CISB experience abroad leads to global career at Amazon

Maddie Casey graduated from the Foster School of Business in 2016 with a BABA, option in marketing. She also earned a Certificate of International Studies in Business and a minor in French. As part of the CISB program she spent five months living and studying in Montpellier, France in 2015. After graduation, she spent a year teaching English in Lyon, France and has recently returned to Seattle for work. Maddie reflected on how CISB shaped her career decisions.

How has CISB helped you in your career?

CISB was the whole reason I chose UW. It encouraged me to continue my language studies and showed me how well they could pay off in my future career. CISB made studying abroad a priority and made it possible for me to spend a semester abroad without falling behind in my studies. My French would not be nearly as strong if I hadn’t spent time immersed in the language, and without my language skills I wouldn’t be where I am today.

What are a few highlights from and/or fondest memories of your time abroad?

I’ve made friends that I’ll never forget while studying abroad; it creates a connection that’s hard to ignore, and I was able to meet people I never would have met within the Foster School’s brick walls. There are so many fond memories, but one of my favorites was volunteering on an organic vineyard in the Southwest of France, near Toulouse. I learned a lot about running a small business in France and my French improved dramatically! I even helped translate their About Us page into English (http://maillac.fr/organic-wines/) and gave my recommendations for how to increase their sales and reach new clientele much like in my practicum course for CISB.

What are you career plans?

About a month after returning from teaching I started a position at Amazon as a French Language Investigation Specialist, a position I wouldn’t have even known existed if not for the connections I made while abroad. I plan on continuing to use my French in a variety of roles within Amazon, hopefully some day transferring to the country that I now consider my second home. I may not know what my future holds but I do know that thanks to CISB speaking French will definitely be a part of it.