Hello! My name is Colette and I am a rising junior at the University of Pittsburgh pursuing a dual degree in Accounting and Finance. I’m originally from right outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, so coming to Pitt was definitely an adjustment at first. I remember being really nervous about stepping into something new and unfamiliar, but over time, I ended up loving it. Proving to myself that I could thrive outside of my comfort zone is actually a big part of what encouraged me to take this next step and study abroad.
I have had the chance to travel outside of the United States twice before, and those experiences are what sparked my interest in exploring new places and learning about different cultures. However, this is my first time living, working, and studying abroad for an extended period of time, which makes this experience especially exciting to me.
This summer, I’ll be spending 6 weeks in Sydney, Australia where I will be completing an internship and academic course for credit. When I was deciding where to go, I knew I wanted to choose somewhere I might not have the chance to visit again, and Australia felt like the perfect opportunity. It’s somewhere I’ve never been before, and the idea of living there seems so exciting and thrilling.
Throughout this experience, I hope to grow both professionally and personally. I am super excited to gain hands on experience through my internship and develop stronger communication skills in a global work environment. I also hope to become more confident in my abilities to navigate unfamiliar situations, which would be a vital skill in my future career as well as my personal life. I also can’t wait to learn more about different cultures and perspectives and reflect on those experiences.
I have set a few goals for myself that I hope to complete by the time my weeks abroad come to an end. First, I want to improve my professional communication skills by working effectively with colleagues from different backgrounds. Second, I want to develop stronger problem-solving skills by navigating unfamiliar professional situations. Lastly, I want to build meaningful connections that could lead to opportunities in the future and will last me a life-time.
Overall, I am incredibly excited about this experience and everything it has to offer. I know these six weeks will go by quickly, so I’m looking forward to making the most of every opportunity and sharing my journey along the way!
