What's it like to embark on a journey to a new country and state for college, stepping into the unknown with the hope of embracing a welcoming community that opens doors you never knew existed? Join us on this episode of "The Vault," where we're delighted to have Irene Ramirez and Gabriel dos Santos, fellow Battlin' Bears, to discuss the unique experience of being college students in Billings and transitioning from college life to becoming successful young professionals.
Gabe, hailing from Brazil, shares his incredible journey, moving to an all-boys military school in Missouri at the age of 14 and later transitioning to Billings Central. He talks about the challenges of adapting to a new culture, making friends, and even conquering the Montana winter through skiing.
Irene's story unfolds in 2015 when she moved to Billings due to Rocky Mountain College's therapeutic riding program. While transitioning out of college, she decided to stay and pivoted into business and organizational leadership.
Both Irene and Gabe reflect on the profound impact of James Smith, a business professor at Rocky, who played a significant role in shaping their lives. They share insights into their college experiences, internships, and being young professionals. Notably, they delve into their internships running the Altana Ice Cream bus, a community engagement initiative. Irene discusses how James Smith encouraged her to take an internship with Altana, leading her to discover the intricacies of inventory management, marketing, and logistical coordination of the bus. She vividly recounts her journey from intern to full-time employee at Altana.
Today, Gabe takes the helm of the Altana Ice Cream bus schedule, while Irene manages the company's social media. They both reminisce about their internship experiences, the unique Altana office culture, and the camaraderie they share. They highlight the importance of internships, especially for recent graduates, and explore the differences in their personalities that complement each other.
In the heart of Billings, they've found a place where one can grow rapidly by taking initiative, engaging with the community, and getting involved. Building a network and fostering self-confidence are essential to launching a successful career. As they share their stories, you'll hear the laughter, reminiscent of their time at Rocky Mountain College, college internships, and the vibrant Billings community. Tune in for an episode filled with inspiration, laughter, and the valuable insights of two dynamic young professionals.
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This episode is brought to you by Big Sky Economic Development, and the MT Small Business Development Center.
"The SBDC is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA."