Ciao from Florence! My name is Alex Morton, and I am a junior majoring in Global Management and Finance with a Certificate in Leadership and Ethics at the University of Pittsburgh. Throughout my time at Pitt, I have discovered my professional passions of investment management as well as business strategy. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, reading, playing & listening to music, being active, and exploring new places.
I am incredibly grateful to be part of the Global Business Institute: Florence program this semester. The prospect of studying business with an international perspective was a key factor in choosing the University of Pittsburgh, and this program aligns perfectly with my goals professionally and personally. It not only fulfills my major requirements but also provides an experiential learning opportunity through an international internship.
My internship will involve a marketing and growth planning consulting project for a sustainable bike business focused on making Florence a greener city. I am passionate about ESG and sustainable business, which only makes me more excited to work with this business. I am thrilled to gain exposure to international markets in class while simultaneously interning at a small business, offering a holistic international business perspective.
Florence, renowned as one of the most beautiful cities globally, has deep-rooted trade, finance, and banking history. It is home to significant international companies, making it an ideal destination to delve into current international business practices. I look forward to exploring these topics in my International Finance class and immersing myself in the art, history, and rich culture of Florence through my Exploring the City class. Additionally, learning Italian in class and applying it in day-to-day life adds another layer to this enriching experience.
I am staying in the neighborhood of Santa Croce, right in the city center, where I’m constantly surrounded by the city’s beauty. Living in a historical apartment with four roommates, we are treated to authentic Florentine frescos, artwork, and furniture every day. The atmosphere here is distinctly different from Pitt and adds to the unique charm of our host institution. I enjoy stopping for an espresso, walking through the Piazza della Repubblica, and admiring the animated streets on my way to class every day.
During my time abroad, my goals are to fully embrace the new culture, forge meaningful connections, prioritize learning and practicing Italian, and gain a comprehensive international business experience through my classes and internship. Florence, with its rich history and vibrant culture, provides the perfect backdrop for this adventure, and I’m eager to make the most of every opportunity while I am here!