Question: What was the most valuable aspect of your Thunderbird degree program?

Answer: Networking is the most crucial aspect of the graduate-level academic journey. Staying engaged with fellow classmates, faculty and staff is important. The reason is that you may never know who will help you in the future, especially when job hunting. 

Q: Did the education/training you received at Thunderbird help you in your career? If so, how?

A: Yes, it helped a lot, thanks to my transdisciplinary focus on global business (STEM) and global affairs. It is important today in Industry 4.0 to read data and translate data analysis for the public eye. As a research analyst, this is exactly my job: to translate complicated datasets and gather and cure them before explaining them to someone who doesn't read data. Data interpretation is very important in today's business standards. Diplomacy is another important ingredient that Thunderbird teaches in an indirect approach, as the program is tailored to make students get out of their comfort zone, often allowing people to adapt to new environments.

Q: What's something you learned while at Thunderbird — in the classroom or otherwise — that has helped you excel in your career?

A: Networking has enabled me to interact with many high-profile individuals routinely on the job. As a student, there were many events for my cohort and other T-birds. Having informal meetings at the Pub enabled me to engage with alumni and current students at that time. During class, asking questions in front of peers and challenging the professors' thinking was important. This would allow you to elaborate your thinking and adapt your arguments in a specified context.

Q: What's your favorite story from your time at Thunderbird?

A: During Thunderbird's grand opening and 75th anniversary global reunion, I was president of the band Global Sounds. My band and I performed during the event for Europe and Latin America regional nights. During those nights, we practiced our songs, studied for exams, submitted papers and, just as intensely, networked with T-bird alumni from all generations. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be able to be an international student witnessing Thunderbird's grand opening and, at the same, a participant in the organization. I will never forget it. And those fireworks in front of the campus — that was beyond memorable. Congratulations to all the organizers, Dean Khagram and his team! 

Q: How do you feel about graduating from what has been rated the world's No. 1 program for international trade?

A: I feel deeply honored and humbled to represent Thunderbird globally. As an international student, I was proud to carry the flag of Romania during our graduation ceremony. I am even more proud to work for such an amazing and unique state like Arizona, where I am starting my new life. Being in the middle of this process and helping promote Arizona internationally and expanding trade with our allies and partners is a dream come true for a T-bird.

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Dasi Styles

Senior Media Relations Officer, Thunderbird School of Global Management

480-268-6766