“A 2002 vacation marked a pivotal point in my life – it was the first time I had set foot outside the United States. Haiti and the Bahamas were not just amazing, but life changing. Experiencing new cultures and witnessing lifestyles far different from my own, I connected with my destiny. I left the Caribbean with a personal promise to better understand the world that evolved quickly into an inexorable passion to pursue a global career. 

The Patterson School helped translate that promise and passion into reality. Trade Policy, Globalization, Energy Security, Geopolitical Modeling, and Conflict Resolution are just a sampling of the courses where I gained the fundamental tools needed to be competitive in the international job market. Patterson stood apart from like programs by hosting conferences, lectures, simulations, and field trips (yes, field trips!) exclusively for its intimate group of students. Connecting coursework with internships and an eclectic mix of extracurricular activities proved symbiotic. Lastly, one of the Patterson School's most notable aspects was that it offered all this at an affordable price.

While many of my Patterson colleagues chose career paths in the public or non-profit sectors, I set my sights on the private sector. During my studies I landed a long-term internship in the International Sales division of Big Ass Fans (BAF), an innovative local manufacturer that had established a connection with the School. This practical experience, coupled with my advanced Patterson degree, evolved into a full-time position as an International Sales Coordinator upon graduation. In this role, I helped the company successfully manage and grow its international exports. 

In 2010, I moved to General Cable Corporation, a Fortune 500 company that is the world's third largest producer of wire and cable (about $5 billion in revenue, with manufacturing operations in 28 countries and sales virtually everywhere). I was hired as an International Sales Representative, primarily to manage key international and US exporter accounts. My comprehension of US trade agreements (NAFTA/CAFTA), international trade regulations, export compliance, and global markets helped me shine in this position and made it possible to shift – just a year and a half later – from sales to a position in the business segment of the company at GCC headquarters. I now use my analytical, negotiation, communication, and conflict resolution skills every day to help develop and carry out strategic business decisions.

General Cable's slogan is "One Company Connecting the World." We do this via copper, aluminum, and fiber-optic wire Patterson is one School Connecting the Student – by providing the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary for success – to the World. My connection with the Patterson School delivered the bandwidth, clarity and network needed to be successful in international commerce.”