As the program kicks off, the first two days have been a whirl of fun and adventure. With orientations, team building sessions, research, and classes, I have been thrown into the deep end. Diving into this very engaging coursework while learning to bond with my fellow classmates has definitely set an exuberant tone for what these next four weeks will become, and learning more about the city and what the consulting work will look like has made me ready to step into my role as both a student in this program and a newly minted college student. 

The University of Pittsburgh has certainly amazed me in the few days I have spent here. Although I have lived only thirty minutes away from the city center it is very different to live in it than just visiting. I have been to more places in the city these past two days than I have for the three years I have lived here! My first impression upon arrival was a detached awe. I had been in Oakland several times at that point and thought that the city would be impressive to live in for the time being for sure, but not in a way that would stick with me. I was excited to see what I hadn’t seen but was not truly excited for any one piece, so the fact that in such a short time I have become entranced by the city and the charm it exudes just as it is. Living in Ruskin Hall, as annoying it has been to have to walk so far to my classes, has allowed me to grow fond of Forbes Street. It has been the main location that I walk through and as innocuous a single main street may be it has a charm that leaves me feeling that the walk to class is much more engaging than I have originally thought. However, Forbes is not the only location that has caught my heart, as in any place, the people are the life of the city. Walking past groups that are living life to the fullest, seeing others who have style and flair, and talking with people who make some of the best food I have ever eaten has given me a glimpse of what Pittsburgh truly is and has left me restless to see what others call this city home.  

Just living in the city is not what this program is about though. My classmates and I have been generously allowed to oversee three different portions of a consulting project for the town of Carrigart in Ireland. It is a great pleasure to be trusted with this project, and I am very grateful to the town and our liaison who allows us to both learn about managing in complex environments and how consulting looks like in general. My group has specifically been tasked with market analysis and segmentation, which not tied specifically to my major in college, seems to be a very interesting venture to explore. I have done only entry-level research into this subject in relation to both Carrigart and how market analysis and segmentation can be used to help small towns, but with what I have learned I have seen areas where my group and I may be able to help. My group mates also share my enthusiasm for this topic, and we have had riveting discussions about what we will focus on specifically and how our research and consultation can affect change in this town that we have grown to admire. I am especially excited about learning how the markets in Carrigart can be targeted to increase spending and retention of consumers in the town. This research and the information that my classes have provided me have made me want to go to Ireland more than I was before I started the program, and I am thrilled to see up close the town and country that I have grown to appreciate.