After close to eight weeks of living in London, I can confidently say that this has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. Beyond academics and experiencing the culture, I have developed so many skills that I will be taking back home with me. I have learned to look at things from a much broader perspective than I was used to. While at Pitt, I would only take business classes and usually hang out with like minded people. Here, I get to explore a lot more, creatively, with my classes and learn about cultures from around the world. I am also surrounded by so many different kinds of people which help improve my social and communication skills. As a natural born introvert, I would say I am now much better at holding a conversation with someone new!
I have had to adapt to a lot of new circumstances and environments which is a soft skill I know I will apply for the rest of my life. Along with adaptability comes time management for me, since commuting nearly an hour to classes is something I am not used to. Although the tube initially intimidated me, I quickly learned the ins and outs of the system. I was even able to direct my friends around London when they came to visit me from home.
On the technical side, my classes have deepened my understanding of international finance and English culture overall. London’s role as a global financial hub has provided invaluable insights into economic trends, investment strategies, and financial regulations. Attending guest lectures and visiting financial institutions has given me a broader perspective on global markets and how they interact. These hard skills of interpretation and critical thinking have been developed since I have been here, which I am grateful for.
Another tangible skill I will take back with me is writing, especially creative writing. I have not taken a creative writing class since high school and I am not at all used to writing so many papers for all of my classes. It seems as though every class requires creative or academic papers rather than having exams. Writing well is always a good skill to hold on to and the feedback from the professors here has been helpful to me finding my own voice and writing style.
Overall, this experience has not only enriched my academic knowledge but has also strengthened my ability to adapt, communicate, and problem-solve in new environments. These are skills that I will carry with me in both my personal and professional life, making this journey all worth it.