Hello from London! I am Nicole Hamilton, an incoming Senior Finance major with a minor in Economics and Law, Criminal Justice, and Society. I am from Harleysville, Pennsylvania, about 45 minutes north of Philadelphia. At Pitt, I am involved in the Phi Chi Theta business fraternity.
I am so excited to have the opportunity to study abroad in London this summer through The Global Business Institute. Traveling and experiencing new cultures have always been high on my list of priorities in life. Previous personal travel pushed me to look into the study abroad programs that Pitt offered, and the six-week program was the perfect choice for my academic and professional goals. I was initially drawn to London for its rich history and diverse culture. After my first week of being here, it has only further confirmed that the beautiful city of London was the right choice!
During my time here, I am interning with Community Advice – Centre for Justice Innovation in the Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court. It acts as a referral and signposting hub for anyone who has been through or affected by the criminal justice system. My role includes supporting the team by suggesting the appropriate community services by collecting information from clients, and making sure to apply the safeguarding policy. From day one, my co-workers and the courthouse staff have been so welcoming and friendly, making the onboarding process a smooth transition. Through this internship, I hope to gain both practical skills and valuable insights that will support my personal and professional development. This experience is especially meaningful to me as I aspire to become a lawyer. Getting first-hand exposure to how the criminal justice system impacts lives only further motivates my desire to pursue a degree in law and eventually help ensure fair justice.
In addition, I am taking an international finance course. As London is a hub for finance, I couldn’t think of anywhere better than here to complete this course and strengthen my education. We are even going on a field trip to the Bank of England Museum to understand the different financial structures that are all around the globe.
After my first week here, I have seen the iconic London landmarks such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, and the Tower Bridge, along with exploring the town of Arundel and Arundel Castle. I have really enjoyed learning how to live like a local and take the tube everywhere around London – much easier than the public transit back in the States! This is the experience of a lifetime, and I am so excited to continue to immerse myself in the culture and history of London!
