Hello! My name is Hunter Griffith and I am a rising senior from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I am pursuing a bachelor’s degree in finance with a minor in economics from the University of Pittsburgh.
In my free time, I enjoy pursuing a variety of hobbies including skiing, hiking, weightlifting, and participating in automotive racing. I am heavily involved in P.I.S.T. (Pitt Intermural Ski Team) and enjoy traveling the US to ski with the rest of the team. Skiing is not just a sport for me; it’s a passion that has taught me discipline, perseverance, and the thrill of pushing my limits. Similarly, hiking and weightlifting keep me grounded and focused, providing a perfect balance to my academic and professional pursuits. Automotive racing, on the other hand, satisfies my love for speed and precision, much like the field of finance, where every decision counts.
My professional skill set is varied. After graduating high school, I spent a few years in the U.S. Air Force as a C-17 Globemaster III Crew Chief. This role was incredibly formative, teaching me the importance of attention to detail, teamwork, and maintaining composure under pressure. The experience of maintaining and ensuring the readiness of these massive aircraft was both challenging and rewarding, instilling in me a strong work ethic and a problem-solving mindset. Most recently, I spent the summer of 2023 as a Financial Analyst for a custom home construction company based in Washington, Pennsylvania. This role allowed me to apply my academic knowledge in a real-world setting, analyzing financial data, preparing reports, and assisting in the financial planning processes. I have been thoroughly enjoying my time learning and working in the financial industry and am looking forward to continuing this journey during my time in Dublin.
I am thrilled to participate in the International Internship Program! I chose this program because of its strong emphasis on practical work experience and its unique location in Dublin, a city known for its vibrant tech scene and its rich cultural history. The opportunity to live and work in an international setting, particularly in a country with such a strong financial sector, is extremely valuable for someone looking to break into the financial field.
On a personal level, I have always been fascinated by Irish culture and history. The rich heritage, the friendly people, and the beautiful landscapes have always intrigued me. I am excited to immerse myself in the local culture. Navigating a different culture will undoubtedly enhance my ability to adapt to new situations and challenges.
On a professional level, I hope to build a global network of peers, gain hands-on experience, and bring back innovative ideas to my future workplace. Working for an Irish company will expose me to different business practices and strategies, broadening my professional horizons. For this internship, I have chosen to work for a Dublin-based fintech start-up, Online Application as a financial and business analyst. They specialize in working with financial institutions to create a more efficient and accurate process for mortgage applications. I am very excited to work with the team at Online Application.
The fintech industry is rapidly evolving, and Dublin is at the forefront of this innovation. By working with Online Application, I hope to gain insights into cutting-edge financial technologies and how they are applied in real-world scenarios. This experience will not only enhance my technical skills but also provide a deeper understanding of the global financial landscape.
I leave for Dublin in 2 days and couldn’t be more excited to go. I plan to document my journey, both professional and personal, through this blog. I hope my experiences will provide valuable insights of someone in an international internship program. I look forward to sharing my experiences with you all!
In conclusion, this internship in Dublin represents a significant step in my academic, personal, and professional development. I am eager to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, and I am confident that this experience will shape my future in meaningful ways. Stay tuned for more updates as I embark on this exciting adventure in Dublin!
