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Connecting with Asia

Rob Franklin on the Great WallRob Franklin's interest in the Chinese language and Business has lead him to connect with Asia in more ways than one. How many times has his IPS lead him on an Asian adventure? Rob's story is below:

About me

I am a Finance major with a concentration in Accounting and an International Emphasis. During my college career I rediscovered my love of traveling and all things new and exotic. I decided to take some Chinese language classes at William & Mary, a decision which has so far established my career path. Accordingly, I spent a semester studying abroad in Beijing China. During this experience, my interest in Chinese and Asian cultures only grew.

Posing with a statueHighlight

My highlight was the Global Business Immersion trip to South-East Asia with Prof. Don Rahtz, which I was lucky enough to participate in during winter break. On the trip, nineteen other students and I visited businesses in Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. We learned about businesses which ran the gamut from large ultra-modern car factories to local catfish farms.

One of the best moments of that trip was when I was sitting on the bow of a speed boat cruising down the Mekong River from Cambodia towards Vietnam. I was enjoying the sun and thinking to myself how lucky I was to participate in such an incredible experience.

Rob with childrenDefining Moment

My defining moment was when I took a leading role in helping organize and orchestrate the second annual "From Dog Street to Wall Street". I witnessed firsthand its wild success, in regards to both students and returning alumni. My involvement with the Finance Academy provided both invaluable leadership experience and networking opportunities.

Rob teaching a class
Future plans

For the next year, I will be teaching English to high school students in China through an organization known as WorldTeach. I find myself more and more interested in international business. I feel like my international emphasis and global business classes reinforced these interests. No matter what I am doing after teaching, I envision myself either working or living abroad.