Recent Graduates

Caroline Hahn, Class of 2018

"I am originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I graduated in May 2018 from UT Austin with a degree in Italian and International Relations/Global Studies. After graduation, I started working as an elementary English literacy tutor with at-risk communities in Austin, where my knowledge of language and linguistics has proven to be incredibly useful. Because of my interest in bilingual studies and languages, I am currently enrolled in an educator certification program so that I can become a certified English as a Second Language (ESL) instructor. In this position, I will work with refugee and immigrant children as a English instructor. My own experience as a learner of a second language has given me unparalleled experience in my current career and will undoubtedly help me in my future as an ESL educator!"

 Juhie Modie, Class of 2015

"I am a technical recruiter at Google in Austin, TX. I was a Rome Study Program participant in 2013, a recipient of the U.S. Department of Education funded FLAS Fellowship for my Italian language studies, and also a recipient of multiple scholarships for academic success within the Communication School.  Serving as President of Il Circolo Italiano, an Italian culture club at UT from 2013-2015, provided me leadership experience, the opportunity to connect with people of different backgrounds, and a community that grounded me during my studies.  I graduated with honors in 2015 with a B.A. in Italian Studies and a B.S. in Communication Studies. After graduating from UT, I taught English to high school students in a small town outside of Milan. It was because of my background in foreign languages and experiences in various cultures that I was offered a prestigious diversity fellowship at a global PR firm upon returning to the United States. In an increasingly globalized workforce, I find that my experience in Italian language studies gives me an edge because it demonstrates my ability to focus on learning a subject for multiple years, my passion for relating to people of different backgrounds, and my adaptability to different environments. I feel that without my background in Italian Studies, I would not be where I am today. I continue to be an active participant in the Italian community in Austin, and in my free time, you can find me practicing my language skills, reading Marcella Hazan's cookbooks and daydreaming of my Roman host grandmother's bucatini."

  Grant Gadoci, Class of 2007

"When I began studying Italian at UT Austin I didn't really have a clear picture of where my studies would lead me. At the time, I was just really interested in Italian culture. Since studying abroad in Rome and eventually graduating in 2007, however, my life has been undeniably influenced beyond any and all expectations. Influenced, in my opinion, for the better.I know it's cliche, but studying a language and culture so different than my own has accustomed me to think more broadly. And ultimately it has afforded me opportunities that may have otherwise gone unnoticed, been impossible, or seemed impossible. Opportunities such as working with Italian record labels writing pop singles and recording radio jingles. Or acting as an intermediary between emerging US tech companies and potential Italian customers. I've taught formal prep courses and hosted informal language meet-ups. Once I even volunteered as a translator at an international medical conference, coordinating live procedures between San Francisco, Milan, and Japan. It was wild, and gross, and worth it.Looking back, it's pretty humbling to see how each small step, one right after the other, has carried me so far. I'm now managing my consulting firm for American companies directly from Italy. I have been living here for 7 months, and for the next 5 years my home will be in Europe. My Liberal Arts degree was a piece of paper that has ultimately helped make me a citizen of the world, which is really pretty incredible when you think about it."

Michael DeLeo, Class of 2006

"I am a proud alumnus of UT Austin; I graduated in 2006 with a BBA in International Business and a BA in Italian.  I always saw my undergraduate experience as a dichotomy of hard work ethic and a deep passion for the arts.  One of my most memorable university experiences was the Rome Study Program where I lived with a Roman host family and had the opportunity to speak Italian every day to communicate, experience the Italian lifestyle, and see many beautiful parts of the country.  When I left school, I began my career in Accounting / Finance at a large medical device company believing that my language degree would only manifest itself in the more artistic perspectives of my life.  I was wrong.  Two years into my career, I was asked to move to Italy in the Emilia-Romagna region to help improve internal financial controls at one of our manufacturing sites.  My knowledge of Italian was consequential to my ability to take the role and be successful.  I have since made many strong relationships with Italian colleagues in Italy, Switzerland, and the UK, which enables me to be more effective at navigating complex European business strategies. I am forever grateful to the incredible Italian language faculty at UT for enabling my career with opportunity and enriching my life with culture."

 

 

Why Study Italian?

🇮🇹🌍 Why study Italian? Check out this video and explore course offerings in the department here: bit.ly/utfrit