Haley Wadel (International Studies Graduate 2016)

Global Trade Consultant, Tradewin

As an International Studies major at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM), I completed option B which focused on Economic Development and was also able to easily pick up Economics as a second major. After my first semester, I attended a seminar course at the United Nations in New York offered by UWM. This experience assured me of my choice in majors and only expanded my interest in the fields of economic development, foreign policy and international law.

Once in my junior year, I began to look for an internship that would help me identify a solid career path. Through the help of my advisors, I was able to land an international trade internship with the U.S. Department of Commerce. This internship exposed me to the world of international trade and has put me in touch with some of the most competent and helpful individuals in the field, greatly expanding my professional network.

The summer between my junior and senior year I studied abroad, participating in the World Economics Program. Through this program I lived in Barcelona, Spain for a month and studied the Spanish Economy in the European Union. Studying abroad provided me with immense personal growth, strengthened my leadership skills, and broadened my worldview.

My final semester at UWM provided me with another internship with Generac Power Systems in Waukesha, WI. This internship was also focused on international trade, but from the viewpoint of a manufacturing company versus the government. I graduated from UWM in May 2016 with a double major in International Studies and Economics with a minor in Political Science.

Currently, I reside in Detroit and work as a Global Trade Consultant with Tradewin, a global compliance firm. I will be attending Michigan State University in the fall to receive my JD focusing on International Trade and Human Rights Law. I will also be a part of the inaugural cohort of Social Justice Fellows. One day I hope to work as Corporate Counsel or Chief Compliance Officer to ensure that corporations follow social responsibility laws and initiatives to eliminate poverty, human trafficking, and environmental issues within the supply chain.

The advisors at UWM and the opportunities they provide students with have proved to be invaluable to me. Their support and guidance has helped shape me into the person I am today and has provided me with the tools to be successful in my career and inspire others to be as well. Thank you UWM!