In our Corporate Social Responsibility class this week, we all presented our research and findings on our group paper topics. Some presentations I found really interesting were on Cancel Culture and AI and Corporate Social Responsibility. It was interesting to hear about how AI and Cancel Culture both add to our generation. I learned how AI is transforming the progress of production and how information is shared, and how cancel culture actually makes a difference in corporations’ behavior. I presented our topic on ESG-Based Investing with Charlie and Addy, and I think researching this topic helped me understand how important it is for companies to invest in our environment, their workers, and all ESG practices. This will also lead to long-term success and allow our economy to prosper while companies are making a profit. Since this is the last week taking this course, I wanted to reflect on the entire class. It is crazy to think about how much knowledge I gained in seven weeks by listening to others, forming my own opinions on these topics, and debating them in arguments. This class has shown me that I can speak on my opinions and not be afraid to share them. I also improved on listening to others who might offer another perspective and think about it in relation to my own. In my next classes at Lehigh, I will take everything I learned and speak in class more because I really saw how participating allows me to absorb the information being presented. I also will be continuing to read Wall Street Journals and staying informed about what’s going on in our world today. I will take everything from this course into my interviews, career, and use for the rest of my life.
In our internship seminar class this week, we presented our chosen topics based on Italy and information we researched while adding what we learned in class. I enjoyed learning more about the different cultures and how race and ethnicity differ in Milan. I also presented on sustainability in Italy, specifically the government regulations that make an impact. I learned a lot of sustainable practices in Italy that I will take home with me, including separating my trash and using more public transportation. This class has taught me how to adapt to Italian culture and be a successful intern. I will take everything I learn from the seminar into my internship next summer and my future job. I am also looking forward to the going-away dinner on Friday.
In my internship this week, Sophie and I finished our business plan for the SOSpesa project. From the first week at Off Campus, I had a great time working with my coworkers from Politecnico University, other interns from Italy, and Sophie, who is also in the Lehigh in Milan group. From the start, everyone was so welcoming and kind. Throughout the weeks, I enjoyed getting to know my coworkers, getting coffee, lunch, or just talking in the office. They were very encouraging of Sophie and me learning Italian and would often teach us phrases and then help us practice when out of the office. Some notable things I learned off-campus were how to conduct a case study, data analysis on a certain topic, and how to design an effective presentation. These skills actually helped me a lot when putting together our presentations for class this week. I also really enjoyed an event we got to attend with a company they are partnering with called the Hub. There was a presentation and ribbon-cutting for the new fridge they will be using to hold fresh food to be later donated. It was so cool to see the things they plan finally in action. Lastly, I am excited for an aperitivo with all of our coworkers Thursday night and thank them for having us for the summer.
In Milan this weekend, I stayed in Milan and got to see and try many foods I never had before. To wrap up my entire time here, although I am ready to get back home and see all my family and friends, I could not talk enough about how much I enjoyed having this experience. I am really gonna miss being here and the people here. I have made such great friends and such a great group of people. I think I have learned so much about Italian culture in such a short time and will definitely be coming back. I have never lived alone before and this experience showed me that I can do it on my own and made me feel ready to start working in the real world one day. This inspired me to go apply to go abroad again in the spring and experience a new culture in Sydney, Australia. I want to thank Professor Gupta for all the valuable teachings and knowledge you shared with us. And thank you to Professor Gupta, IES, and Lehigh for giving me the opportunity to participate in this program.
