Dobrý den! My name is Ana Marie Suliman, a rising senior at the University of Pittsburgh’s College of Business, and in just a short time, I’ll be heading to Prague, Czech Republic. I am concentrating in Global Management with a 4.0 GPA, and I have always been driven by a deep curiosity for how businesses operate across cultures and borders, which, looking back, probably started long before I ever set foot in a classroom.
I was born and raised in the Philippines, and when I was eight years old, my mom and I moved to the United States. That experience of navigating a new country, a new culture, and a new way of life at such a young age shaped me more than anything else. It taught me adaptability, resilience, and an appreciation for the beauty of different perspectives, qualities I truly believe make a stronger businessperson. Moving to the U.S. was my first real lesson in what it means to operate outside of your comfort zone, and it is something I carry with me every day.
In my free time, you will likely find me on a tennis or pickleball court, on my yoga mat, or curled up with a good book. I also have a slightly serious dedication to finding the best bakery in every city I visit, always with a cappuccino in hand. It is a tradition I plan to keep very much alive in Prague, and I already have a mental list of neighborhoods to explore. More than anything, I love immersing myself in new cultures! The food, the people, the daily rhythms of life that you can only really understand by living them.
At Pitt, my concentration in Global Management has encouraged me to critically assess how business operates both locally and globally. Maintaining a 4.0 GPA has required me to engage deeply with challenging coursework. In my Managerial Ethics and Stakeholder Management course, I learned to navigate complex decision-making scenarios where competing interests frequently intersect. International Economics for Managers enhanced my understanding of the connections between global markets, trade, and policy. Statistics and Probability for Business Management strengthened my analytical skills and provided me with the tools to interpret data and make informed decisions. In my Programming Essentials for Business course, I gained practical experience with Microsoft Excel, Tableau, Google Colab, and Python, skills I am confident will benefit me throughout my career. Collectively, these experiences have deepened my interest in the analytical and strategic aspects of business, particularly in identifying patterns, addressing inefficiencies, and translating insights into actionable strategies.
Outside of class, I work part-time at a residential complex, where each day presents unique challenges. My responsibilities include leasing, conducting property tours, managing social media content, handling administrative tasks, and organizing resident events. I also intervene in conflicts that arise, ensuring that all parties feel heard and that resolutions are reached fairly. This role has provided me with a genuine introduction to the realities of professional life, encompassing effective client communication, multitasking, creative thinking for diverse audiences, and problem-solving quickly. It’s become evident to me that the most valuable business skills are honed as much outside the classroom as within, and I am appreciative of the insights this position has given me into how to work collaboratively with others.
Professionally, I aspire to work at the intersection of business analytics and consulting. I am particularly attracted to roles that involve analyzing data, identifying inefficiencies, and developing strategies for improvement. Whether in a large corporation or a startup, I seek an environment that is dynamic and values clear, evidence-based decision-making. I want to be an active participant in the strategic planning process, not merely an observer.
I selected the International Internship Program in Prague because it aligns perfectly with my personal aspirations and career goals. Having made a significant move across the globe as a child, I view the opportunity to immerse myself in a new professional environment as an exciting challenge rather than a daunting one. Prague boasts a vibrant and evolving business landscape, and I am eager to experience firsthand how strategy, consulting, and analytics operate within a European framework, where cultural dynamics, pace, and professional norms differ greatly from those of my training here. Additionally, I am genuinely enthusiastic about living in a city rich in history, energy, and culture, and I look forward to spending my weekends exploring as much of Europe as possible.
Through this experience, I aim to achieve personal, academic, and professional growth. On a personal level, I want to continue building the confidence that stems from navigating unfamiliar environments, whether that involves finding my way in a new city, engaging with people across language barriers, or immersing myself in a culture vastly different from my own. I am also eager to explore all that Prague has to offer, from its stunning architecture and rich history to its delectable cuisine and vibrant communities.
Academically, I look forward to witnessing the concepts I’ve studied, such as international economics, stakeholder management, and data-driven decision-making, come to life in a real business context. I hope to return to campus with a heightened, global perspective on my studies. Professionally, I seek hands-on experience that goes beyond what the classroom can provide, such as collaborating with a team, tackling tangible challenges, and doing it all in a completely different part of the world. Above all, I aspire to leave Prague this summer with an expanded worldview, enhanced skills, and a clearer understanding of the professional I am becoming. I am truly grateful for this opportunity, and I know the weeks ahead will push me in ways I cannot yet fully anticipate, but that is exactly what makes it worth it.
