Tracking the Class of 2020

by Katie Gortz on 03/25/2021

03/25/2021

The Class of 2020, at SLU-Madrid and across the world, overcame formidable odds in completing their university studies and transitioning to the working world in the midst of the global pandemic. Despite high rates of unemployment particularly among youth, 90%* of SLU-Madrid's Class of 2020 respondents are currently working or pursuing graduate degrees full-time.

The Class of 2020 have begun their professional careers or are continuing their education in 12 different countries. They are spread across the globe in France, Germany, Italy, Morocco, the Netherlands, Paraguay, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Within three months of finishing her studies at SLU-Madrid, Cristina Bell began the Customization Trainee program at Mondelēz International. She said, "SLU-Madrid has taught me many things, many of them being life lessons I'll hold close for the rest of my life. Being such an international and diverse community, SLU-Madrid has given me the capability to adapt and work with people from all over the world. At SLU-Madrid, I had a chance to learn from other people's perspectives from different backgrounds and cultures, and go beyond my comfort zone.”

Among the businesses and nonprofits now employing SLU-Madrid graduates are the Fulbright Commission, Mondelēz International, The Borgen Project, Seabird Capital, Clever ecommerce, the U.S. Air Force, Penresa and the Saudi American Public Relations Affairs Committee. The top sectors of employment are business fields (marketing, startups, and finance), followed by diplomacy and government, communication, and non-profit/lobbying.

Several 2020 graduates are continuing their studies at SLU-Madrid in the M.A. in Spanish and the M.A. in Political Science and Public Affairs programs. Others are attending prestigious institutions around the world including the Instituto de Empresa, Universidad Internacional de Valencia, University of Bath, Southern New Hampshire University and Maastricht University.

Isaiah Voss, who is currently working at Clever ecommerce in a customer service role, reflected: "My professional career actually began at SLU-Madrid. I learned how to speak professional Spanish while delving into the world of digital marketing. Without being an administrative support scholarship assistant in the Marketing Department, I doubt I would've unlocked so many doors. After a year working in social media at Clever ecommerce, I've now transitioned into customer service. I'm pursuing my passion: teaching English and Spanish as I'm currently studying a master's in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language at Universidad Internacional de Valencia in hopes to work at a university."

Two members of the Class of 2020, Katelin Huber and Jorge Serrano Fernández, recently participated in the 11th annual Expert Alumni Roundtable to offer career advice to current students. Serrano, who completed his studies at SLU-Madrid in May, 2020, recently landed a job as an account manager for Amazon. Huber, who completed her studies at SLU-Madrid in December 2020, persevered in the challenging job market and ultimately secured a position with Email Meter. Both Huber and Serrano Fernández advised students not to get discouraged even though times are hard and to be confident and trust that their SLU education will prepare them for success.

*Source: SLU-Madrid Career Services, March 2021