Broadening perspective through global experiences

Q: Tell us about your background.

A:  I grew up in a small community in Vermont with limited exposure to different cultures, and coming to Northeastern University for undergrad was a big shift. Suddenly, I was surrounded by people from all over the world, and even simple interactions, like meeting classmates in the dining hall, opened my eyes to both our differences and how much we share. 

That experience sparked my curiosity about the world and led me to pursue global opportunities throughout college. I participated in two Dialogue of Civilizations programs, including experiences in South Korea and Lyon, France, and later returned to Lyon for a semester abroad at CEFAM Centre d'Études Franco-Américain de Management. I also worked as a program assistant in Brazil and Thailand, where I gained firsthand experience navigating different cultures and ways of working. Each opportunity deepened my understanding of how culture influences business and ultimately shaped my interest in pursuing an international business career. 

Q: Why did you choose to pursue an MS in International Business at D'Amore-McKim? 

A: I wanted a master's degree that would build on my international experiences, but also push me to think more strategically about how business really works across different markets. D'Amore-McKim immediately stood out because it felt like a continuation of everything I valued at Northeastern, just at a deeper, more focused level. 

What really made my decision easy, though, was the strength of the community. I'd already experienced professors who bring real-world insight into the classrooms, and genuinely care about your growth, and I knew that would continue. There's also something powerful about being part of such a global network. I feel connected to opportunities beyond my classes.    

Becoming a Double Husky just made sense for me. The alumni tuition discount was definitely a bonus, but more importantly, it felt like the right place to keep building momentum. 

Q: Tell us about your Global Field Study experience. 

A: The Global Field Study was one of the most impactful parts of my graduate experience. During a one-week immersive program, we traveled to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Brussels as well as surrounding areas, meeting with a range of public and private organizations including government agencies, cultural institutions, and companies that brought global business concepts to life in practice. 

At the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management in the Netherlands, we learned about nationwide EV adoption, and we also visited companies like LG and Johnson & Johnson MedTech to see how global organizations approach innovation and strategy across markets. 

Then in Amsterdam at the Rijksmuseum, we met with the head of digital and marketing, who shared how the museum uses storytelling, branding, and AI in an ethical way to enhance the visitor experience. It was my favorite visit because it brought together my interests in history, museums, marketing, and storytelling. 

We connected on LinkedIn, and she even encouraged me to reach out once I finish my program. Experiences like that really stand out because they're connections I would not have made without Northeastern's global reach, and they've made the experience feel even more meaningful and lasting. 

Q: How is the Graduate Career Center supporting your career goals?  

A: I'll graduate at the end of August and I plan to stay in in the area and pursue roles in marketing or branding with an international focus. The Graduate Career Center has already been a valuable resource, especially in helping me refine my resumé and think more intentionally about how I present my experience. 

Q:  What advice would you share with future students?

 A:  Take advantage of every opportunity D'Amore-McKim offers. The support is there through professors, career services, and global programs, but the impact depends on how actively you use them. Talk to professors, ask questions, and say yes to experiences that may feel unfamiliar at first. 

The more open and proactive you are, the more you get out of those opportunities, both personally and professionally.