Alumnus Continues to Recommend Westminster After Earning Master’s Degree Internationally

[pullquote]There is no doubt I would, and do, recommend Westminster to students seeking an excellent college experience in all aspects. The dedicated staff, small class sizes and tight-knit campus community provide students with all the necessary tools for success during and after their studies.[/pullquote]Adlai Erwin, ’18, received a master’s degree in international relations from The University of Edinburgh in Edinburgh, Scotland, in November 2019. Today Erwin works remotely as a political risk analyst for a London-based institute while splitting his time between Edinburgh and Malta. The Quincy, IL, native who majored in political science and transnational studies at the College recently spent some time reflecting on his Westminster experience and how it resulted in a thirst for travel and adventure. He also looks back on how the College’s small class sizes and tight-knit community supported him during his education.

 So far, what do you consider your greatest success?

Being accepted into one of the world’s leading universities to pursue further education post-Westminster.

What organizations outside of work are you involved in?

While at The University of Edinburgh, I worked as an assistant at the school’s Europa Institute. I primarily worked events with European leaders. It was a fulfilling experience, and I had the privilege of working with members of the European Court of Justice, the Scottish First Minister and many others. It really helped to conceptualize many of the things I had learned about during my undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

What are your career goals?

In the near future, I plan to move into the international business consulting industry.

Adlai Erwin, ’18, enjoys traveling throughout the world. In addition to living in both Edinburgh, Scotland, and Malta, the Westminster graduate makes time for trips to locations such as the Treasury Temple in Petra, Jordan, above, and the Taj Mahal, in Agra, India, pictured at the top of the page.

What made you choose Westminster College?

I chose Westminster College because I had a deep familial connection to the school, as my father and uncle were both alumni, and my mother had attended William Woods. From their experiences, I had always heard about the great education, social life and extracurricular activities Westminster offered its students. In hindsight, all of these facets of the Westminster experience held true, and choosing to do my undergraduate studies there was the best decision I could have made.

How did your Westminster education help you find your purpose?

Westminster played an integral role in leading me to the position I am in today. Being such a globally oriented school, Westminster helped me to foster international insights both academically and socially, with the latter being what I will cherish most for the rest of my life. Prior to attending, I lived in a small city in Illinois where I had very little exposure to people of different nationalities and cultures. However, quickly during my alma mater I made great friends from all across the globe that will last a lifetime. In tandem, the educational rigor, diversity and prowess of Westminster’s coursework and professors consistently piqued my interest in international affairs. During my master’s degree, I felt as if I had a leg up on many other American students due to the aforementioned components of the Westminster experience; it really helped me to hit the ground running in my program. Similarly, the international exposure, as well as affording me the opportunity to study abroad my senior year, gave me an insatiable appetite for travel and exploring new cultures. For myself, this is the ultimate way that Westminster has continued to impact me and made me a lifelong learner.

What is your favorite Westminster memory?

Fortunately, I am unable to choose just one favorite memory during my time at Westminster. Getting to spend every day with my pledge brothers and our friends, no matter what we were doing, was always fun and rewarding and is something I miss dearly today.

Based on your experience with the College, would you recommend Westminster to prospective college students?

Westminster allows students to thrive academically and interpersonally through the various avenues they offer students, whether it be organizations like Student Foundation or mentoring, there are always ways for students to get involved. I currently have a younger brother finishing his first semester at Westminster, and I am proud to say he has had an amazing experience so far. For any student seeking to invest in their long-term future, Westminster is the best investment they could possibly make.

Favorite Westminster faculty member(s)?

In no particular order: Dr. John Langton, Dr. Wright-Smith, Dr. Goodfellow and Dr. Jefferson.