Cultural Journey toward Global Career: David McDermott, ’15

Through Westminster’s leadership programs, David McDermott, ’15, found cultural exchange and experiences that have helped him determine his post-graduation in international relations.

David’s study of Chinese started before he came to Westminster, but once on campus, he discovered a connection with the Director of the Churchill Institute for Global Engagement, Dr. Kurt Jefferson, that fueled his interest. David couldn’t have found a better time to meet Jefferson, either: That year, Westminster connected with Beijing University to give Westminster students a new study abroad opportunity.

McDermott went to Beijing University through the new program, and while there, made many new and special friendships that helped him adjust to life as a foreigner. In China he also received a scholarship to help fund a full semester at Beijing University. Through the experience, McDermott says the way he thought about communication changed and he became more tolerant of others.

This year, Jefferson asked McDermott to help co-direct Westminster’s Asian Summer Leadership Program, hosting over 20 Asian and Turkish students on campus. McDermott had the chance to welcome friends he made in Beijing, show them what his life in America is like, and reciprocate the hospitality they gave him in China. In the photo below, David talks with some of those visiting students at Westminster.

“David’s leadership, communication skills, and wisdom have been vital to helping Chinese, Turkish and American students learn the importance of how the globe affects their lives as young people today,” says Jefferson. “I’m extremely proud of him, and his future beyond Westminster is exceptionally bright.”

After graduating, McDermott plans to go back to Beijing University to earn his master’s degree in international relations while also improving his Mandarin Chinese skills. He wants to work business-to-business with China to bridge the gap between the two different methods of business practice.

Watch the video above to hear more about David’s journey at Westminster.