Gabriella LaBeaux (Alumni)
Major: Communications
Year Abroad: Fall 2019 and Spring 2020
Program Location: University of Strathclyde, Scotland
Current Position: Interior Designer
Company: Weedman Design Partners
How did your study abroad experience help you with your coursework once you returned to SJSU?
Because I studied abroad when COVID hit, I never actually returned to SJSU. I finished my degree online during COVID, able to graduate early due to my course load while studying abroad! Curriculum in the UK was research heavy with a focus on one final project. This prepared me for my senior year of college as I was working through my final Communications projects.
How did your study abroad experience help strengthen your job prospects?
Study abroad gave me access to different forms of communication, culture, and design influence that made me a more competitive candidate when applying for jobs. Both design firms I have worked with since graduating have highly valued travel experience for the added layer of insight and ideas evoked from my travels. Everyone I have worked with at both firms has lived or travelled in multiple different countries so we have a very diverse background.
Please describe any skills you learned abroad that you are applying in your current academic, professional, or personal life.
Academically I took away the importance of research and learned long term follow through backed by evidence.
Professionally I learned how to be adaptable to any style of communication or design. I learned the important in listening and asking thoughtful questions. I also learned to value timeless design practices and incorporating history into my work.
Personally I took away prioritizing life above your work. People in the Europe work to live and in America we live to work. In Europe life is more balanced and employers see the benefit in employees having more personal time. So I have looked for firms who practice this mindset.
What was the most memorable experience or moment from your time abroad?
In Scotland, I have so many good memories from pro futbol games, to high tea, and road-trips through the country. I have two memorable experiences.
The first most memorable experience was my birthday party. I gathered my American and Scottish friends and we went out for drinks and dinner. We ended the night in a club with a bounce house. It was one of those nights that was full of good company and lifelong friends.
The second was volunteering at a camp hosted out in the countryside at a beautiful old old old mansion. I got to mentor and give advice to high school students and share so many fun things with them about being American! They loved my accent- ha! I attended a Ceilidh for a fundraiser for the camp which was a traditional Scottish dance party and it was awesome! Yes the men really do wear kilts!
What other experiences do you wish you had optimized while abroad to help you in your career path?
I feel like I actually did this really well. I would tell any student to find some local professionals in your city and connect with them. Wether it be a coffee date, shadowing, or even just an email chain- make those connections. It teaches you about your passion and career path but in an international lens.
Any other advice to current Spartans about maximizing the study abroad experience?
Save up and travel as much as you can! See your country but also fly to nearby ones. Traveling with friends can be so fun but set your expectations beforehand to be sure you are on the same page for activities and finances. I would even suggest a solo trip. I solo tripped to Iceland and made friends during my excursions. It taught me a lot about myself and how to be comfortable and aware being alone.
Connect with Me
IG: @gabriella_labeaux
Instagram Podcast: Listen Now
Apple Podcast: Listen Now