VARSITY ATHLETICS

July 20, 2009

Basketball player learns in Germany and Pittsburgh...

By Junior Forward Alex Hildebrandt

All of my life I have been accustomed to enjoying a relaxing three months away from school when classes let out for the summer. This year, however, when I finished my final exams on May 8th I had something quite different to look forward to. On May 16th I boarded a plane to Frankfurt, Germany, along with twelve other students from Case Western Reserve University. During the two weeks that I spent in Germany I took away a great deal of valuable memories that will last a lifetime. The primary purpose of the trip was to take a class, called Management 315, at the University of Frankfurt: Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University. The course, aimed primarily toward business students such as myself, proved to be very beneficial as it covered many of the ins and outs of European Integration and the European Union. Aside from the coursework, I think I speak for all of the other students when I point out that the most memorable moments of the trip abroad came away from the classroom. The other students and I took tours of such unique places as the Rhine River Valley, a family owned wine vineyard, the Possman Apple Wine production facilities, The European Central Bank, and Deutsche Bank, just to name a few. In addition to having the opportunity to explore a culture much different than mine, I was able to build friendships with several students whom I had never met before.

On May 30th it was time to pack my suitcase and head home, but I had little time to relax. After arriving home I had to immediately pack my bags once again, only this time it was going to be for the whole summer. I am one of the very fortunate students who were accepted into the internship program at PNC Bank in Pittsburgh, the location of the bank’s corporate headquarters. After an incredible first week at work I made the drive back home because my brother, Dan, was to be married on June 6th. The wedding was such an amazing experience. Not only was I excited to see my brother get married, but I was also honored to assume the role as his best man. The wedding and the reception were both wonderful and I had a great time visiting with family and friends.

I am currently about halfway through my internship working in the Commercial Segment of the Corporate Bank at PNC Bank. So far it has been a phenomenal learning experience. I have been keeping very busy by working Monday through Friday; going on client calls with my supervisors, attending intern events, and by playing in basketball summer league games four nights a week. It has also been a pleasure to explore a city that was previously unfamiliar to me. I am thrilled with the opportunity that I have been given. I have gained such valuable exposure in the field that I hope to pursue it as my career one day. I am incredibly lucky to be in this position and I am very eager to see what the rest of the summer has in store.

Posted by: Creg Jantz July 20, 2009 11:13 AM | Category: Men's Basketball

Posted by: cnj4 (Creg Jantz) July 20, 2009 11:13 AM | Comments (0) | Trackback