It’s hard to believe that the semester is already coming to an end. It still feels like yesterday that my group was walking around the streets of Old San Juan, immersed in the culture and enjoying everything that Puerto Rico had to offer. Before transferring into the business school and applying to the GSL program, I never would have imagined I’d have the opportunity to travel outside the U.S. and accomplish all that I have. As I reflect on my time in the GSL program, both in class and the international component of the program, I find myself feeling an overwhelming sense of achievement.
One key lesson that I learned during this semester would be the importance of trusting in other’s capabilities. Connecting this to this week’s discussion on conflict management in teams, I’ve often found myself in Quadrant 2 (low performance, high satisfaction) or Quadrant 3 (high performance, low satisfaction) teams. Usually, the groups created in other classes follow the same pattern, having roles assigned with minimal contact with other group members before submitting the assignment. However, for the GSL program, my group felt like a Quadrant 1 team (high performance and high satisfaction). Looking back at my first two blog posts, I initially believed that this program was going to be no different. A group experience with the same usual quadrant 2 or 3 group, where tasks are split and done independently with minimal collaboration. However, come the international component of the program I couldn’t have realized how wrong I was.
In my first blog post, I mentioned that I chose to participate in the GSL program because I saw it as a unique opportunity to integrate real world experiences into both my professional and academic journey. I believed that I was going to develop leadership, critical thinking, and management skills, while simultaneously broadening my global experience. And in my second blog post, I was feeling both excited and anxious about the upcoming international component of the program. If I could go back in time and interact with my past self, I would laugh in my own face. I had no idea how much I would truly learn, experience, and grow.
One skill I significantly improved during this program that is transferable to both my professional and personal career would be adaptability. Although we largely followed the planned itinerary, there were still moments when things didn’t go as planned and my group had to pivot. This meant that being adaptable was necessary in order to be productive for the day. Fortunately, during the international component of the trip, my group was very accommodating and open with last minute changes. This ultimately allowed me to take notes from the group which helped me improve my ability to adapt to unexpected circumstances.
One example that stands out was our last full day in Puerto Rico. Initially, we planned to do community service for a local resident with schizophrenia. However, because the resident did not get enough rest the night before, we had to quickly pivot and work on another community service project. Although it didn’t seem significant at that time, that moment left an impression on me. The efficiency of my group’s ability to pivot to another activity when the initial plan did not go according to plan was very impressive. As a finance and accounting major, adaptability is an asset. In a constantly evolving environment, I believe the ability to adjust priorities and embrace what is given to you in the moment is a critical skill to have.
Reflecting on the relationships that have been established by the previous cohorts, I can confidently say that it was a strength to have a preexisting relationship with Caras con Causa. As the seventh year of the ten-year initiative, our cohort benefited from the groundwork that had already been laid by previous teams. This helped us efficiently collect marketing materials and make our clients more comfortable working with us. By working ethically and respectively with Caras (connecting back to week four’s reading), I believe we were able to strengthen this relationship even further.
In a professional interview, I would explain GSL as a program that combines international collaboration with practical skill building. It enables individuals to gain hands on consulting experience while working with real clients and real-world challenges. For Puerto Rico GSL specifically, the client was Caras con Causa, a nonprofit focused on community development and environment preservation. I would highlight how the program exposed me to diverse perspectives which helped me grow both personally and professionally. In summary, I would provide a brief summary of what GSL is and who the client is specifically for Puerto Rico. I would emphasize the opportunities that the program has opened for me and note that the program is a unique opportunity for students who want to gain real life consulting experience while addressing real world challenges.
If I had to pitch the experience, I would say that the GSL program has made a profound contribution to how I should carry myself personally, academically, and professionally. GSL Puerto Rico challenged me, provided new growth opportunities, and gave me lifelong memories. I would highly recommend this program to any student who wants to gain or improve on transferable skills.
For future cohorts, I have three pieces of advice for you: The first piece of advice that I would want future cohorts to know would be to connect early with your group! Although the first couple of class meetings won’t give you much of a chance to talk to your other group members, I recommend to at least make a group chat within the first or second class. Getting to know your team will make working more productive and enjoyable (and working individually for this program will only backfire on you!). Make the most out of your time in GSL and enjoy it with the people around you. The Next piece of advice I would want future cohorts to know would be to step outside your comfort zone and try to experience everything that is offered to you! Prior to GSL, I would consider myself reserved and hesitant to experience new things. At one point I nearly dropped the program just because of my pickiness. However, I would’ve never forgiven myself if I had. I understand stepping outside your comfort zone may be intimidating, however you only live once. Embrace the experience, have an open mind, and I guarantee you will have an unforgettable time. The final piece of advice I would want future cohorts to know would be to stay safe! For our cohort, we shared locations with one another to prevent losing one another during the international component of the program. It may seem like an unnecessary action to take, however, prioritizing your safety always comes first!
It seems like this will be my last blog entry for the time being. I am beyond grateful to be able to take part in this experience. Being part of GSL Puerto Rico and working with Caras Causa has been an unforgettable journey. Having the privilege of taking part in GSL and experiencing it with the group that I did has been a wonderful part of my academic and professional career that will remain with me for the rest of my life.
The Puerto Rico GSL program is truly an invaluable opportunity, and I am glad to have had the opportunity to experience it while I am still a Pitt Student.
Until next time, see you all later!
