Hello everyone! My name is Salma Xolo-Thomas, I am a rising junior at the University of Pittsburgh, double majoring in Finance and Accounting with a certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. I am a Pittsburgh native who loves my city but will also take any opportunity to travel, especially study abroad, when given. Thus, I am beyond happy to announce that I am participating in the Global Business Institute (GBI) program within the beautiful city of London, England. While abroad, I will be interning with a sustainable women’s clothing line, Vaela, in addition to studying International Finance! I have arrived just under a week ago and I can say I am falling in love with this city with every passing minute.

I chose to take part in the GBI London program to further myself academically within the world of Finance. Taking a class such as International Finance will provide me with the fundamental knowledge of global business that any Finance major should gain. Furthermore, I have the chance to develop professionally by taking on my first internship abroad. Vaela is a small, growing business which is a world I am passionate about as a small business owner myself. Therefore, fully embracing my role and resources with Vaela, while building my international network are very important goals of mine I intend to achieve. I want to one day use these learnings to standout within job applications and interviews for my future career. During this amazing opportunity, I hope to gain insights on the importance of small businesses in such a gigantic city like London as well. Personally, I want to further become a well-rounded person by embracing and learning the British culture through such an immersive experience. I believe when you take the time to understand the world around you with respect and humbleness, you grow your character. I want this quality to especially reach potential employers in the later future.

In the course of this journey, my Clifton Strengths will absolutely have huge potential to shine bright. My greatest strength is Achiever which I believe can help me strive greatly within my academic completion as well as the projects and responsibilities that my internship may hold. This strength goes hand-in-hand with another strength of mine, Responsibility. With this personal attribute, I will be able to effectively harmonize both my professional duties and free time to make studying abroad in London the most productive, memorable experience yet. A final strength I can leverage during my time away is the strength of being Deliberative. I am an individual who anticipates obstacles and takes serious care during decision making. I hope to carry this characteristic every bit to further help my internship company grow from a small business to a leading entity.

Words cannot explain the excitement I have for the next weeks to come. London thus far has been truly incredible and I haven’t even started classes or my internship yet. From meeting new friends to seeing sights I’ve only ever saw in pictures, I’m astonished. TO MORE LONDON!