Christopher Niebylski '01

Christopher Niebylski

Christopher Niebylski '01

Major(s): International Relations, Romance Languages (Spanish/Portuguese)

Employer: World Bank
Country of residence: United States

What was your Spanish language-based experience upon graduation from Bowdoin?
While at Bowdoin I was able to use my background in Spanish to make a jump to Portuguese (not offered at Bowdoin at the time) by spending my Junior Year Abroad in Brazil. Upon graduation I returned to Brazil and spent 4 years working before returning to the US

What was your motivation for searching out a Spanish language-based experience upon graduation from Bowdoin?
Again, Portuguese in my case, and Spanish to a lesser degree. The opportunities that the Job in Brazil afforded me were too good to pass up. In large part, the motivation to return to Brazil was due to an immensely successful Junior Year Abroad experience. Another important element was my experience with my Honors project at Bowdoin my Senior Year. Under the guidance and tutelage of John Turner I was able to work at the intersection of both Spanish and Portuguese (producing a Thesis paper which analyzed literary works in both languages. This motivated me to continue my experience in Brazil and find new ways to put my skills in both languages to use.

What previous experiences prepared you for your experience?
As mentioned above, my Junior Year Abroad (spent taking classes in Brazil); the course selection I took included classes in both Portuguese and Spanish. I was able to continue at this intersection of both languages in my Honors Thesis Project.

What methods, contacts, etc. did you use to arrange your experience?
The VP of the company that I worked for in Brazil extended the job offer to me while I was studying during my junior year abroad. A bit overwhelmed by my senior-year workload and without time to consider other job avenues, I decided to take him up on his offer and to return to Brazil.

Country in which you are currently residing:
I have ended my stay in Brazil and since returned to Washington, DC.

Organization for which you are working:
I am currently working at the World Bank while pursuing a Masters Degree in International Science and Technology Policy at George Washington University.

Are you currently using your Spanish language skills?
Occasionally on some of the work for my graduate program.

Did your experience influence your current and/or future career choice and job skills? If so, how?
The experience in Brazil motivated me to continue to focus my attention on Latin America and to consider what contributions I can make to the development picture in the region. Thanks largely to some of my courses (Latin American Studies with Professor Enrique Yepes, and my Honors Project with John Turner) I was able to develop much of the academic and theoretical knowledge of the region and its identity before exploring and experiencing first-hand.

Are you willing to be contacted by students who are interested to learn more about your experience?
I would be happy to offer what insight I can.

Story posted on September 19, 2005

« Back | More Career Profiles | Go to News Home