For Blake Hrubes, a willingness to step outside his comfort zone led to a career with global impact. His global internship through the Hinckley Institute of Politics not only broadened his perspective but also laid the foundation for a career centered on international collaboration and global operations.

Hrubes graduated from the University of Utah in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in International Studies. During his time as a student, he completed an international internship with the Southern Institute of Social Sciences in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, an experience he credits as being transformative both personally and professionally.

Working in Vietnam immersed Hrubes in a cross-cultural professional environment where he developed the ability to collaborate with colleagues from diverse backgrounds while gaining a deeper understanding of international issues and cultures.

"My internship gave me invaluable experience working in a cross-cultural professional environment and strengthened my ability to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds," Hrubes said. "It also played a significant role in launching my career by helping me secure an internship with the United Nations immediately after graduation."

Beyond the professional experience, living in Vietnam became one of the defining moments of Hrubes' undergraduate years.

"My favorite Hinckley memory is the relationships I built while living and working in Vietnam," he said. "I formed lasting friendships and meaningful professional connections that I still maintain today. The opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture while building a global network was incredibly rewarding."

Following graduation, Hrubes' Hinckley experience opened the door to an internship with the United Nations, providing the confidence and experience to pursue an international career. The cross-cultural communication, adaptability, and professional skills Hrubes developed through the Hinckley Institute continue to shape his work today.

Currently, Hrubes serves as Onboarding Operations Manager for the Americas at Airwallex, a global financial technology company. In his role, he leads customer onboarding operations across the Americas, helping businesses safely access financial products while ensuring compliance with global regulatory requirements.

Reflecting on his Hinckley experience, Hrubes sees a direct connection between his internship in Vietnam and his professional success.

"My Hinckley internship was foundational to my career path," Hrubes said. "The experience gave me the confidence to pursue international opportunities and helped open the door to an internship with the United Nations after graduation. The cross-cultural communication, adaptability, and professional skills I developed continue to influence my work and have been valuable throughout my career."

Hrubes' journey demonstrates the lasting impact of experiential learning. His commitment to global collaboration and international engagement exemplifies the Hinckley Institute's mission of preparing students for lives of leadership, public service, and civic engagement around the world.