Returning to the United States after two weeks in Costa Rica has given me time to reflect on my experience. Through visits with local businesses, multinational corporations, and interacting with Costa Ricans, I come back home with a new perspective pertaining to work culture and relationships that will have a lasting impact on me throughout my career.
During the program, I had the opportunity to visit multinational companies like Café Britt and Cargill as well as local companies, Bogarin nature trail, and Bici chocolate. What fundamentally impacted me is their commitment to their customers and community, especially Costa Ricans. I believe in the US, companies tend to focus on metrics too much and not their customers. For both public and private companies, there is constant emphasis on improving revenue and cash flow. U.S. consumers feel like they are just a data point in a spreadsheet cell. When we were at the Cargill plant, the pricing specialist emphasized their commitment to their prized chicken brand in Costa Rica “Pipasa.” I heard him mention profit margins once, but what he and his team are focused on is providing Costa Ricans with the most value when it comes to their chicken. They are constantly improving their product through pricing initiatives and seasonal marinades. You can say the same for their chicken brand in Nicaragua, Kimby, which is specifically tailored to the preferences of Nicaraguans. I believe in any role throughout your career, being able to detach yourself from the metrics and focus on your customer is an invaluable skill.
What I came to admire the most about Costa Ricans is their ability to live in the present. In the U.S., we get caught up in the future and tend to forget to focus on the present. I grew up with the mindset that I am going to get a job after college and spend the next 15 years working with my head down and hopefully have something to show for it by the time I pick my head up. When I reach a milestone in my life, either that is completing undergrad, first day at an internship, or turning twenty-one my parents always say, “I can’t believe how fast time flew by.” I truly believe this is due to the constant “go-mode” we have become so accustomed to. When I spoke to my host family, there was always a focus on their immediate family and how to enjoy the most out of any given day. I hope to become a little more like my host family by making an effort to ensure the beauty of the present is not overshadowed by the future.
I am grateful for the opportunity to visit Costa Rica through CIBS. Not only did I learn about the business practices and cultural differences in Latin America; I was given a new way on how to approach life, work, and relationships.
