Hi everyone! My name is Lucy and I am a rising junior at Pitt Business. I am double majoring in Marketing and Finance, and getting a certificate in International Business. I just spent my first weekend in London as a part of the Global Business Institute – I am so incredibly lucky to participate in this program! My experience consists of an International Marketing class and an internship where I will be able to get hands-on experience in one of the world’s largest business hubs. I chose this program because of the opportunities it presents me: I can build my professional skills, explore a new city, immerse myself in a new culture, and get a feel for ‘real life’ business. 

My biggest goal for this program is to learn more about myself both professionally and personally. Living and working in a new city is bound to come with both challenges and great opportunities. In terms of my professional life, I hope to challenge myself by expanding my network. This is also my first business work experience –  I will need to be open to a new way of working with peers. I am also determined to learn my way around London and take every opportunity to explore! The city has so much to offer and I don’t want to leave anything unchecked. Additionally, one of my professional goals is to someday work in a job that allows me to collaborate with people around the world and incorporate traveling into my job. This program may give me some perspective on whether that is really for me. 

In terms of academics, I will be taking a course with an international professor and peers from all over the United States. My first class is on Wednesday and I can’t wait to meet everyone. I have already gotten to know my roommates who are from New Jersey, Minnesota, Texas, and California. This course is the first one that dives deeper into my marketing major and I hope to learn more about business ethics and marketing strategies from a global perspective. I have already noticed how closely London is connected to other cultures. 

I look forward to keeping track of all my London experiences through this blog – I am going to share my ups as well as my realistic downs. Hopefully this gives prospective students a look into what studying abroad will feel like. Wish me luck, and I will check in with you next week!