I have developed a lot of new skills during my time abroad, a lot being learned from my internship as a marketing intern. Working in a fast-paced industry scene, I have developed better adaptability, communication, and multitasking skills. There have been times where I have been in unpredictable situations, for example, being on a shoot and not having the correct sizes of clothing needed and going across town to get new ones on such short notice. Remaining flexible has been a very important aspect to this job, which I have been able to adapt to well. My relationship-building abilities have succeeded not just in my internship setting, but also my time at CEA CAPA with new peers and teachers.

Specific projects that I have done in the classroom, like a consultancy project, has helped me develop my problem-solving skills. For the more hard skills that I have been able to develop, gaining hands-on experience with marketing communication strategies specific to the UK market has been very important, as well as learning how important it is to maintain a customer relationship. Some class assignments that have consisted of me analyzing global strategies for companies have made my researching skills a lot better, especially in understanding cross-cultural business challenges and developing relevant solutions.

I would really recommend doing an internship abroad because I have been able to gain so many new skills and expand my network in a new culture that could help me in the future. Pitt has some “Paths of Distinction” that I have been able to relate to through my journey, the first being the digital transformation of business. I have been navigating the fashion industry’s digital marketing landscape, doing a lot of outreach, and planning an event, which plays a very important role in today’s fashion trends and branding, especially for my company that has an emphasis on being an online platform.

In my Human Rights class, we had to do a report on the British legacy of the slave trade and its influence on human rights. This was a key aspect in exploring and sharing my understanding of historical and societal issues and how what has happened in the past now effects and is still impacting modern business ethics and social responsibility, which relates to the other Path of Distinction called Business and Societal Impacts.

Lastly, being in London has exposed me to a lot of multicultural groups of clients, as well as locals and class mates. This has helped me gain insight into cultural communication styles and values. Understanding the importance of cross-cultural management and the importance of adapting communication and leadership styles whether that is through real-life experiences or class projects is something that I will be taking with me moving forward. All of these experiences through time has shaped my own identity and broadened my perspectives, which I am very grateful for.

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