On Friday, September 26, Sarah Ripp, Assistant Director of the Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberian Studies Program (LACIS) at UW–Madison, participated in Lodi High School’s annual Career Day. Her session, “High School…to College…to Career: Your Future in Higher Education and Internationally-Focused Employment,” introduced students to the wide-ranging opportunities that come with pursuing internationally related education and careers.
Throughout the day, Ripp met with five different groups of high school students who had indicated an interest in globally oriented fields. She guided students through the many pathways that connect academic study, particularly in international and area studies, with meaningful professional opportunities. By highlighting concrete examples, she demonstrated how skills in language, cultural understanding, and global awareness can be applied across sectors such as government, business, education, and nonprofit work.
One of the most eye-opening points emphasized during these discussions was that internationally focused careers do not always require living or working abroad. For many students, this was a new and exciting realization. Ripp illustrated how professionals can contribute to global issues, collaborate across cultures, and work with international organizations—all while remaining based in the United States.
This message sparked curiosity among the participants and encouraged them to think more expansively about their future possibilities. Several students left the sessions with a deeper understanding of how their educational choices—such as language study, study abroad opportunities, or pursuing internationally focused majors—can open doors to careers that bridge cultures and have an impact on the world.
By engaging directly with high schoolers at this formative stage, LACIS continues its mission of expanding awareness about global education and inspiring the next generation to consider how their interests and talents might align with internationally focused career paths.