Today we had the opportunity to talk with Rebecca Rhoades about Co-Curricular Programs and had the opportunity to tour Sennott Square. I found the Co-Curricular Programs to be very interesting, and I intend to participate in as many as I can as they will help me develop as an emerging business professional. We also had a wonderful opportunity to connect with one of the Experts in Residence (EIR), Kathy Foody-Malus over lunch, where we heard about some of the incredible finance opportunities that Pitt has to offer in classes and in clubs. In addition to all of this, we also learned about our strengths in a group.

We utilized Gallup to take a StrengthsFinder Assessment, with Mike Kijowski, and were able to identify our best roles in a team environment. My top 5 strengths were: Ideation (1), Achiever (2), Positivity (3), Individualization (4), and Belief (5). I found it very interesting that it is a 1 in 33.4 million that someone else would have the same line-up as anyone else. My highest strength was Ideation, which entails complex thinking, and a big picture mindset. I enjoy taking on a different approach to problems and finding a connection between things that may appear to be unrelated. My second highest strength was Achiever, which indicates my consistent drive and desire to accomplish my goals. I see every day as a blessing and a new opportunity to accomplish my goals. When looking at my first two strengths separately, they may appear to be almost contradicting, however because I have the big picture ideas as well as the drive to execute them- we found during our group discussion- that I am an excellent group leader. My third strength was Positivity, which focuses on my ability to give praise to others work, as well as drive others within the group to continue working diligently. I strongly believe that it is important to build others up, and give honest, but kind, advice and feedback to team members, coworkers, and friends. My fourth strength was Individualization, which touched on the idea that I believe every individual has unique qualities and work well in different areas- everyone deserves to be seen uniquely, God created each of us differently, and that deserves- at the very least- recognition. My fifth strength was Belief, my faith is the center of my life, my moral are guided by faith, as are my actions. Again, when looking at all of my different strengths, they are all slightly different, but in a team environment, I am a strong leader that focuses on the task at hand, while also focusing on the individuals within the team.

As we continue with our projects, I believe that I will continue to utilize all of my strengths in order to work with my groupmates. We are already forming lasting friendships through this program and are experiencing such great opportunities- I cannot wait for the coming days!