Middlebury Institute graduates discuss where they are working today, how the Institute helped them get there, and what advice they’d give to current and future MIIS students.
My name is Julia Kelley and I graduated with an MA in International Education Management from the Middlebury Institute in 2016. My language of study was French and I interned with Middlebury Schools Abroad in Paris, France. After graduating I transitioned to a new role as a program officer with the Schools Abroad, and I recently started a new position as student affairs coordinator for the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at McGill University in Montreal, Canada.
As a student in the International Education Management program, I was required to complete a practicum. After making arrangements to complete my practicum with the Middlebury Schools Abroad site in Paris, France, I was offered an internship (and then later a paid position) at my practicum site. My practicum was crucial to finding my current job. I had a very supportive team of colleagues, and when a position opened up at my site, I was directly offered the job.
After two years in that position, I then worked in Australia and New Zealand for about four years, mainly doing seasonal work in agriculture and hospitality, which enabled me to travel around and explore both countries. Although I spent this time working outside the field of my studies, I had a great experience and learned a lot.
Today I’m living in Montreal, working at McGill University. My education and experiences at MIIS and the Middlebury Schools Abroad definitely helped me in my job search, and I use my French in my daily life and work in Montreal.
I would advise students to utilize the Middlebury Institute network as much as possible. I’m very grateful for the Middlebury Institute’s connection with Middlebury Schools Abroad, because this professional network opened up the possibilities for my practicum and then eventually led to my jobs at the Middlebury Schools Abroad and beyond.
| by Sayre Weir MAIEM ’20
“Time flies, so take advantage of your time in the program to build relationships with peers and faculty.” Sayre Weir MAIEM ’20 describes what it takes to land an assistant director role in international student life.
| by Yuki Ueda MAIEM ’17
“Your friends, faculty, and career advisor can help you amplify the range of your search, but only if you are vocal about the kinds of work you enjoy.” Yuki Ueda MAIEM ’17 describes how the Institute helped launch a career in experiential learning programs.
| by Clara Clymer
Middlebury Institute alumna Carol Lin shares how her practicum at Sciences Po Bordeaux turned into a full-time job; Sciences Po Bordeaux students take advantage of Middlebury Institute offerings during their exchange semester.
