Hi, everyone! My name is Madison (Maddie) Wess. I am a sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh College of Business Administration. I am majoring in Human Resources and Marketing and considering adding a minor in Economics. Around campus I am involved in business fraternity Delta Sigma Pi and social sorority Alpha Delta Pi. In Delta Sigma Pi, I have held a position as Vice President of Professional Events and was just recently elected as President for next year. Outside of the classroom I enjoy playing with my dog (Griffin!), being outdoors, going on walks, and shopping. Circling back to Griffin, he is a Bernadoodle, is two years old, and I wish he could do Plus3 with me!

This summer, I have a Human Resources internship in Downtown Pittsburgh and just recently got a job as a Professional Development Consultant in the Tafel Center. Pitt Business has given me so many opportunities: whether it be networking in New York City or going to Olgebay for the Pitt Business Student Org Retreat; so I am very excited to take advantage of their amazing study abroad options!

I choose Plus3 Ireland because I am a transfer student and wanted to further immerse myself to everything Pitt has to offer. Coming to college, I wanted to have abroad experience without being away for a whole semester… so let’s just say I was thrilled to hear about Plus3. Also, my family is from Ireland so having first hand experience will allow me to connect with my ancestors on a deeper level. I am really looking forward to embracing the culture in Ireland, staying open minded and curious, and trying all the delicious food (still unsure about the traditional Irish breakfast, haha). Simply put, Plus3 Ireland is the perfect fit for me.

Managing Complex Environments was one of the classes that I could directly apply to my professional life now, so I was excited to hear that this coursework was similar. Using skills I have learned in that class as well as Business Communication will allow me to effectively communicate with the companies we are visiting. Prior to departure, my group got the opportunity to research CORE Marketing, and I am super excited about that site visit. Meade mentioned that this was a new site visit location, so it will be nice to all experience something new!

I am grateful to chronicle my adventures into a blog, it will allow me to analyze my experience, connecting it to the concepts we are learning about in the Plus3 Program as well as in my normal coursework.  I hope to gain an understanding of how the global economy functions, along with experience interacting and connecting with many different people who have much different lifestyles than my own. Both of these goals I have set for myself can only be accomplished though a program such as this one.

So, please come back to my blog and check out my posts as I keep you updated on my journey!

Slán leat!