For Abhinav Srinivasan, working at the Global Hub, an interactive space at the University of Pittsburgh designed to expose students to the world, was more than his first student job; it was his introduction to the power that cultural exchange and community can hold.
A Computer Science and Data Science major at Pitt’s School of Computing and Information, Abhinav graduated a semester early and completed his degree in December 2024. Today, he works in Pittsburgh as an Associate Technical Engineer at enGen, Highmark Health’s health tech subsidiary.
As a Global Hub Student Ambassador during the summer of 2023, Abhinav worked on a variety of projects, ranging from working on digital signage and media production for the Experience Wall, an interactive display supporting cultural programming, alongside the Global Hub staff. These experiences exposed him early on to perspectives and traditions from around the world while allowing him to help create welcoming spaces for international and domestic students alike.
The Global Hub is part of the University Center for International Studies (UCIS)/Pitt Global and is located on the ground floor of the Wesley W. Posvar Hall. It serves as a meeting and event space for students with the goal of fostering global citizenship, cultural awareness, and diverse communities.
“Abhinav has been a great example of how Global Hub Student Ambassadors leave their own legacies and cultivate a sense of belonging and inclusion at Pitt,” Molly McSweeney, Assistant Director for Student and Community Engagement, UCIS, said, reflecting on Srinivasan’s experiences. “I love seeing him carry that work forward now at enGen,” she continued.
Despite transitioning from student life to the professional world, Abhinav has maintained his connection to the UCIS/Global Hub community and occasionally returns for events and programs. He sees the values that came through mentorship during his time with Pitt Global, and this inspires his continued commitment to inclusion and cultural understanding, which has carried into his professional career. Earlier this year, Abhinav was elected Vice Chair of Highmark's EAST (Exploring Asian Societies and Traditions) Business Resource Group, an employee-led organization focused on celebrating Asian cultures, promoting inclusion, and advocating for mental health awareness. Through this role, he recently invited representatives from the Global Hub and the Asian Studies Center to participate in a tabling event celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage and community.
Reflecting on his time at Pitt Global, Abhinav credits the Global Hub with introducing him to people and perspectives that helped shape both his personal and professional growth.
"Diversity and surrounding yourself with people from different backgrounds and cultures challenge you and help you grow within yourself," he shared. "Especially when you're young and still forming your worldview, having people around you with different experiences helps challenge and expand your perspective."
That lesson continues to influence his work today through his involvement in Business Resource Groups, where he collaborates with professionals from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. "Even now, being surrounded by talented people from different backgrounds gives you access to wisdom and unique perspectives you may not otherwise encounter," he said. “It challenges your initial way of thinking.”
Abhinav also encourages current students and young professionals to advocate for themselves and their ideas. "The way things are currently done in an organization isn't necessarily the only or the right way," he said. "Don't let that deter you from sharing your ideas or creating change. If you want to get something done, carve your own path to make it happen."
For current students at Pitt Global, his story serves as a reminder that the connections formed through cultural engagement and community involvement can have an impact far beyond their graduation date.
Written by Bridget Joyce
