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Alissa Bibb '03
Program Officer: American Councils for International Education
Briefly, what is it that you do?
I administer study abroad programs to Russia, Eurasia, and Southeastern Europe. We send mostly undergraduates, but also grad students and faculty/teachers abroad.
What, if any, obstacles did you face trying to get your first job in this field?
The only obstacle is that my job is in Washington DC - I had to move out of the Northeast to find a job in this field.
What advice would you give to students interested in working in your field?
There are lots of different opportunities available in the study abroad field, both domestically and abroad. Most university study abroad offices require some prior experience, and working for NGOs or government organizations that fund study abroad are great ways to get in to the profession. A stint in the Peace Corps or other abroad experience post-school can also strengthen your credentials.
What are some of the activities you were involved in while at SLU?
Track and Field, Student Athlete Advisory Council, FYP TA... I studied abroad twice and was a Multi-Language major (Russian, French, Japanese, Arabic) and history minor.
How can students best prepare themselves while at SLU?
Studying abroad is essential, as is learning a language. Although my Russian skills are important in my job, the skills that one gains from a liberal arts education - writing clearly and persuasively, critical thinking, understanding different worldviews, and multi-tasking (!) - are even more important.
In retrospect, is there anything you would have done differently with regard to your career?
I've only been in the "career" part of my life for three years, and I have been incredibly lucky to find a job in my field that I enjoy, and to work with great colleagues and a wonderful boss - the importance of which can't be underestimated.
What are your future plans?
In the future I would like to move back to the Northeast and perhaps find work at a University Study Abroad office.
Are you willing to talk with students interested in a career in your field? If so, how may they best contact you?
Yes, certainly. Email - bibb@americancouncils.org
Additional Alumni Profiles:
John Marino, '83 : Vice President for Marketing, Actelion Pharmaceuticals, South San Francisco, CA
Dawn Montanye, '89 : Manager of Conservation Economics, World Wildlife Fund Northern Great Plains Program, Bozeman, Montana
Amanda Valenta '04 : Senior Audit Associate, McGladrey & Pullen, LLP
Moira Collins '84 : Senior Vice President, Product Development, Gartner, Inc.
Bruce E. Seely '75: Professor History and Department Chair, Department of Social Sciences, Michigan Technological University
Mark Tavern '94: Director, A&R Administration at the
RCA Music Group, a unit of SONY BMG Music Entertainment and home of the J, Arista and RCA record labels.
Anthony (Tony) Ross '75, M'78: Vice President for Student
Affairs California State University, Los Angeles
George Ashline '89: Associate Professor of Mathematics, Saint Michael's College, Colchester, VT
Alissa Bibb '03, Program Officer: American Councils for International Education
Rick Persons, '83, Senior Television Producer, PGA TOUR Productions
Ronald T. Burkman, M.D., '65 Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Ken
Dowling ‘84, Executive Vice President, Grey Worldwide
Advertising
David Dusek ’93, Senior Managing Editor
of golfonline.com
Noelle Laing ‘03, Senior Consulting Associate
at Cambridge Associates
Dan Lee 05', Investment Banking Analyst, Cochran,
Caronia & Co.
Armand A. Rapetti ’73, President, CEO:
JBS & Associates, Lakeland, FL
Ken Polk & '91, Major Accounts District
Manager: Automatic Data Processing, Williamsville, NY
Wendy Davidson Freihammer & #8217;94,
Financial Advisor: American Express Financial Advisors, Cambridge, MA
Mayela C. (Calabria) Harris '87, Family
Therapist (Social Worker): Hospice of Wake County, Raleigh, NC
Peter J. Dalton '94, Affiliate Support
Manager: Habitat for Humanity International
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