MA (Hons) European Studies, 2000
From Aberdeen to Building Economies
Your Time at Aberdeen
Why did you choose to study at Aberdeen?
Aberdeen was the best institution to teach European Studies at the time, and when I visited the campus I found it beautiful and historic, similar to the environment I had grown up in.
Why did you choose your particular course?
Aberdeen's European Studies program was the highest rated in the UK at the time.
What did you most enjoy about your time at Aberdeen? Did you have any particularly memorable student experiences?
I enjoyed meeting new people and making friendships that lasted many years.
If while at Aberdeen you took part in a foreign exchange, e.g. Erasmus or Study Abroad, where did you go and what did you do?
My 3rd year was spent in Spain, working as an English as a second language teacher, and later as the director of a center teaching English and other subjects to children.
If talking to a group of prospective students, what advice would you give them to help them make the most of their time at the University of Aberdeen?
Visit the Special Collections library.
Your Time After Aberdeen
What was the title of your first job after graduating from Aberdeen?
Customer Service Representative at Agilent Technologies.
What did your first role involve?
Order fulfilment for a US technology company with customers in the UK.
What is your current job title?
President of the Research Park at Florida Atlantic University.
Who is your current employer?
Florida Atlantic Research and Development Authority.
What is your current role?
Economic development, leadership.
Please briefly describe the journey from your first job after graduating to where you are now.
Every experience I've had in the workplace has built my character and knowledge, growing in responsibility and leadership. I've gone from customer service to economic development, performing roles in multiple countries and situations, which has given me a broad perspective.
Was your degree at Aberdeen essential for getting to where you are now? If so, in what way?
It was essential in that it taught me how to think critically and how to approach both business and government. European studies involves a broad array of subjects so I have knowledge and perspective from many schools of thought and backgrounds.
