Just recently, I completed my study abroad and internship experience in London. I was an International Funding Advisory Intern for Winnovart, a funding consulting firm, which meant I got to explore various research databases and funding programs. During my time there, I created charts, organized data, and even joined outreach calls. It was amazing to jump right in and contribute, despite being on the other side of the world from home.
One of the biggest lessons I learned from the program was adaptability. Everything about London was new, from navigating the Tube during rush hour to figuring out British workplace customs. At Winnovart, I had to quickly learn about a different work environment. Balancing a busy work schedule with classes and travel meant my schedule could change at any time. By the end of the trip, I got better at adjusting quickly without too much trouble.
Teamwork was another big part of my London adventure. I worked with all sorts of people in my internship and classes such as fellow interns, local Londoners, and even classmates from Pitt who were also studying abroad. On one project at work, our team gathered funding data and presented potential options to our supervisor. In class, I collaborated with classmates on presentations for both my internship class and my International Finance class. It was a little chaotic to coordinate so many different team member schedules and styles, but learning to align different working approaches turned out to be a strength. I found out that finding common ground and being open to others’ ideas made groups stronger and more effective.
The lessons that I learned in adaptability and teamwork won’t be left behind when I return home. Back at Pitt, I already feel more prepared for my future business classes and internships. When I meet people from unfamiliar backgrounds, I feel more comfortable collaborating. Studying abroad taught me to be more flexible with my plans and someone who values working as part of a team. I’m very excited to take all these experiences with me into the next chapter of my education and career.
