Hello! My name is Zoe Lee, and I’m a rising junior at the University of Pittsburgh with a major in Finance and a minor in Economics. I came into college knowing that I wanted to do a study abroad program in South Korea, and this summer I have the amazing opportunity to fulfill that lifelong goal of mine through Pitt’s International Internship Program in Seoul.
I am from Montgomery County, Pennylvania, close to the iconic King of Prussia mall. Growing up I have always loved fashion and experimenting with new styles and makeup, so being in Seoul, an emerging fashion capital, is incredibly exciting to me. I can’t wait to explore an entire new country’s beauty industry. Additionally, one of my favorite things to do in Pittsburgh is try out new cafes with my friends, so I’m looking forward to trying out a bunch of coffee shops as well!
This year I am a transfer student to the School of Business, and I chose to major in Finance because I’ve had an interest in personal finance and financial literacy for a while. I enjoy learning about budgeting and financial planning, and I am interested in helping others make informed financial decisions. Additionally, I’m minoring in Economics because I’m interested in global economics and how different countries interact through trade and business. My internship placement will involve me analyzing financial performance across different markets, and since they’re a brewery with a strong international presence, I can’t wait to gain firsthand experience with how businesses adapt their strategies across countries in response to global economic factors.
On campus, I was a member of the Elections Committee on Student Government Board this year. Through this role, I helped enforce a fair student government election and reviewed Elections Code violations. I had a lot of fun on SGB this year, and I look forward to participating again in the future! Outside of school, I also am a Team Lead at Panera Bread, where I’ve been working for 3 years both at home and at school. I’ve met so many great friends working there, and both of these roles have helped me develop my leadership and communication skills considerably. I am excited to continue building these skills throughout my internship in South Korea in a new professional and cultural environment.
Why South Korea?
For as long as I can remember, I wanted to learn a second language. I started learning Korean when I was about 11 years old after one of my close friends gifted me a workbook to learn and practice Hangul, the Korean writing system. Ever since then I knew I wanted to learn Korean, so my first year at the University of Pittsburgh I enrolled in classes to do just that. Besides talking with my classmates and my professors, there is no better way to learn a language than visiting the country where it is spoken.
I am excited to immerse myself in Korean culture and use the language in my everyday life, such as ordering food, navigating public transportation, or having conversations with local residents. I believe that experiencing the language outside of a classroom setting will help me become more confident and fluent while also giving me a deeper understanding of Korean culture and society. Beyond the language, South Korea has always been a place I’ve wanted to visit. I’ve spent years learning about the country through studying Korean, but there’s a huge difference between learning about a place and experiencing it firsthand.
Why IIP?
When I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do this summer, I was browsing the different summer global experience programs that the University of Pittsburgh offers. The variety of abroad programs that Pitt has was one of the main things that drove me to choosing this school, so I knew I was going to find something that interested me. So, when I saw the International Internship Program in Seoul I was immediately intrigued. In today’s job market, having an internship is crucial to success, and the opportunity to gain professional experience while living in South Korea felt like the best of both worlds. Not only would I be able to build skills related to my future career, but I would also be able to fulfill my goal of immersing myself in Korean culture and continuing to improve my Korean language abilities. The program combines my academic interests and career goals, so applying was an easy decision.
I could not be more thrilled about my program placement, and I am extremely grateful for this opportunity. See you in South Korea!
