UNE senior navigates the business of global trade through competitive internship

At a time when shifting tariffs, evolving trade policies, and geopolitical uncertainty are reshaping global commerce, University of New England student Colin Bissonnette (’27) is gaining firsthand experience helping Maine businesses navigate the complexities of international trade.

Bissonnette, a business administration major from Rochester, New Hampshire, is one of two students selected for a paid internship this fall with the Maine International Trade Center (MITC), where he is putting his business education to work researching international markets, trade regulations, and emerging challenges affecting Maine companies.

The internship offers more than professional experience: It places Bissonnette at the intersection of global economic developments and local business decisions, providing a real-time understanding of how international trade shapes Maine’s economy.

“You’re always changing what’s necessary,” Bissonnette said. “You know to come prepared, but also to be flexible at the same time because there’s never one answer to every question.”

MITC, a public-private partnership supporting Maine’s international business development, helps companies expand into global markets through research, technical assistance, trade counseling, and professional connections.

Working alongside the center’s trade specialists, Bissonnette conducts background research in response to inquiries from businesses seeking guidance on tariffs, potential export markets, and other international trade considerations. His findings help inform the guidance MITC provides to companies making consequential business decisions.

For Bissonnette, the experience has brought together lessons from across his UNE coursework, including accounting, strategic management, and human resources into a broader understanding of how businesses operate.

“Being able to have a background in a whole bunch of different details through the coursework that I’ve done so far ... (helps me) see them as a whole while trying to help out a business,” he said.

Bissonnette’s experience reflects an approach shared by students across UNE’s College of Business, where internships and other hands-on learning opportunities are an integral part of preparing for professional life. With guidance and support from UNE, business students take an active role in seeking out experiences that connect their coursework with their interests and ambitions, building the skills and relationships to carve their own career paths.

“UNE’s College of Business curriculum is designed to prepare students to contribute, lead and adapt in an evolving workplace,” said Penny Guyton, MBA, assistant dean of Academic Operations and Student Success within the College of Business and director of the Business Administration program. “Internships and other experiential learning opportunities provide an important bridge between the classroom and industry, setting up students to apply their knowledge and strengthen their professional skills in practice, so they are ready to hit the ground running at graduation.”

Bissonnette discovered the opportunity through advising provided by UNE’s Office of Career Readiness and Workforce Development, which connects students with professional experiences aligned with their interests and goals.

Initially uncertain whether he had the qualifications to compete for the position, Bissonnette applied with encouragement from UNE. Now, he is earning both academic credit and compensation while developing skills alongside experienced international trade professionals.

Abby Plante, MPA, who manages MITC's Future Global Leader internship program, said she was excited to collaborate with UNE’s Office of Career Readiness and Workforce Development to offer students professional experience and recognize their achievements as they navigate entry into the workforce. 

“MITC's internship program prepares students for international business careers in Maine and beyond, offering a complementary experience to their UNE education,” said Plante, noting that, in 2023, MITC recognized UNE alum Keegan Stanton-Meas as the organization’s Future Global Leader of the Year. “We are happy to continue hosting students with interest in global business like Colin this fall.”

His experience reflects UNE’s broader commitment to making career preparation an integral part of students’ education. Through academic advising, employer partnerships, internships, and initiatives such as the newly launched Nor’easter Global Network, UNE is expanding opportunities for students to build professional relationships and explore career pathways before graduation.

For Bissonnette, who initially considered a career involving international management or global studies before pursuing business administration, the internship has also reinforced the value of exploring unfamiliar opportunities.

“I wasn’t necessarily too drawn to the idea of international trade at first,” he said, recalling his uncertainty about his qualifications and lack of previous professional experience.

But taking that chance — “exploring my skepticism,” as he put it — has helped Bissonnette discover what he is capable of contributing.

“I’m glad I did because it’s been a great experience,” he said.