To celebrate the University of Pittsburgh Year of Global Initiative, Pitt Business is highlighting alumni who have taken their work #ToTheWorld through international roles after graduation.
Meet Karla Geci, a 2001 graduate of Pitt Business who majored in marketing. She is head of media partnerships marketing for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa for Facebook in the company’s London office. We caught up with her recently for a brief Q&A.
How did you get to the position and location you are at now?
I’m a Pennsylvania native who has lived and worked in London since 2001. In 2014, I received my Masters in Business Administration from the London Business School and for nearly eight years, I’ve held several senior roles with Facebook in the UK.
What is the favorite aspect of your job/daily workflow?
What I love about tech, and social media in particular, is that it’s an evolution and incredibly fast-paced. We often say about the industry that the only thing constant is change. For me, that’s held my attention and intrigue for a long time, and it makes me look forward to every day.
How did Pitt Business specifically help you to get to where you are today?
Pitt Business helped me global experiences the summer after my junior year, which gave me a taste for travel and led me to BUNAC. Pitt Business also gave me the confidence and a very marketable degree which helped me land my first job in London.
Favorite Pitt Business memory?
I loved the camaraderie of the school. It was always buzzing with students, advisors, professors. I enjoyed just being there. I’m also really grateful for the advice and guidance I received, and the internship I landed thanks to Pitt Business – it really helped me figure out what I wanted to do next. In fact, it led to a job opportunity, which I ultimately turned down to head to London for six months, which turned out to be the best decision for me.
What is your advice to current students planning an international career?
I recommend learning more about BUNAC. They helped me secure my first visa, allowing me to work anywhere in the UK for six months immediately after I graduated from Pitt. It was a great experience and I’m so grateful to BUNAC for their support.
Studying and mastering a second language makes a candidate attractive to global companies and may open the door to an international opportunity. Also, consider skills and experience that are in high demand (e.g. software and mobile engineering and AI experience). Today, talented engineers can really name the city they want to work in and the company they want to work for!.
Take the Next Step
Do you have an interest in international business? Join the Pitt Business Mentoring Match Program to connect with alumni like Karla. More than 600 alumni have signed up to volunteer to help current students with career advice and networking.
