Hi! My name is Carly Grimm, and I am a junior at the University of Pittsburgh majoring in marketing with an overall goal of one day owning my own business. Personally, I would describe myself as someone who is constantly looking for new experiences and ways to grow-whether that is traveling, trying something new outside my comfort zone, or staying busy with activities that keep me learning in different ways. I’m someone who loves being active and balancing a lot at once, and I have found that I do my best when i’m involved, engaged, and always moving toward something new. Outside of academics, I enjoy hiking, working out, playing guitar, reading, and generally staying active in any form I can.

Academically and professionally, I am focused on building a strong foundation in marketing and business strategy, with particular interest in how brands connect with people and grow in competitive markets. On campus, I am involved in American Marketing Association, and Phi Beta Lambda, both of which have helped me develop leadership, teamwork, and professional skills while connecting me with other students who share similar interests. I also work part-time as a barista at my local coffee shop, Silver Horse Coffee, where I have learned a lot about customer service communication, and working in fast-paced environment. In the winter, I work as a part-time ski instructor at Seven Springs Mountain Resort, which strengthened my patience, adaptability, and ability to teach and communicate with people of different skill levels.

I have chosen the Pitt Plus3 Germany program because it combines academic learning, cultural immersion, and real-world business exposure in a way that feels completely relevant to my interests and goals. This study abroad program builds on Pitt Business coursework through a collaborative research project with students from the University of Augsburg, Germany. In addition to the academic component, we will tour local and multinational companies, attend lectures, visit cultural sites, and work closely with German students, creating a truly immersive international experience.

I am especially excited about the program’s focus on the global automotive industry and the rapid transformation it is undergoing, particularly the shift toward electric vehicles and sustainability innovation. Germany’s leadership in this industry makes it an ideal place to explore these changes firsthand. Through this experience, I hope to better understand how global companies adapt to major industry disruptions and how supply chains evolve in response to new technologies and environmental priorities. Personally, I hope this trip helps me grow more independent and confident navigating new environments. Academically, I want to connect what I have learned in marketing and business to real global industries. Professionally, I hope it helps me move closer to my long-term goal of building and running my own business with a strong global perspective.