My name is Max Cowie, and I’m heading into my junior year at the University of Pittsburgh. I’m currently majoring in finance, with minors in history and philosophy—three fields that, while seemingly different, have all shaped how I think about the world and how I hope to contribute to it. This summer, I’m taking a step I’ve long dreamed about: gaining hands-on experience in the financial services industry while immersing myself in a completely new culture. I’ll be interning with Ensemble, a small auditing firm, and living in Prague, Czech Republic.
Choosing Prague as my destination wasn’t a random decision but rather a mix of practical goals and personal curiosity. I’ve always had an appreciation for history, and Prague stood out as one of Europe’s most well-preserved historical cities. Unlike many of its counterparts, Prague wasn’t heavily bombed during World War II, which means its Gothic churches, Baroque buildings, and winding medieval streets remain largely intact. It’s like stepping into a living museum—one that still bustles with modern life, creative energy, and international influence.
But beyond the city’s architectural charm and historical depth, my decision to come here was rooted in something more personal: the desire to challenge myself. I’ve spent most of my life in familiar environments—places where I know the customs, the language, and the expectations. As someone hoping to eventually work in a global capacity within the financial sector, I knew I needed to experience what it felt like to be outside of that familiarity.
Interning at Ensemble represents that leap. I have classroom experience with economics and simple business concepts, but this internship allows me to bring that knowledge to life. Ensemble is a smaller firm, which means I’ll likely be involved in a variety of tasks—some of which may push me to learn quickly and adapt even faster. It’s both exciting and a bit intimidating, but that’s exactly what I was looking for. There’s a certain clarity that comes when you’re thrown into an unfamiliar environment—you have to rely on your instincts, lean into discomfort, and ask questions when you’re unsure. All of these are essential traits for someone aspiring to a career in finance.
Of course, the professional growth is only one piece of the puzzle. What excites me just as much—maybe even more—is the opportunity to grow on a personal level. Living in Prague means being surrounded by a language I don’t speak fluently, a public transit system I’ll have to learn quickly, and cultural norms that may feel foreign at first. That kind of environment naturally pushes you to become more independent, more observant, and more open-minded.
I’m especially looking forward to meeting people from all walks of life—locals, everyone else doing the program, and travelers alike. It’s easy to stick with what’s comfortable, especially in social settings, but I want to push myself to strike up conversations, build relationships, and see the world through different perspectives. Even something as simple as navigating a grocery store or ordering food can be a small adventure.
In the future, I want to work in roles that allow me to travel, adapt, and collaborate with diverse teams. I believe that the most successful professionals are those who can understand and respect cultural differences while finding common ground. If I can thrive in an international work setting now—when everything is new and unfamiliar—I’ll be that much more prepared to handle complexity and change down the line.
Ultimately, I view this summer as a launching pad. It’s not just about adding a line to my resume or collecting passport stamps; it’s about becoming someone who is more capable, more confident, and more connected to the world around him. The lessons I learn here—whether they come from the workplace, the streets of Prague, or the conversations I have over coffee with a stranger—will stay with me long after I return to Pittsburgh.
As I begin this journey, I know there will be challenges. There will be moments of confusion, homesickness, and doubt. But those are the moments I’m most looking forward to. Because stepping out of your comfort zone isn’t just about discovering a new place—it’s about discovering who you are when everything familiar falls away.