Hello everyone! My name is Scarlett Weir, and this summer I have traded Pittsburgh for Seoul, South Korea as part of the International Internship Program (IIP). As I write this, I’m thirteen hours ahead of my friends and family back home, which means I’m ending my day just as theirs is beginning.
I am a rising senior in the School of Computing and Information at the University of Pittsburgh, where I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Information Science with a minor in Economics. I am also a student in the David C. Frederick Honors College and plan to pursue a Master of Science degree with a concentration in Human Centered Computing after graduation.
I’ve always loved design and creating things. Growing up, I was constantly drawing and finding new projects to work on. As I became more interested in technology and began my classes at Pitt, I realized I could combine those interests through UI/UX design. I’m interested in understanding how people interact with technology and how good design can make those experiences easier and more enjoyable. Studying Information Science has allowed me to explore both the creative and technical sides of technology, which is one of the reasons I enjoy it so much.
Outside of academics, I am a barista at a local coffee shop, which has taught me just as much about communication and problem-solving as my courses. When I’m not working or with friends, you can usually find me reading a book, sketching, planning my next trip, or searching for a new restaurant to try. One of my favorite parts of traveling is discovering the smaller and more local places that make a city feel unique, so I have a feeling Seoul will keep me busy.
This summer, I am interning at the Medical Imaging Informatics Laboratory (MediSC) within Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH). The lab brings together healthcare, medical imaging, and data science, making it an exciting opportunity to explore a field that combines several of my interests.
I have always planned on studying abroad during my time at Pitt, so when I first began looking at international programs, I knew I wanted something that would allow me to gain professional experience while also immersing myself in a new culture. The Seoul program immediately stood out to me because instead of choosing between studying abroad and completing an internship, I was able to do both simultaneously. The opportunity to work in a research setting while living in one of the world’s most technologically advanced cities felt like the perfect fit. Before arriving, I had plenty of questions. What would it be like to work in a Korean research environment? How different would workplace culture be from what I had experienced in the United States? Would I be able to navigate daily life with only Duolingo-level Korean? While I was excited about coming here, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t also nervous.
One of the biggest things I hope to gain from this experience is more independence. Moving halfway across the world and staying in a country where everything is new hasn’t necessarily pushed me out of my comfort zone, but it has definitely made me rely on myself more. Whether it’s finding a location with Kakao Map, navigating a language barrier, or simply adjusting to daily life in Seoul, I’ve had to learn how to handle things on my own. I know there will be challenges along the way, but I’m excited for the opportunity to grow, become more confident in myself, and prove that I can thrive in an unfamiliar environment.
Academically, I’m eager to learn more about the role technology plays in healthcare and medical research. Working in a hospital-affiliated research laboratory gives me the opportunity to see how concepts from information science are applied outside of the classroom. I am especially interested in learning how researchers in my lab use data and technology to support medical decision making and improve patient outcomes at SNUH. Professionally, I hope this internship helps me develop a clearer understanding of where I want to take my career after graduation. While I know I want to work with technology and people, there are many different paths that could take. Being exposed to a research setting, an international workplace, and healthcare technology will help me figure out what I’m most passionate about. I also hope to strengthen my communication and collaboration skills by working with people from different backgrounds and experiences.
Although my internship is the main reason I am here, I am just as excited about everything that happens outside of work. Over the next several weeks, I plan to see as much of Seoul as possible by visiting historic palaces, finding the cutest cafes, and exploring different neighborhoods. I want to try foods I’ve never had before, practice my Korean whenever I can, and experience the city at a slower pace.
At the end of this summer, I hope to come home with more than just an internship. I hope to leave with new perspectives, meaningful connections, and a better understanding of both the world and myself.