Hi everyone! I’m Varsheni Ramesh and I’m from Bucks County, Pennsylvania. I’m a rising junior business student at the University of Pittsburgh, majoring in finance with a minor in economics. On campus, I’m involved in Phi Beta Lambda, a professional business organization, as well as Smart Women Securities, an all women’s run investment portfolio. Outside of the classroom, I love discovering new food spots, traveling, staying active, and spending time with friends & family.

This summer, I’m excited to participate in the International Internship Program (IIP) in Dublin, Ireland. The program offers students the opportunity to complete a full-time internship abroad while gaining academic credit and valuable professional experience. I chose this program because I wanted to challenge myself personally and professionally while gaining firsthand exposure to a global business environment. I’ve always wanted the opportunity to live abroad, and this program felt like the perfect combination of academic growth, career development, and cultural immersion.

As a finance and economics student, Dublin immediately stood out to me because of its rapid growth as an international financial services hub. Over the years, Ireland has become home to many major global financial institutions, fintech companies, and investment firms, including Citi, State Street, Mastercard, Fidelity Investments, and BNY Mellon. Dublin’s strong presence in areas such as financial technology, investment management, cybersecurity, and global banking makes it an exciting place to learn about the evolving future of finance.

What interested me most was learning how influential Ireland has become within the global financial services industry. Ireland is now considered one of the largest exporters of financial services in the European Union, with more than 300 internationally focused financial services companies operating throughout the country. Many global firms use Dublin as their European headquarters because of its strong talent pool, international business environment, and access to the European market. Ireland is also known for being one of the world’s leading locations for fund management, aircraft leasing, and exchange traded funds (ETFs). Learning about the scale of these industries made me realize how valuable this experience could be for someone pursuing a career in finance.

I was also fascinated by Ireland’s growing role in fintech and innovation. Dublin is home to Mastercard’s European Technology Hub, along with innovation centers and research hubs for companies like Citi and BNY Mellon. Ireland has continued to expand in areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analytics, and sustainable finance, which are becoming increasingly important in today’s financial world. I’m excited to gain insight into how multinational companies operate, collaborate with professionals from different backgrounds, and adapt to changes in technology and global markets.

Another reason I chose Dublin is because of its unique position as an international city with a rich culture and history. Beyond the professional experience, I’m excited to immerse myself in Irish culture and explore the city itself. From Dublin’s historic architecture and live music scene to its museums, cafes, and coastal views, there seems to be so much to experience outside of the workplace. I’m especially looking forward to meeting new people, trying authentic Irish food and seafood, exploring different parts of Ireland, and learning more about the country’s traditions and way of life. Since I enjoy traveling and discovering new places, I’m also excited to take trips outside of Dublin to places like the Howth Cliffs, Galway, and the Cliffs of Moher to experience more of Ireland’s scenery and culture. I think living in Dublin for eight weeks will be an unforgettable experience both personally and culturally.

Through this experience, I hope to strengthen my communication, analytical, and problem solving skills while gaining exposure to areas such as asset management, financial services, and investment operations. Academically, I’m looking forward to applying concepts from my coursework in a real world setting and seeing how finance operates on a global scale. Professionally, I hope to build meaningful connections, develop technical and transferable skills, and gain valuable insight into the finance industry from an international perspective.

Personally, I hope this experience pushes me outside of my comfort zone and helps me become more independent and adaptable. Living and working abroad will challenge me to navigate unfamiliar situations, communicate with people from different backgrounds, and become more confident in both professional and personal settings. I’m excited for the opportunity to grow, learn, and gain experiences that will shape my future career and perspective on the world.

I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of this program, and I’m excited to document my experiences throughout the summer. I can’t wait to share more about my internship, my time in Dublin, and everything I learn along the way!