Sociology/Anthropology Major – Sociology
What are you doing now?
I am currently Executive Director of Strategic International Business Development at 20th Century Fox.
How did you get to this place in your life/ career?
After learning Japanese and studying abroad in Tokyo while at Truman, I followed my passion for languages and cultural immersion; buying a one-way ticket to China in 2006 with the goal of becoming fluent in Mandarin. I then returned to the US for graduate school in 2008; attaining a master’s degree in International Management at the UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy. I continued my master’s degree studies at Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, China where I applied to and was picked up for an international business development role at the Alibaba Group. I worked at the Alibaba Group’s small business unit from their Hangzhou global HQ for three years and then relocated to their US regional HQ in Silicon Valley. I was later internally recruited to join their Alibaba Pictures business unit in Los Angeles, working there for two years before taking an offer from 20th Century Fox for my current role.
Do you have any advice for Truman students who are interested in going to graduate school?
Definitely go for it. Graduate school is an opportunity to refine your current path while adding an additional layer of knowledge and skills for new areas in which you wish to grow.
How has the education you’ve received from Truman helped you?
The breadth of subject matter, caliber of professors, and exposure to new opportunities such as study abroad have all had a tremendously positive impact on my life and career path.
Is/are there any particular class(es) that you’re glad you took? Did you like it/them at the time?
My favorite classes were Sociolinguistics, Logic, and Japanese.
What is your favorite memory of your time at Truman?
Hanging out with friends by the fountain to share ideas and talk about the future.
Do you have any advice for someone wanting to go into the same line of work as you?
The path will be long and non-linear but will make sense when you look back on it; make the most of each opportunity in the short run along the way and you will do just fine in the long run.
What do you miss most about campus life/living in Kirksville?
The sense of community and scholarly energy.
More Alumni Spotlights>>Are you a SOAN Truman graduate?
If you’re interested in sharing information about what you’re doing now, go to our SOAN Alumni Spotlight Submission Form.