What is your job/position?
Team Lead for AR, Revenue and Project Operations at the Institute of International Education. I manage a small team in the finance department where I work on special projects and ensure our nonprofit's cash and revenue are recorded correctly.
Describe the path that took you from your American Studies degree to your current career or life situation.
In my last semester at BYU, I interned at the Institute of International Education in Washington, DC, through the Washington Seminar program. I knew I wanted to do international work because I loved the lens of "how other nations perceive Americans." My coursework at BYU had focused on Political Science, History, and International Relations with a healthy dose of Humanities. I minored in French and studied abroad in Paris as well. When I found an internship highlighting international exchanges and promoting peace and mutual understanding, I knew that was where I wanted to be. Initially I thought I wanted to work for the State Department. However, I quickly learned while working with the State Department at the nonprofit that I preferred working on the private side of international exchange. Unlike some common stereotypes of my millennial generation, I have not bounced around jobs. The nonprofit is large enough that I have been able to work in different departments and have found a lot of fulfillment with supporting organizational goals in the finance department. Over the last 14 years, I have managed program delivery, implemented and supported users in the use of new financial software, and worked on various special projects.
What are the specific competencies you cultivated as an American Studies student that you now use in your professional life and that set you apart from your colleagues?
I loved the multi-disciplinary coursework from being an American Studies major. I found that my interests and understanding could pivot and look through different lenses to find many answers to the same questions. It has been critical for me to consider many perspectives when working with diverse colleagues and sponsors. I believe that being able to have that shifting perspective has allowed me mobility and longevity within my organization.
What are some of the surprising ways in which your American Studies degree has helped you in your professional or personal life?
Trick question! I am never surprised when I see the value and worth of my degree. It was fun to obtain, and I am joyfully reminded of why I loved it every time I can answer a trivia question or simply share insight about America with colleagues and friends. Sometimes it surprises me how much of an impact it still has on me!
What do you wish you had known as an American Studies student? What advice would you share with current students?
I wish I had known more about the value of engaging with other students and colleagues, including publishing and presenting at conferences. Even though my current position is not in academia, my organization works with higher education institutions. I really enjoyed attending the Popular Culture Association conference and engaging in new topics there.