Penn Abroad Ambassador Rachel Wang

Program:

• GRIP: Business in Sydney

Ask me about...

One unique aspect of my experience that other students should ask me about is the freedom of traveling to a variety of places while interning in Sydney. The city’s close geographic location to many stunning natural landscapes and vibrant urban areas provided me with endless opportunities to explore.

From the crisp cool breeze of a mild Sydney winter to the excitement of discovering new places, my summer was filled with firsts. Sydney’s accessibility allowed me to take spontaneous trips, like a two-hour train ride to the coastal town of Kiama, where I enjoyed the serene beaches and breathtaking coastal views. On another occasion, I ventured into the Blue Mountains, just a short journey away, to hike through lush forests and marvel at the iconic Three Sisters rock formation.

Within the city itself, the light rail made it easy to explore diverse neighborhoods. I spent evenings sampling the culinary delights of Chinatown, soaking in the vibrant nightlife, and strolling through the central business district. Each day was an adventure, whether I was playing the grand piano in the Queen Victoria Building or gazing at the sails of the Sydney Opera House at sunset.

This experience wasn’t just about the destinations but also about the personal growth that came with pushing myself out of my comfort zone. Being in such a dynamic and accessible environment encouraged me to embrace new experiences, from snorkeling to skydiving, and to let the spirit of exploration fuel my summer transformation.

My Experience Abroad:

During my summer internship in Sydney, I had the opportunity to work on a project involving stock tracking AI, which significantly aligned with my coursework and long-term goals in finance and consulting. One of my key tasks was to develop a PowerPoint presentation exploring how artificial intelligence and machine learning could be used to verify stock claims made by businesses for lending purposes. Initially, I believed that compiling a large volume of research would showcase my knowledge, but I quickly realized that an overwhelming amount of information could obscure the key insights and actionable recommendations necessary in a professional setting.

This internship experience taught me the value of focusing on quality over quantity, a lesson that directly relates to the analytical and strategic skills emphasized in my academic program. My coursework in finance has stressed the importance of clear, concise communication, especially when dealing with complex topics like AI and machine learning. Throughout the internship, I honed my ability to synthesize vast amounts of information, organizing my findings into broad categories to make them more digestible and impactful.

As I prepared to present my findings to a leading executive at Macquarie, Australia’s largest global financial services group, I adopted a "big picture" mindset, ensuring that my recommendations were clear, direct, and actionable. This experience not only deepened my understanding of AI applications in finance but also reinforced my commitment to pursuing a career in consulting, where the ability to provide strategic, well-communicated advice is paramount.

Other Highlights:

• Skydiving: The second I leaped out of the plane, the world sprawled out beneath me in a brilliant mosaic of blues and greens. The rush of adrenaline was overwhelming at first, but it quickly transformed into pure exhilaration. My legs sprawled out in the banana shape I had practiced, and I felt a huge grin splashed across my face. As I parachuted down, I marveled at the breathtaking views, steering the parachute with a sense of awe and joy. It was a moment of pure freedom, with the world at my feet and the reins in my hands.

• Exploring the Great Barrier Reef: Snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef was an experience I’ll never forget. The reef was alive with vibrant marine life—schools of neon-colored fish, a massive clam, and even a curious reef shark. But there was also devastation; large sections of the reef were shrouded in a gloomy brown, a stark reminder of the effects of coral bleaching. The experience was both mesmerizing and sobering, as I witnessed the beauty and fragility of one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders.

• Sydney Opera House Concerts: Watching Yiruma, the world-famous pianist known for "River Flows in You," perform at the Sydney Opera House was nothing short of magical. The swirling lights and stunning acoustics created an ethereal atmosphere, and as the notes of the piano filled the hall, I was completely entranced. It was a moment that perfectly captured the cultural richness and beauty of Sydney.