Global Pursuit UM International Development Studies

This week's guest is Dr. Jennifer Isern. She shares her journey from attending the University of Montana, studying at Princeton, working for the World Bank, and eventually becoming CEO of Catalyst Global Impact. This podcast captures some great advice about career development and inspiration to be impactful in the sphere of international development!

This week's guest is Dr. Sarah Halvorson. Sarah is professor and chair of the University of Montana's Geography Department. Her international research focuses on water security and environmental hazards. Sarah talks about the importance of transnational collaboration to solve water issues. She offers valuable advice for students who want to gain a deep understanding of these global challenges.

This week's episode features Alexandria Preis, IDS alumna. Alex graduated from the University of Montana in 2018. She has been studying and working in Hong Kong since. Alex shares insights on the importance of intercultural competence, listening to those with opposing perspectives, trying to understand different political ideologies, and continuing to learn and educate yourself about complex international issues as a start to help find solutions to global challenges.

This week Global Pursuit hosts our first duo on the podcast! Adam and Sarah Busch went on to the Peace Corps right after graduating from UM and just returned to Montana after serving two years in Botswana. Their contrasting career paths allow them to share advice from different perspectives. They suggest important skills to develop in college and ways to get your foot in the door of international development work.

Nader Shooshtari, professor of marketing and international business, is the director of the University of Montana's College of Business' International Programs. Dr. Shooshtari's research focuses on marketing strategies and entry of small to mid-size enterprises in international markets. He shares his experience in all this work and offers some great life advice for young people.

This week's guest is Professor Dan Spencer, director​ of Environmental Studies at the University of Montana. He shares his journey working in various fields, ranging from geology to social justice. Dan suggests multiple ways young people can begin to develop a global mindset!