For many students at The University of Alabama, studying abroad is yet another chance to develop the leadership skills and real-world experience needed to succeed in today’s world. Caleb Pierce, a senior business major, was one of 10 students who traveled to Cambodia with the UA in Asia program.
The program introduces UA students to innovation and entrepreneurship in emerging Asian markets. Students are provided the opportunity to directly interact with companies and executives from various market industries as a way to grow their skills outside of a classroom setting.
“One of the sites I visited in Cambodia was an entrepreneurial business that focused on helping street vendors, the majority of whom were women,” Caleb said. “That company was dedicated to helping people invest in these businesses.”
Caleb said that one of the most valuable lessons he learned abroad was problem-solving in real-world situations.
“At the end of the day, when you come from a different country, your mindset is completely different,” he said. “I want to be able to minimize conflict and be able to create solutions.”
In addition to his study abroad trip to Cambodia, Caleb also completed a nine-week internship at TD Ameritrade, which was recently acquired by Charles Schwab. He was able to familiarize himself with various aspects of the business world, including interacting with actual clients and shadowing traders engaging in live market trades. He also worked in investor services, a position that he said he found himself “falling in love with.”
For students like Caleb, many of these learning opportunities are not possible without the generosity of donors supporting programs like those Caleb participated in. As a first-generation college student, Caleb said he was fortunate that his parents encouraged him to apply for college, but that many students do not have that support system in place.
“When I came to The University of Alabama, my thinking was all over the place,” he said. “Now, it’s more strategic and planned. Looking back to when I was younger, I felt at first, I really didn’t need college. But now, I feel like I’ve found myself, and it was exactly what I needed to begin with.”
These real-world opportunities have helped Caleb develop a clear vision for his future. He said he hopes to apply to graduate school and sees himself working in private equity or as a data analyst.
The Rising Tide Capital Campaign continues to provide students with funding that allows them to participate in these opportunities and reach their fullest potential.
“Giving is such a good way to help someone’s who’s less fortunate than you,” Caleb said. “If you wait to give, you may realize later the number of opportunities you missed to impact someone’s life for the better.”
