My favorite travel memory is my trip to San Franciso. It was a four-day trip where I explored the city on my own and visit the most iconic places San Franciso is known for. My first stop was the Golden Gate Bridge of course. I recall being soaked in the rain and treating myself to a warm cup of coffee at a coffee shop facing the Golden Gate Bridge. My next stop was the Ghiradelli square and their hot chocolate was the best I have had thus far. Every tourist that visits San Franciso takes a walk down Lombard street; which is a steep, narrow street known for its eight hairpin turns. Fisherman's Wharf is one of the busiest tourist areas in San Francisco and one should not miss out on being treated to its popular clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls at one of the local restaurants. Like any other popular city, San Franciso to has a China town. For those who appreciate art and nature, San Franciso offers many art museums and gardens that you can explore. The Victorian Style houses which are now apartments and the iconic cable cars speak of the history of this city. Don't forget to try hop into local coffee shops in San Francisco if you love to expand your caffeine experiences. I recommend starting from The Buena Vista; known for its signature Irish coffee since 1916.
Staff Spotlight: Kithmi Pathirana
Photos
What is your favorite travel memory?
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
Capital Placement is all about work-life balance. The company culture encourages travel, fitness, and exploring the unknown! I was encouraged to pursue things that I have been wanting to do for myself for many years but I only found the time and confidence to execute them after I started working for Capital Placement.
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
The best story I've heard from return students is that interning abroad has changed his perspective on life as a whole. Being exposed to people from different cultures and living in a new environment has really pushed him to move out of his comfort zone. Interning abroad is well beyond learning transferable skills. It's about developing open-mindedness and experiencing diversity.
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
We offer programs in London, New York, and Singapore. I have already been to Singapore and the United States. Therefore, I would love to explore London as I have never been there. Our London Summer program is a short-term program that allows you to intern for a London-based employer and experience life in London. The program also provides accommodation which makes it hassle-free.
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
What's unique about Capital Placement is its diversity and we are all passionate about traveling and exploring the unknown. We are a global team with a great cultural mix and all of us have lived abroad for work or education or both! This makes us a team that lives by what Capital Placement offers - an international experience.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
Empathy and transparency. These I believe are two key factors that contribute to being a successful company. Being transparent in our business processes and how we operate as a business establishes trust in our customers, teammates, and all other stakeholders in the business. Having empathy allows you to gain a deeper understanding of what is expected by the other individual. This level of awareness and understanding are needed to work harmoniously and to meet and exceed customer expectations in a business.