Our final blog is supposed to be a reflection on the past two weeks in Germany, but there is no possible way to put all the amazing things I saw and experienced into one blog. To start I want to say my favorite parts of the whole trip
Favorite company visit – It was a tie between Continental and Audi
Favorite food – Doner (and I think everybody would agree with me on this one)
Favorite cultural visit – Oberammagau
But, it’s not just the big things each day, the company visits, or the city tours that made this trip so amazing. I learned so much not only about business, but the engineering side as well which I never thought would happen. Not only that, but I met so many new people that I wouldn’t have gotten the chance to meet if it weren’t for Plus3 .From the beginning, only knowing one person I was nervous that there were going to be small cliques or not everybody would get along. But I was absolutely wrong. All 20 of us clicked instantly and then you add the German students and I couldn’t think of a better group to spend the past two weeks with.
From the companies, I saw a new side of the car industry I never thought I would see. Faurecia, Continental , Audi , Hirschvogel , and SGL while all different all had similar threads. At each company we went more in depth about how the future of the automobile will impact each part of the supply chain. The car industry at this point Is all about adaptation into electric cars and autonomy. For companies like Audi, they are the pioneers for this transformation. For more of the starting players in the supply chain like SGL, their demand will shift with the change in necessary parts and products. The future of the automobile is the same for each company we visited, but each is going to have to take a different approach to it.
From the cultural visits. Coming into Plus3 I had no idea what to expect of Germany, but my expectations were blown out of the water. Augsburg, a college city was the perfect place to stay. Not a touristy feel and two weeks gave us just enough time to learn our way around the whole city. Even though its not a “big” city for Germany it still had its own history and architecture with the Dom, and tower. Regensburg was by far one of my favorites cities. Walking over the bridge to see a row of pastel buildings I loved it. The medieval architecture and small alleyways were one of my favorite things from the whole trip. On the other end of thing was Dachau. While upsetting and disturbing at points, I know how important it is to tour and learn from everything that happened in its history. This day was rainy, dreary, and draining, but I am so glad I got to step foot on the grounds of such a crucial part of history. These past two weeks, all though the days were long and draining, were 200% worth it. I never expected to get to see so many cities, take so many tours, and travel where I did.
Finally, the people. This trip would not have been what it was without the students who travelled with me from Pitt or the German students. On day one when we met outside Nordenburg before dinner when I barely knew everybody name, to waiting int= the Chicago airport for my last flight home laughing in Chili’s. Every single person on this trip added to the experience. We all knew we only had two weeks and made the most of each day. To add, the German students went above and beyond to show us around and make sure we had an amazing two weeks. I (and some others) were nervous that we were just going to be a burden, but from our first day in Augsburg they were nothing but welcoming. The trip definitely wouldn’t have been the same without them! Everyday had its own laughs, memories, and new experiences. I am so glad that I got to travel and meet all these awesome people. And to think, if it weren’t for this trip I would’ve never met the Augsburg students or even some of the other students from Pitt.
I am so thankful that I got this amazing opportunity right after my freshman year. I can”t wait until next spring when we are on the panel and get to share all our amazing memories. Thank you Augsburg, Pitt, and Augsgang. Plus 3 will be missed 🙁