When I first heard about the World Research Assistantship Program (WRAP) at Wharton, I was immediately intrigued. The opportunity to conduct business-related research at an international university seemed like the perfect way to broaden my horizons and gain hands-on experience on a research topic of my choosing. After careful consideration and discussions with my advisors, I decided to apply, focusing on Bocconi University due to its international perspective, reputation, and location in one of my favorite cities, Milan.
When I first landed in Italy, I knew I was in for an adventure. But little did I know just how transformative these few months would be, both professionally and personally. From day one, Bocconi embraced me with open arms. I was honored to work under the guidance of Professor Miles Gietzmann, the Chair of the Accounting Department. The staff provided me with my own office, a gesture that made me feel like a true researcher from the start. This space soon became my second home as I began my research of various governance structures on protocols for loanable funds, with a special focus on liquidation rules. The resources at Bocconi were exceptional and complemented those available to me from Penn, allowing me to access databases and literature that significantly enhanced my work.
One of the highlights of my academic experience was being invited to attend the 2024 Bocconi Accounting Symposium. Listening to top scholars from around the globe present their groundbreaking research was truly inspiring. The academic papers being presented, such as about the impact of risk and monitoring on equity incentives and the strategic nondisclosure of private firms, opened my eyes to the cutting-edge discussions happening in the field.
One unexpected perk of my timing was that Italian universities were still in session when I arrived. This gave me the chance to befriend local students, offering a genuine glimpse into Italian university life and culture. Our evenings out in Milan were filled with laughter, great conversations, and, of course, amazing food.
Weekends became opportunities for exploration. I visited breathtaking cities like Florence, with its Renaissance masterpieces, and Venice, with its romantic canals. I ventured into Monaco’s luxurious streets and enjoyed the coastal beauty of Nice in France. Luckily, Como was also a 30 minute train ride away and never failed to leave me in awe of its stunning lake views and charming town.
Looking back, I realize that the WRAP program offered me so much more than just research experience. It was a journey of personal growth, cultural immersion, and academic advancement. I learned to adapt to a new research environment, enhanced my cross-cultural communication skills, and gained insights into global financial practices that I couldn’t have acquired in a traditional classroom. This summer has laid the foundation for a career that I now see stretching across borders and cultures, and I extend my thanks to WRAP, Bocconi, and all my faculty advisors for helping make this wonderful summer experience possible.