Language and Career Week Schedule

Monday, March 3

Your Networking Game Plan: Prep for Success
THH 309K | 12:00–1:00 PM
Session organized by Dornsife Career Pathways (DCP). Led by: Octavio Avila (Director, DCP)

Career Resources – Handshake, GoinGlobal, VMOCK, Big Interview
THH 309K | 1:00–2:00 PM
Session organized by Dornsife Career Pathways (DCP). Led by: Caroline Fraissinet (Director of Internship Programs & Employer Relations, DCP) and Ebony C. Rubio (Career Advisor, DCP)

Panel: Languages in STEM & Government
THH 309K | 2:00–4:00 PM

This panel explores the critical role of language skills in STEM and government careers. Panelists will discuss how multilingualism enhances collaboration, research accessibility, and public service.

Panelists:

• Andre Martinez (Spanish, White House Travel Office)
• McKayla Harris (Russian, Threat Intelligence Analyst, Private Sector)
• Pauline Yang (Chinese, Italian, Pianist, U.S. Department of State Arts Envoy)

Tuesday, March 4

Panel: Languages and Education: Navigating Global Experiences and Academic Growth
THH 271 | 12:00–2:00 PM

This panel examines how foreign language learning shapes experiences abroad, teaching careers, and academic advancement.

Panelists:

• Rose Campion (German, Junior Professor, University of Cologne)
• Sinan Kircova (Hebrew, Ph.D. Candidate, Comparative Politics, USC)
• Aleksandra Pchelintseva (French, Ph.D. Candidate, Slavic Languages, USC)
• Lauren Petroff (Polish, Spanish, English Teacher, Spain)

Livestreaming Podcast Show on YouTube
THH 309K | 12:00–2:00 PM

Join us for an engaging livestream podcast featuring two esteemed USC language professors as they share insights on language learning, cultural connections, and professional applications.

12:10 PM | East to West: A Global Career
Professor Magriney (Chinese, Senior Lecturer, USC, East Asian Languages and Cultures) will share his journey navigating an international career, bridging East and West through language and culture. Learn how Chinese language skills can lead to opportunities in education, business, and beyond.

1:00 PM | Code Blue: Spanish in the Classroom to the Medical Room
Professor Zarazúa (Spanish, Associate Professor, USC, Latin American and Iberian Cultures) will discuss the role of Spanish in healthcare, illustrating how language proficiency transitions from the classroom to real-world medical settings.

Panel: Spanish for the Professions – Law, Business, and Translation
THH 309K | 3:30–5:00 PM

• David Rodriguez (Spanish, Luxury Property Manager, Colombia)
• Nicholas Carballo (Spanish, Corporate Lawyer, Chicago)
• Dani Zand (Spanish, Financial Consultant, KPMG)
• Azucena Puerta-Díaz (Spanish, Court Translator, California Courts)

Wednesday, March 5

Panel: Language as a Career Asset: East Asian Perspectives on Global Opportunities
THH 309K | 12:00–2:00 PM
Refreshments provided

Panelists will explore how knowledge of East Asian languages influences careers in business, education, and international relations 

Panelists:

• George Stiffman (Chinese, Project Manager, Casita Studio)
• Yin Zhong (Chinese, Ocean Import Specialist, Mitsubishi Logistics)
• Angela Efros (Chinese, Consultant, Study in China Alumni Association)

Roundtable: PR, Journalism, Language Internships
THH 309K | 2:00–3:30 PM

Industry experts will discuss how multilingual communication benefits careers in public relations, journalism, and international internships.

Panelists:

• Genny Nevoso (Italian, Executive Director, Italy-America Chamber of Commerce West)
• Kathleen Manukyan (Russian, Director, Summer Language Institute, University of Pittsburgh)
• Benedetta Finocchi (Italian, MyWay)

Thursday, March 6

Panel: The Power of Language: Unlocking Career Opportunities in International Fields
THH 309K | 12:00–2:00 PM
Lunch provided to the first 25 attendees

This session highlights the value of Chinese proficiency in diplomacy, business, and career development.

Panelists:

• Joshua Shen (English, U.S. Foreign Service Officer)
• Ryan Hodge (Postdoctoral Scholar, USC)
• Tatiana Becerra (Spanish, Korean, Mandarin, Clinical Research Coordinator I, Keck School of Medicine)

Moderator: Ariadne “Addie” Cheng (Chinese, Associate Director, USC Career Center)

Panel: Language as a Tool for Advocacy and Education
THH 309K | 2:00–3:00 PM

A discussion on how Arabic language skills create professional opportunities in government, business, and international relations.

Panelists:

• Molly Courtney (Arabic, Postdoctoral Teaching Fellow, USC)
• Jamie Schlegel (Arabic, Program Analyst, Acacia Center for Justice)

Keynote Speaker: Kate McCutchen
THH 309 | 4:00–5:30 PM
From a BA in French to Big Tech: Career Lessons from an Accidental Cross-Cultural Marketer

Kate McCutchen ’04 has built a successful international career, living and working in Paris, London, and Luxembourg. With a background in French and international business, she has held key roles at Apple, Samsung, and luxury luggage brand Away, leveraging her language skills and global expertise to navigate diverse professional landscapes. 

Mini Fair

Language and Career Fair will be open Monday through Thursday from 12:00 to 4:00 PM. Some representatives may be present to speak with attendees, while others will leave materials for you to explore at your convenience. Stop by to learn more about exciting opportunities!

Participants: