Hi everyone! My name is Reid Becker and I am a freshman studying Finance and Business Information Systems with plans to also earn certificates in Business Analytics and Entrepreneurship. I live in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, about forty five minutes outside of Philadelphia. I am involved in many organizations such as a business fraternity (Phi Gamma Nu), a social fraternity (Zeta Beta Tau), and TAMID, a club which deals with business in Israel. I first joined Phi Gamma Nu as a way to not only meet new people in my first semester at Pitt but also to grow and develop my business knowledge. So far I have learned many aspects of the business world that I would not have gotten experience with if I had not join Phi Gamma Nu. I joined Zeta Beta Tau in my second semester because my grandfather had been in ZBT and I thought it would be a cool way to grow closer to him. Lastly I joined TAMID because it gives me an opportunity to work with real companies and further my skills in consulting and investing. In my free time I enjoy playing sports especially basketball and soccer. My favorite sports teams to watch are the Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Phillies, and the Philadelphia 76ers. If I’m not watching sports, I am either playing chess, working out, or hanging out with my friends and family.

As soon as I saw the countries that were offered in the Plus3 program I knew that Germany was the program for me. I have always had aspirations to go to Germany as two of my sister’s best friends are from there and she’s visited many times. I am excited that I was accepted and have the opportunity to go Augsburg. As I have never been to Europe, I am curious to see what European culture is like and to see the differences between ours and Germany’s. As for the automobile industry, I have always had interest but never had the chance to study it in depth. The automobile industry has many facets to it and I am interested in learning more about all.

In addition to immersing myself in the German culture, I hope to create and maintain connections to further expand my business portfolio. While right now I am focused on finance and data analytics, my true passion is entrepreneurship. I started a small company with my friends in high school but unfortunately had to stop working on it due to other commitments. However, that small experience with creating my own business has fueled my desire to continue thinking about new innovative ideas.

I cannot believe that in less than one month I will be in Germany. I am so excited to go visit the automobile companies and historical sites in Germany. In addition, I am looking forward to learning more about the German culture. My goal is to experience life as a local instead of a tourist. I still am in disbelief that I get to go on this amazing trip and am thrilled to make memories that I will never forget.