Author: Hudson Widner | Major: Accounting | Semester: Summer 2024

Myself in Cinque Terre, Italy

I had the privilege of studying abroad in Italy through the IMACC global immersion program. Our program took us through the diverse cities of Rome and Milan, where we were able to observe the similarities and differences between the historical city of Rome and the design-oriented city of Milan. I became interested in the program once I learned that the accounting department had its own study abroad course tailored to my interests. An additional bonus for me was the fact that I had met the faculty members who would be taking us abroad and had already built a very good relationship with them. The program lasted a total of 10 days during the summer semester.

Our academic experiences consisted of six business visits to distinguished companies and organizations that operate within the Italian business environment, including:

• The Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance
• LVenture
• Ernst & Young
• DLA Piper
• Cariplo Factory
• Circular Economy Lab

The goal of our program was to contextualize the accounting world abroad and build our business intelligence and acumen. At each visit, we had the opportunity to ask questions and present topics that we were assigned in our pre-trip meetings. Through teamwork, preparation, and research, we delivered compelling presentations that sparked meaningful conversations to help us understand topics beyond accounting. A few business visits that had a lasting effect on me were our visits with DLA Piper and Cariplo Factory.

At DLA Piper, we were tasked with making arguments on an Italian lawsuit. We had to take positions supporting both the defense and prosecuting sides of the argument and present our findings in a courtroom-style debate in front of real Italian lawyers. This exercise helped us understand the complexities of the legal business environment in Italy, and the attorneys ultimately chose which group presented the best argument. I enjoyed the fast-paced environment of this exercise since you had to think on your feet while supporting your own argument and discrediting your opponent.

At Cariplo Factory, an innovation studio, we learned the difference between ideas, inventions, and innovations. My biggest takeaway from this business visit was how innovation is achieved and how it influences other industries. Innovation is achieved through a non-linear path of growth and focus, requiring constant pivoting and adjustment to allow new ideas to persevere and not fall behind competing firms. One industry that promotes innovation is venture capital (VC) firms. In short, VC firms take on huge risks by investing in startup companies that hold promise for eventual exit opportunities. VC firms and startups have a competitive advantage over large established companies in the development of new ideas and innovations, leading to significant growth opportunities for investors as a startup can find its product-market fit and earn profits.

Myself in Zürich, Switzerland

After our program concluded, I was curious to contrast the environment of Italy with one of its neighboring countries. Since our program ended in Milan, I decided to take a train to Zürich, the capital of Switzerland. Luckily, one of our faculty members who led our program in Italy provided me with the contact information of a Zürich resident and former co-worker, Pierre. I was able to meet up with Pierre and take a tour of the city, where he showed me places to eat and shared the history of important buildings and banks in the area. He gave me many ideas of things to explore while I was there on my own. During my time in Zürich, I noticed many differences in culture, language, and cuisine. I was amazed at the contrast in culture I experienced from just a three-hour train ride from Milan.