Drexel's Department of Global Studies and Modern Languages prepares students to see the world differently. Graduates of the program go on to build exciting and diverse careers around the world in a wide range of fields, from government and policy, to business and economics, to cultural and nonprofit organizations. 

Even though James Langel, BA international area studies '03, MBA '07, began his freshman year at Drexel as a business major, he says making the change to global studies allowed him to ultimately meet his career goals. Langel's cultural immersion began with programs like study abroad in Madrid and a co-op in Paris that inspired him to learn many languages and gain cultural competency. 

To this day, these skills help him better understand people's behaviors and give him vital insight into the global market in his job as the Product Owner of Visual Community Generated Content at IKEA. In this role, Langel, who earned his MBA from Drexel's LeBow College of Business, develops digital strategies and video technology to promote IKEA's product line across more than 25 different countries.

Langel joins "On the Map," the Department of Global Studies and Modern Languages' podcast series, to share more about his career journey and reflect on his time at Drexel. Listen to the episode below and click here to learn more about "On the Map" and how you can participate. 

From Minors in Spanish and French to IKEA's Global Growth and Marketing Team