Three International Students Students Share Their Professional Goals

Rowan University's Bonnie Williams standing outside holding two flags

Three transfer students to Rowan University share their very different goals and intended career paths as International Studies majors.

A drone view of the roads and many buildings of Rowan Boulevard on Rowan University's Glassboro campus.
A drone view of Rowan Boulevard on Rowan University’s Glassboro campus

As a major, international studies blends disciplines to deepen students’ understanding of the world. Six concentrations – international politics, economics, geography, languages, history and cultures – allow students to customize their path to fit their dreams by preparing them to analyze major issues facing the world and society. Students learn transferable skills in communication, collection and analysis of data, and research that are applicable to virtually all professional fields.

Could you describe your short-term professional goals?

“I want to get accepted into an accelerated nursing program after graduation.” – Alexa Japzon, senior from Cape May County, NJ.

“My short-term professional goal is to get accepted into law school.” – Tayliyah “Destiny” Truong, senior from Sicklerville, NJ (Camden County).

“I will be studying abroad in the fall in Colombia and gaining volunteering service learning experience.” – Bonnie Williams, senior from Downe Township, NJ (Cumberland County).

Tayliyah "Destiny" Truong walking down the stairs inside of Discovery Hall. She is wearing a maroon sweatshirt, a black vest, and holding an iPad.
Destiny

What is your long-term professional dream goal?

“My main goal in life is to be a travel nurse.” – Alexa

“My long-term professional dream goal is to become an international lawyer.” – Destiny

“Being a professor in Spain or Latin America (or both!)” – Bonnie

A silver directional road sign showing 7 different arrows and how many miles to international cities, such as Moscow 4,754 miles.
With a Rowan University degree, you can go anywhere – and these signs show you exactly how many miles it takes to get from our campus to these international cities.

What internships, clubs, networking, etc. are you involved in and how do they support your goals?

Rupac, D5, FIND org; they allow me to make connections with people in the area who share similar goals as me and inspire me to continue on my path to achieve my goals.” – Alexa

Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc, WOCA, BSU, ULA, BCL” – Destiny

I will be gaining valuable experience in my education abroad journey; I also follow and participate in many forums on the website “Reddit” related to my areas of study … forums include “Ask Latin America” , “Ask the Caribbean”, “International Relation Studies”, “Spanish Learning”, “English Learning”, “Geography” etc” – Bonnie

Bonnie Williams sitting inside of James Hall. Seen above her are a variety of international flags.
Bonnie

What Rowan professors or Rowan classes have been most helpful and enlightening to you, and how?

“The professors who have made the biggest impact on me are Professor Schug, Professor Melvin, Dr. KP and so many more.” – Alexa

“Any of Professor Shader’s classes have been the most impactful part of my Rowan experience.” – Destiny

A cultural geography course is what initially opened my eyes to the varieties of the world’s different cultures and sparked my passion for learning about the world and its many different people.” – Bonnie

A side view of an oversized Adirondack chair in Rowan yellow, with a brown torch visible. The background is a classic old brick dorm and blooming pink flowers.

How will this degree support your dreams and goals?

“This degree will support my dreams and goals because I love anything that involves economics and international worth.” – Destiny

“This degree will allow me to broaden my knowledge of the world’s people through the study of different countries, cultures, etc. It will open a door to expanding my degree or starting my professional journey right after graduation.” – Bonnie

Written by: Jordyn Dauter, junior double major in dance & elementary education