities to grow your professional skills and explore career interests within and outside the classroom."