The thing that took me longest to understand about professional success in Sweden is not what people are trying to achieve. Its what they are trying to avoid looking at. At home, the ways to be successful employees are mostly additive, meaning you work more, you’re visible, you make sure the right people know what…
Tag: Summer 2026
Communication Hurdles
Before I arrived in Sweden I read how they were very low context individuals, meaning communication is explicit and direct. People say what you mean and do not add a lot of filler. On paper that put Sweden and the US in roughly the same place, and I assumed it would be easier to adjust….
More Than an Internship: How Seoul Changed My Perspective
When I boarded the plane to South Korea, I hoped I was capable. When I came home, I knew I was. As I reflect on the past eight weeks, it is hard to put into words just how much this experience has meant to me. Thanks to the generosity of the Pitt Global Experiences Office…
Experience of a Lifetime
Recapping this trip almost seems impossible, but I can easily say it was one of the best experiences of my entire life. In terms of my internship, I had a vague understanding that I would be helping a renewable energy developer, but my internship included so much more than I thought it would. At Lucent,…
Under ljuset från Andromeda
This summer has been an absolute whirlwind! I feel like I just left for Sweden only a little while ago, and now classes start again in less than a month! For this final blog post, I’ll be talking about my growth and takeaways from my whole experience. I don’t think I could ever sum up…
Post Trip Reflection
I wanted to start out by thanking everyone who helped me make this experience happen. I couldn’t have done this without the support and trust of friends, family, advisors, and supervisors. I spent this summer interning with the company Green Little Heart. This is a sustainable marketplace that sells ethically sourced and sustainably produced goods…
Success in the US vs. France
Success in the US is associated with the hustle and grind. People work hard and often push their physical limits to get things done and this is a source of pride. High salaries, quick promotions, and prestigious companies are what people chase. Moreover, people are quite willing to take risks when it comes to their…
Embracing the Unpredictable
After two full days exploring Donegal’s landscapes, I have accepted that the weather here is not just part of the scenery but the main character. Glenveagh shifted moods every few minutes, bouncing between sunlight and ominous fog as if it couldn’t decide which mood it wanted. Doe Castle felt uniquely dramatic with gray skies. Sliabh…
Cultural Assimilation in France
The longer the stay in a foreign country, the more important it becomes to try to act how a local would. Needless to say, it is not possible to completely blend in; even after living in France for years, some people still have habits or mindsets from their home country. But people appreciate seeing someone…
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