CISB alumna starts own business on the island of Saba

Meghann Halfmoon graduated from the Foster School of Business in 2001 with a BABA, option in information systems. She also earned a Certificate of International Studies in Business. She studied abroad in Nantes, France in 2000 and now lives on the island of Saba in the Caribbean. Meghann took a moment to share how CISB has influenced her career and life.

How did your CISB experience help you in your career?
I think CISB helped me more in a broad, general way than in a truly specific manner. Being a part of a group of students whose horizons extended past the boarders of the U.S. made it feel more realistic to “dream big” about living and working abroad. I also have thought back to my practicum on several occasions. While the project I worked on was focused on entering the Japanese market, and I’ve never been to Japan or even worked much in Asia, it has helped me to realize that certain customs that may seem trivial can be extremely important to a business relationship or deal.

What are a few highlights from and/or fondest memories of your study abroad experience?
Haha—my husband! I met my husband of ten years when studying at Audencia in Nantes, France, in 2000. More generally, the moment you realize you really, truly understand the culture and language. That’s a nice moment. There are of course a ton of stressful, scary moments, but a million other fun, wonderful, crazy moments.

What are your career plans?
I now have my own small business, so my plans are to continue to grow with that. But I taught business English in Frankfurt for a short period before getting my Masters of European Public Affairs in Maastricht, the Netherlands, in 2005. I then did an internship at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, went into lower-level management in a large corporation for a bit, and then got into a dream job with Plan Nederland in Amsterdam, through an unpaid internship at Plan EU in Brussels. I spent about six years writing grant proposals, mainly for EC grant funding for projects in developing countries. I got to travel all over the world, and even moved for a short period with my family to Mozambique to build the grant raising capacity of the Plan office there. In 2013, I decided it was time for a change in pace, so I left and started my own business. I now design and make clothing and leather bags from my home atelier in Saba. My plan is to include ceramics in my business.