Brian Bartley '06After graduating in 2006 from the IAS program with a global studies focus, I was a bit unsure about the degree as its title is one that most people don't readily understand. I was drawn to the IAS program because of the diverse breadth of the classes offered and believed that a diverse education would be much more beneficial to me. I am a bit of a chameleon and have done very well in different levels of my work and personal life. There were many holes in my education and the IAS degree filled those holes, allowing me to bridge the experiences in my life to build a strong outlook to my new life.
After graduation I did contract work as a quality engineer (my background prior to my degree was heavy in aircraft and quality). I was picked up by a company that is manufacturing parts for the new Boeing 787. My degree was instrumental in my success there because I had the opportunity to work with international companies. With my IAS degree I knew how to look at situations from international perspectives allowing me to negotiate an out-of-the-box deal that resulted in saving this Boeing contractor $4.3 million dollars annually over the next twenty years. This little snippet in my resume attracted an offer from Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation in Savannah Georgia. I am working as a quality engineer with the Mexican branch of the company. Well, so much for the three quarters of Japanese!
Diversity was a major focus during my recent orientation in this position and is a major buzzword for international businesses today and for the future. The IAS degree core tenants are to embrace, understand, and amplify diversity. Employers desire this well rounded education as the world becomes smaller through globalization.
As a Gulf War disabled Vet I was very fortunate to have the assistance of the disabilities and student services departments. The entire faculty and staff are incredibly helpful and supportive. I know this all sounds like an advertisement for the university, but I can honestly say that University of Washington Bothell changed my life and I know it will change yours for the best.
