Hello there! My name is Kat Listwak and I am currently finishing up my freshmen year here at The University of Pittsburgh. I am in their College of Business Administrations studying Finance and Data Analytics. I am currently involved in some academic clubs here at the University. Those clubs are called LEAP and Undergraduate Finance Club (UFC). When my attention is not on my studies, you can find me in the gym lifting weights, on the lacrosse field, hanging out with friends, or binging Netflix.
I am beyond excited to travel to Germany this May through the Plus3 travel abroad program Pitt offers. I must admit, it was not something I intended on doing until I went to an information meeting. After learning more about the program, I knew I had to do it. It was the perfect balance of professional development, adventure, and fun. Not to mention you get college credit and get to meet new friends!
If someone told me in the beginning of this year that I was studying abroad to Germany, I would laugh. I have always wanted to go to Germany as my mom’s side is 100% German. Instead of learning more about my origin and family’s culture, I get to live it! In addition to this, trying the countries cuisine, learning more about Germanys history, traveling without my family, and learning about the car industry are other main reasons I choose Germany.
On a professional level, traveling to Germany will allow me to collaborate with the other future businessmen and women of the world. Although I am super eager to work with The Pitt Business and Engineering students I never have worked with before, I will also get to collaborate with Augsburg University students. This experience will teach me communication skills and therefor enhance my networking skills. On top of that, I will also get to meet and work with diverse individuals from different backgrounds, culture, and degrees.
As a future businesswoman, I strive to gain as much professional experience as possible. My goal is to help companies and people reach their financial goals so they can spend more time on the important things in life like relationships and staying in good health. This program will allow me to get closer to that goal as I will learn about how a business works starting from the idea to the production, and finally to being in the customers possession.
I feel so blessed to have been chosen for this program and I cannot wait to experience the wonderful country Germany!
Kat