ABOUT ME
Hi everyone! My name is Maya McGann, and I am a rising junior at the University of Pittsburgh. I am majoring in finance with an interest in the investment side of the industry, particularly in asset management and private equity.
This summer, I am beyond excited to spend eight weeks in Seoul, Korea, through the International Internship Program! This is my first professional internship in my field of interest, so I look forward to gaining invaluable skills and hands-on experience during my time working for my company, as well as a global perspective on the business world.
Personally, I would consider myself a creative person at heart, as I love spending my free time being crafty. I am currently teaching myself to crochet so I can one day make a quilt. On top of that, I love to thrift! I enjoy finding new clothes for cheap because I can use my sewing machine to alter and upcycle those clothes into new and fun looks. Additionally, I enjoy environments that revolve around people. Throughout high school and college, I have worked in the restaurant industry, where I’ve built lifelong friendships while also developing valuable professional and interpersonal skills.
Academically, I am pursuing a degree in finance. Through my time at Pitt, I have been actively looking for opportunities that will increase my understanding of my area of interest. On campus, I am involved in the Undergraduate Finance Club and Smart Women Securities, where I’ll be an upcoming sector head for the Fall 2026 semester! Through these experiences, I have become especially interested in learning how businesses and finance operate not just within the US, but on a global scale.
Professionally, I have had the exciting opportunity to be the upcoming SCOO of the Big Idea Center’s Saxbys location, where I will be taking the lead in managing the cafe for the Fall 2026 semester. Through this opportunity, I hope to further develop my leadership, operations, and team management skills while also learning about financial terms and how they’re applied to a business. Additionally, I previously worked with a startup company called Flaire, a travel app company that helps individuals track and plan for trips. There, I contributed to user growth initiatives, testing, and feedback efforts. These experiences have helped me realize that I enjoy working in innovative and collaborative environments.
WHY IIP?
I chose the International Internship Program because I knew I wanted to study abroad during my undergraduate studies, but wanted an experience that would challenge me both personally and professionally. Being able to intern abroad is something that pushes me outside of my comfort zone, especially since this is my first professional internship experience. While this opportunity may be challenging, I believe those experiences are often the most rewarding and impactful.
Furthermore, I wanted an opportunity that would allow me to grow in multiple aspects. The IIP combines academics, professional development, and cultural immersion into one experience, all of which I believe are beneficial for my future. As someone interested in pursuing a career in finance, I felt that gaining international experience early in my career would be incredibly valuable.
Why Korea?
There are several reasons why Korea was my top choice. For one, Korea was the only option that was outside of Europe. As a frequent traveler myself, I’ve visited many countries in Europe already and wanted to experience something in a different continent. In Asia, I’ve only visited Japan and Singapore, so Korea was a great opportunity to expand my horizon within Asia.
Additionally, Korea has a strong global presence in technology, innovation, business, and entrepreneurship. As a finance major, this kind of environment particularly gravitated towards me because I knew it would challenge me and open my mind up to new ideas and possibilities.
Lastly, I wanted the opportunity to immerse myself in a culture that is different from my own. Korea is rich in culture and known for many things, including beauty, fashion, historical sites, and so much more. Being immersed in a new culture allows me to gain a broader international perspective and come to respect a new viewpoint.
What I Hope to Gain From the Program?
Personally, I hope this experience helps me become more independent, adaptable, and confident in navigating unfamiliar situations. I hope to build meaningful relationships with both the program members and my company’s team while gaining a deeper appreciation for different cultures and perspectives.
Academically, I hope to better understand how international businesses and workplaces operate, while also applying concepts I have learned in the classroom to real-world situations.
Professionally, I hope to strengthen my communication, networking, and problem-solving skills while gaining insight into global business operations. I am especially excited to observe differences in workplace culture and business practices between Korea and the United States. On top of that, I hope to solidify my interests within the finance industry to understand what I would like to pursue in the future.
Overall, I am incredibly excited for this opportunity and grateful to be participating in the IIP program in South Korea. I know this experience will challenge me in many ways, but I also believe it will help me grow both personally and professionally. I look forward to documenting my experiences, sharing what I learn, and making the most of this incredible opportunity abroad!
