Hi everyone! My name is Erika Casinelli, and I am a rising junior at the University of Pittsburgh. I am majoring in Finance and Accounting, and this internship is the perfect opportunity for me to gain experiences in both of these areas. On campus, I serve as the financial specialist for my sorority, Alpha Delta Pi, and I am also an active member of Women in Business. In my free time, I enjoy reading, playing soccer, crocheting, and spending time with friends.

I am from Stewartsville, New Jersey, which is about five hours away from Pittsburgh. During my summer break, I’ve been working as a hostess at Three Oak Steakhouse and taking frequent trips to the beach. Additionally, I had the opportunity to attend the Student Leadership Conference hosted by Grossman Yanak and Ford in Pittsburgh, which was incredibly insightful, and gave me a deeper understanding of the various career paths within accounting and the skills necessary to succeed in this field. It also reinforced my passion for accounting and finance, making me even more enthusiastic about the opportunities that lie ahead.

I am incredibly excited about the upcoming program in Dublin and all the experiences it entails. What stood out to me the most when reviewing the program description was the exceptional 8-week summer internship, which offers a full-time job abroad. The unique combination of professional and personal growth opportunities convinced me that this program is perfect for my career aspirations and personal interests.

I chose Dublin for my International Internship Program primarily for personal reasons. Being part Irish, my family has always cherished Irish traditions and made an effort to educate me about Irish culture. As a result, Ireland has always been the top destination on my list of countries to visit. When I saw that Ireland was one of the options for this program, I immediately knew it was the right choice for me. When it comes to personal skills I can increase on this trip, this experience will help me be more independent and sociable. Being in a whole new country can be intimidating, but I am confident that I will be able to figure everything out on my own and eventually grow comfortable in Dublin.

Professionally, I am confident that this experience in Dublin will help me develop crucial skills. Immersing myself in a new culture and working environment will not only enhance my resume but also broaden my perspective on global finance and accounting practices. This program will also provide me with a unique opportunity to network with professionals in my field, learn from their experiences, and apply this knowledge to my future career. 

Furthermore, this program will significantly improve my communication skills, as working in a company will include me engaging with my fellow workers and collaborating with them. This skill is crucial for any finance professional and beneficial in academic settings. The experience will also enhance my flexibility and problem-solving abilities, teaching me to be resilient and resourceful in a new country and work environment. This resilience is vital in today’s fast-paced business world, preparing me to tackle unknown challenges confidently. Academically, exposure to international aspects of finance and accounting standards will deepen my understanding of global economies, which is beneficial for an advanced understanding of these areas. This internship in Dublin is a transformative opportunity that will significantly contribute to my professional and academic growth, equipping me with the skills, knowledge, and experiences needed to excel in finance and accounting.

For my internship, I will be working with the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI) on the finance team for the summer. They are one of the oldest educational and professional institutions in Ireland, and they play a major role in medical education and training in Ireland and abroad. Founded in 1784 to train surgeons, RCSI  provides education and training in the healthcare professions at undergraduate and postgraduate level. I am personally very excited to be interning with this company, and I know that I will learn a lot through this experience. I am hopeful that the finance and accounting classes I have learned in the past will help prepare me for this internship, and my overall goal is to excel in my work and prove to be beneficial to the company.