My name is Catherine Ladson and I am a junior at the University of Pittsburgh, studying marketing and international business.
Originally from Chestnut Hill in Philadelphia, I am an avid reader, coffee connoisseur, and amateur photographer. Additionally, I have a severe shopping addiction and appreciate any chance to discuss the latest fashion trends or celebrity red-carpet looks.
In my time so far as a Pitt Business student, I have gained hands-on experience in the marketing field as the Public Relations Chair in my sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma (KKG). In KKG, I post weekly content to our social media pages and am a primary manager of the chapter’s social media presence on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. I also design graphics and informational flyers for each semester’s recruitment events. In Pitt’s Fashion Business Association, I am the acting Vice President of Administration. In this role I track member attendance and manage logistics for the annual Spring Fashion show in partnership with Pittsburgh’s “Dress for Success” service organization, which strives to provide professional attire to local women’s shelters. This semester I am honored to be one of Pitt Business’s Professional Development Consultants, where I act as a peer mentor in the Career Center office in Sennott Square, as well as a Teaching Assistant for the BUS020 class for incoming transfer business students. From reviewing resumes, to helping peers find their dream internship, I will be lucky enough to be a friendly face for Pitt Business and all the opportunities the college has to offer.
Through this program I hope to obtain hands-on experience in the business world of England and its relation with the rest of Europe, broaden my cultural horizons, and learn first-hand what life is like in a country that is different than one that I have known for my whole life. I choose this program specifically because it perfectly mixes my desire to learn more about British culture and to further develop my skills as a future business leader. Additionally, I dream of one day permanently residing and building a career in Europe, and this is the perfect chance to work towards that dream.
My time in London thus far has been a whirlwind and a continuous growing experience. I live in quite a posh neighborhood, Little Venice, in West London. Just a short walk away is a beautiful canal filled with house boats and small cafes. In terms of the entire city, I know I will never run out of things to do, neighborhoods to explore, foods to try, and several cultures to immerse myself with. I live with 3 other girls in my flat and I am already so close with each of them and we have begun traveling throughout the UK and Europe together taking on exciting adventures (we went to Portugal last weekend and Cambridge the weekend before!).
One major adjustment is my new school schedule. I only have classes Monday through Thursday, but each class is close to 3 hours long. My classes are much smaller than my classes at Pitt, and I feel as though I really get the chance to get to know my instructors and my class mates. Every few classes we are taken on various excursions/field trips throughout the city, which has definitely been my favorite part. Even walking tours to admire the architecture of Kensington or the street art in Shoreditch have been extremely exciting. Additionally, compared to Pittsburgh, transportation is so incredibly connected to every part of the city and is a breeze to navigate. I know I will dread the day I have to leave this place and be reunited with the Port Authority bus that comes every 20 minutes, vs the Underground trains that come every 5 minutes.
Last summer I was lucky enough to participate in the International Internship Program in Dublin, where I worked full time as a marketing intern for Intrepid Spirits, an alcohol company in the heart of Merrion Square. Because of this experience, I am keenly aware of the mental effects and discomfort during the adjustment period that comes with study abroad. I believe this gives me a leg up, though, because I know how to make myself feel connected to my family back home, while still being in the moment and making the most of my time abroad.
I cannot wait for the future adventures ahead, and I pinch myself every day when I wake up in this beautiful city.