A Bittersweet Goodbye: What I will take away from my time abroad

As I reflect on my time in Rome, I am filled with immense gratitude for the experiences and opportunities that this past month has brought me. Participating in this study abroad program has not only broadened my cultural horizons but also significantly deepened my academic and professional understanding of industrial engineering.

During the program, I enrolled in two courses: Project Management and Engineering Economic Analysis. Each course offered a unique lens into the field of industrial engineering, combining classroom learning with immersive educational visits to various corporations operating at the forefront of innovation and industry.

In Engineering Economic Analysis, I gained practical insights into financial decision-making within an engineering context. The course provided valuable tools for evaluating costs, benefits, and trade-offs—skills I know I will carry with me throughout my career and personal financial planning. One of the most impactful site visits related to this course was to Hitachi Rail, where we were given a behind-the-scenes look at how high-speed trains are assembled. Observing their process firsthand, despite the operational and logistical challenges they face, made the concepts we studied in class come to life in a meaningful and memorable way.



In Project Management, I learned how to effectively lead teams, allocate resources, and break down complex problems into manageable steps toward sustainable solutions. The course emphasized structured methodologies like work breakdown structures and critical path analysis. One visit that particularly resonated with me was to Enel, a global leader in sustainable energy. Their commitment to providing clean and affordable energy in the face of limited resources and spatial constraints demonstrated the real-world relevance of project management principles and underscored the importance of innovation and adaptability in engineering.

Overall, this experience has been transformative—academically, professionally, and personally. The combination of rigorous coursework and exposure to international industry leaders has given me a more holistic understanding of industrial engineering and its global applications. I am incredibly thankful for the knowledge I’ve gained, the professionals I’ve met, and the unforgettable experiences I’ve had in Rome.

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