My name is Drake Hadley, and I am a rising senior studying marketing, supply chain management, and economics. I am currently studying and interning abroad in London for 6 weeks! I was born and raised in Duxbury, Massachusetts and am a huge Boston sports fan. Outside of the classroom I am a player and Vice President for Pitt’s Men’s Club Lacrosse team, and in my free time I enjoy golfing, skiing, hanging out with friends, and traveling!
My study abroad program is the Global Business Institute: London program, and it includes both classes and a part time internship. I am taking international marketing, which has been very interesting so far and goes hand in hand with my major requirements. I am also interning part-time at CI Design, a furniture design company focused on sustainability. CI Design provides locally sourced furniture made in High Wycombe, England. My role at CI Design is a digital marketing & sales officer.
I chose to study abroad in London because it will provide me with crucial experience to grow both academically and professionally. When I was applying to study abroad, I was looking for a program where could work and learn at the same time, so the GBI: London program stood out to me as I would be able to work 20 hours a week and take classes. My goals while abroad are simple, I want to meet as many people as possible, make life-long friends & memories, explore as much of London as I can, find success working in a new environment, learn about marketing in the international context, and hopefully take a few trips to other parts of Europe!
Throughout my first few weeks here, I have been lucky enough to meet so many great new friends and have had experiences I will remember for the rest of my life. I have been on various tours around London (including a Pedibus tour), to the theater for a murder mystery play (The Mousetrap), and even went to a Premier League match between Chelsea and Newcastle! My initial impression of London is how healthy & upbeat the city is. No matter the day of the week it is there is always something new to try or a place to visit. I am loving the fast-paced, “work hard play hard” culture that London has, and I can’t wait to see what the rest of my time abroad has in store.
