Hi! My name is Katherine Bortel and I am a rising junior this upcoming school year at the University of Pittsburgh. I am currently studying Psychology, and plan on continuing my studies post-undergrad in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. Last semester, I found myself scrolling through Pitt’s Global Experience opportunities and came across a couple that piqued my interest. After viewing all of the options, I decided to apply and participate in the International Internship Program (IIP) in Dublin, Ireland. Traveling abroad has always been something that I had dreamed of doing, so naturally this was a chance I could not give up.

Here is a little bit about me! I am from Hershey, PA, which is about 3 hours away from campus. Hershey is a cute, suburban town with lots of sweet chocolate and tourist attractions everywhere. Walking from our middle school to HersheyPark was something almost all of my friends enjoyed doing growing up, and I truly could not imagine growing up in any other town but Hershey. However, when it came time to apply to colleges, I knew that I wanted to be in a city, yet not too far from home, so Pitt was an easy choice to commit to. In my free time, I love to go on long walks, try new places to eat, and watch TV shows/movies with my friends, especially reality TV.  

On campus, I am an active member in the Alpha Delta Pi Alpha Iota sorority and serve as the Vice President of Member Development and was one of our Greek Sing captains this past competition. I am also involved with the Pitt Dance Ensemble and have danced in their recital shows at both the 2024 and 2025 PDE showcases in December. Through these leadership positions, I have learned how to communicate effectively, problem-solve in difficult situations, and thoughtfully accept constructive criticism. These experiences have helped shape me into a more confident leader and team member, which I know will help me tremendously throughout my internship abroad. 

One of the big reasons as to why I chose the International Internship Program in Dublin over the other study abroad programs was due to the internship component itself. And yes, the idea of taking classes abroad was most definitely appealing; however, I recognize that nothing will compare to real-world experience and being able to see operations take place first-hand. Since I hope to pursue a career in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, gaining experience in a professional workplace is extremely important to me, and I feel that this program would allow me not only to grow academically and personally but also to develop professionally in ways that would help prepare me for my future career.

This summer, I have the privilege of interning at Excel Recruitment as a Senior Team Assistant and Recruitment Project Intern. In this role, I will be supporting the Senior team with administrative tasks, recruitment operations, and research. I am especially excited about this internship because it closely aligns with my future career goals as an industrial-organizational psychologist and talent management specialist. Getting the chance to work within a recruitment company will give me the exposure I need to see how businesses operate, how employees are managed/supported, and how organizations create successful teams.

Aside from the internship aspect, I cannot wait to immerse myself in Irish culture and experience everyday life in Dublin. I have not traveled to this country yet, so this experience feels surreal. I can imagine myself exploring the city, meeting new people, and enjoying the beautiful sights this country has to offer. And because I am a bit of a foodie, I can not wait to try the stews and traditional meals Ireland is known for. I also believe that being abroad this summer will push me outside of my comfort zone in the best ways possible and will help me become even more independent and adaptable. 

More than anything, I am excited for all of the growth that will come from this experience. I know there will be challenges that come with moving to a new country and adjusting to a new environment, but I also know those challenges will help me learn more about myself. I hope to return home with not only professional experience and unforgettable memories, but also with a broader perspective on the world and a stronger sense of confidence in myself and my future goals. This opportunity is something I am extremely grateful for, and I cannot wait to begin this next chapter in Dublin!