Hi everyone! I am Shreya Rajaram, sophomore and a Finance major at Pitt Business. I am also pursuing the certificates in Business Analytics and Leadership and Ethics. I hope to be able to use my degree to launch a career that incorporates entrepreneurship, consulting, and data analytics.

My hobbies include reading, painting, journaling, and binge-watching shows on Netflix or Crunchyroll. When I’m not studying or working, you can find me at the Mystery, Manga, or Fantasy sections at the Barnes and Noble in Waterworks Mall! I decided to participate in the Plus3: Ireland program for three main reasons:

1. I love traveling! I lived in India for the first 13 years of my life before moving to Virginia. My family and I then relocated to Pittsburgh after I graduated from high school–if I had to pick one thing I learned about myself after these major relocations, it’s that I love exploring new locations and understand their culture and history, and I hope to learn about those aspects as well as business processes in Ireland.
2. Ireland is the second most entrepreneurial of the top 15 countries in Europe and is one of the most supportive environments for startups. As an aspiring entrepreneur, I intend to learn all about its business culture during my time in Ireland to see if it might be a place I’m willing to work in.
3. Ireland is gorgeous! And after staying indoors so long due to the pandemic, I am thrilled to visit such a beautiful place, and have the trip contribute towards my education in the process!

Professionally speaking, I am interested in learning how prominent and international companies like Microsoft, Google, Airbnb, etc. prosper in an innovative, globally connected country like Ireland. This program spans two weeks and includes both professional and cultural activities for students to participate in, which is a nice balance between work and pleasure that motivates me to be productive. Considering how most of us are still reeling from the virtual to in person transition and other changes associated with COVID-19, this program provides a holistic exposure to Irish culture and businesses, as well as a glimpse into how firms interact in such an innovative setting–all within the span of two weeks. I am interested in pursuing at least two study abroad programs at Pitt Business, so the ‘Plus3: Ireland’ program will help me get started with the process by starting with a shorter program first. Ireland that is heavily involved with the technology and entrepreneurship space, and I look forward to applying the knowledge and skills that I have developed during my time at Pitt Business in a professional and social setting.

Overall, I’m super excited to share my experience with the Plus3: Ireland program with you all, and hope that you join me on my first (but not last) study abroad program through this blog!