My name is Preston Vissotski, and I am currently a sophomore studying Supply Chain and Project Management at the University of Pittsburgh. This spring break, I will be studying abroad in Cochabamba, Bolivia. I am excited to share the preparation process, the work we will complete in-country, and the lessons learned afterward. I believe this experience will be both academically and personally valuable, especially through the relationships formed with my team, our client, and the local community in Bolivia.

Personally, I consider myself highly motivated, curious, and driven by a strong desire to help others and understand how organizations, governments, and systems operate on both a local and global level. I value discipline, professionalism, and ethical decision-making, and I am always looking for opportunities that challenge me to grow academically and personally.

Academically, my focus in Supply Chain and Project Management has helped me develop strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. These areas of study have taught me how effective planning, coordination, and leadership are essential to achieving long-term success in both private and public organizations. I am especially interested in how structured systems can be used to improve efficiency, accountability, and outcomes for people and communities. My coursework has reinforced my interest in applying these skills beyond the classroom, particularly in international and public-sector environments.

Professionally, I have gained meaningful hands-on experience through multiple internships. As an Outreach Intern at Men’s Health Network (MHN), I supported a wide range of communication and organizational tasks, including email outreach, ambassador material updates, contact verification, article curation, and the creation of professional email templates. This role strengthened my communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple responsibilities while meeting deadlines. More importantly, it emphasized the importance of professionalism, consistency, and ethical standards in organizational communication and advocacy work.

In addition, I completed an international internship in Sydney, Australia, with the Menzies Research Centre (MRC). During this experience, I conducted in-depth research on Australian immigration policy and the ongoing immigration crisis. I also had the opportunity to meet with high-level government officials, including former Prime Ministers Tony Abbott and John Howard, Senator Jonno Duniam, and Opposition Leader Sussan Ley. The internship culminated in co-authoring a published research report titled “International Student Course-Hopping: University Complicity and Government Inaction,” alongside Salvatore Babones (A professor at the University of Sydney). This experience provided invaluable insight into the research, writing, and publication process while strengthening my interest in public policy and international affairs.

I chose to participate in this program because I am eager to gain international consulting experience and apply my skills in a way that directly benefits others. I am particularly interested in learning how consulting and advisory work can influence decision-making, improve systems, and create meaningful change across cultures and borders.

Looking ahead, my academic goal is to continue building a strong foundation in management, research, and global systems. Professionally, I plan to pursue a career with the U.S. State Department in the U.S. Foreign Service, where I hope to represent the United States abroad and contribute to international cooperation and policy development. On a personal level, I aim to grow as a leader, remain committed to ethical service, and eventually return to the United States to run for public office. Overall, I see this program as an important step in aligning my education, experiences, and long-term commitment to public service.