From Practice to Pitch

As the interns wrapped up week two of the 2025 International Leadership & Business Internship, anticipation was high for one of the program’s most exciting milestones: final presentations. After a week of intense collaboration, research, and strategic planning, interns were ready to showcase their marketing and infrastructure proposals to a panel of distinguished judges.

The day began with a professional headshot and group photo, followed by a final review session led by Project Coordinator Umar Muhammad and Public Speaking Instructor Wendy. These final moments of feedback and encouragement helped each group fine-tune their pitches and polish their slides before heading into the spotlight.

Interns then returned to the dorms for a quick wardrobe change into professional attire, a visible signal of just how far they’d come in just a few days. Lunch was a quick refuel before the big event, and soon after, everyone gathered in the auditorium, ready to support each other and celebrate the culmination of a week’s hard work.

Their compelling ideas, thoughtful strategies, and bold delivery left a strong impression on both the audience and the judges including Whitney Derber, Sarah Stiles, and Umar Muhammad. After a brief intermission to regroup and recharge, the final two businesses took the stage. With nerves replaced by excitement, these teams brought energy and vision as they pitched their proposals. Each one reflected the creativity, empathy, and analytical skills developed during the program.

Once presentations wrapped, interns had a chance to unwind. They changed into casual clothes, explored Georgetown, relaxed at the dorms, or grabbed a well-earned snack. That evening, the business interns reunited with participants from other tracks for a laid-back pizza night, a fitting celebration to close out a transformative first week.