My name is Leah Reyes, and I am a rising junior at the University of Pittsburgh pursuing a dual degree in Finance and Business Information Systems with a minor in Economics. This summer, I have the incredible opportunity to participate in the University of Pittsburgh’s International Internship Program in Dublin, Ireland. Over the next eight weeks, I am excited to immerse myself in a completely new environment, gain valuable international work experience, and develop both personally and professionally.

To begin, I would love to share a little more about myself and the experiences that have shaped who I am today.

I was born in Trenton, New Jersey, but I have spent most of my life living in Pennsylvania. I grew up in Bucks County, which is located just outside of Philadelphia, and I currently spend most of my time in Pittsburgh. Choosing Pitt was one of the easiest decisions I have ever made because of the university’s strong academic reputation and the energy of the city itself. I have always been drawn to city environments because I enjoy exploring new restaurants and experiencing different cultures and communities. Being able to live and study in Pittsburgh has been nothing but wonderful so far. Some of my favorite hobbies include playing guitar, photography, biking and hiking. I also love spending quality time with my friends and exploring new places whenever I have the chance. I have always believed that some of the best learning experiences happen outside of the classroom, whether that means traveling somewhere new, meeting people from different backgrounds, or simply trying something unfamiliar. These interests are a large part of why studying abroad and interning internationally appealed to me so much.

At the University of Pittsburgh, I am heavily involved in several student organizations that align closely with both my personal values and my professional aspirations. One organization that has been especially meaningful to me is CHAARG, a women’s fitness organization that focuses on inclusivity, empowerment, and trying new forms of movement and wellness activities. Within the organization, I serve as Treasurer, where I manage budgeting responsibilities and help coordinate social events and activities for members. In addition, I serve as the Business Manager for the Roberto Clemente Multicultural Business Association, an organization dedicated to supporting underrepresented students pursuing careers in business. In this role, I oversee budgeting and funding efforts while also leading fundraising initiatives to support the organization’s events and programming. I am also the Social Media Manager for SAVE Promise Club, an anti-violence organization that works to spread awareness and promote positive change within communities. Through this position, I focus on outreach initiatives and managing the organization’s social media platforms. Lastly, I am an active member of Phi Beta Lambda, a professional business organization that emphasizes leadership, networking, and career development. Being involved in these organizations has not only allowed me to grow professionally, but it has also helped me build confidence, form valuable relationships, and become more involved within the Pitt community.

I chose to participate in the International Internship Program because I wanted to challenge myself by stepping outside of my comfort zone and experiencing something completely new. Prior to this opportunity, I had never traveled outside of the United States, so the idea of living and working in another country was both exciting and intimidating. However, I knew that this experience would allow me to grow in ways that would not be possible if I stayed within familiar environments. As a business student, I believe it is extremely important to understand how interconnected and globalized the world has become. I hope this experience will help me become more adaptable, independent, and confident while also allowing me to better understand different cultures and approaches to business.

I specifically chose Dublin, Ireland because it perfectly combines many of the things that I value most. I have always been fascinated by cities that offer both a strong sense of culture and access to nature, and Dublin seemed like the ideal fit. I am excited not only to experience the city itself, but also to explore Ireland’s landscapes. I look forward to learning more about Irish culture, meeting new people, and creating memories that will stay with me long after the program ends.

This summer, I will be working as a Finance and Business Operations Intern at Basecamp, a specialist outdoor company focused on hiking, camping, and adventure travel with a strong emphasis on sustainability, quality, and real-world performance. Through this internship, I hope to gain hands-on experience in finance and business operations while also learning how a successful international company operates. I am excited to apply the knowledge I have gained through my coursework and campus leadership positions in a real-world setting. More importantly, I hope to learn from the professionals around me, strengthen my problem-solving and communication skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the outdoor and adventure industry.

Overall, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to participate in this program, and I cannot wait to see how much I will learn and grow throughout this experience. I know that the next eight weeks will challenge me in many ways, but I am excited to embrace every opportunity, meet new people, and gain experiences that will shape both my personal and professional future.