Alanna Vaglica, a first-generation, international business student at the Fox School, has been learning languages since high school.
Now a senior, she’s achieved varying levels of proficiency in French, Korean and Hindi.
“I’ve just always loved learning languages,” explains Vaglica. “My grandma is from Puerto Rico, but I never got to learn Spanish from her, so I just took it about myself to learn new languages.”
Languages are just one component of Vaglica’s love for all things international. In addition to her studies, Vaglica serves as a resident assistant for Temple’s Global LLC—a program that helps acclimate international students to Temple and the United States and exposes domestic students to global cultures.
All things considered, declaring an international business major at the Fox School just made sense for Vaglica.
“I love learning languages and cultures, and so when I came to school, I wanted to figure out how I could mesh my interest for different cultures into business; the IB program fit perfectly,” says Vaglica.
According to Vaglica, “The international business program has been very rewarding and opened many doors. As a first-generation college student coming from a low-income household, it has been amazing to see the opportunities that have come to me.”
In addition to her studies, Vaglica earned first place in Temple’s International Business Consulting Case Competition and second place in Temple’s Global Entrepreneurship Competition.
Vaglica has also worked as a policy research intern for the Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program (TTCSP) and international trade associate for the U.S. Department of Commerce. After her time interning for work the International Trade Association, she picked up a supply chain concentration. Now, Vaglica is working as an export logistics intern for BDP International.
After Vaglica graduates, she has more exciting opportunities coming her way. Earlier this year, she accepted an upcoming position with Deloitte as a business analyst.
“[The job offer] is so exciting,” says Vaglica. “And it really came from my experiences like case competitions and internships. If I hadn't had them, I’m not sure I would have gotten the offer. It’s really cool to have that unique background and be able to bring it into a big company.”