"…[M]y study of Russian has helped me develop a variety of needed capacities in the workplace: written communication, oral communication, problem solving, cultural awareness, research, and much more."
Major(s) and Certificate(s): Russian, Certificate in Criminal Justice
Graduation Year: 2022
Current Employer and Job Title: Utility Forester
What were your reasons for studying Russian as an undergraduate?
I wanted to continue to develop my language and cultural skills that I gained from living and volunteering in Russia and Kazakhstan before studying at UW-Madison.
How did your experiences in the Russian Flagship contribute to your overall undergraduate experience? Was there a particularly memorable experience you would like to share?
The Flagship Program helped me connect with like-minded students that were dedicated to improving their knowledge and language skills.
What impact did the Russian Flagship program have on your life post-graduation: academic path, career trajectory, skills developed, or anything else?
My post-graduation work/experiences have not directly included the need for Russian language skills, but my study of Russian has helped me develop a variety of needed capacities in the workplace. Some examples of the skills I was able to better develop include: written communication, oral communication, problem solving, cultural awareness, research, and much more.
What advice would you give to current Russian Flagship students?
Take advantage of every opportunity to learn and remember that language skills are needed everywhere, not just in language specific careers. Find what you enjoy doing and find a way to incorporate your knowledge into that field, unique solutions and usage of your individual skills are important!