As an office manager and executive assistant to the CEO of Intertek Alchemy, Rie Yamakawa works collaboratively with various departments providing administrative support. 鈥淚ntertek Alchemy has such a unique and positive culture. My colleagues are empathetic, respectful and supportive,鈥 says Yamakawa. Outside of work, Yamakawa is an avid baker, and loves playing pickleball and dancing.
Yamakawa came to 海角论坛 as an international student from Japan. She was seeking a medium-size school where she could develop relationships with the faculty and staff, and have many options for a course of study. 鈥淲hen I visited the campus, I immediately felt people鈥檚 friendliness,鈥 she recalled. 鈥淚 sensed that I could be surrounded by good people who are lighthearted and positive.鈥
At first she wasn鈥檛 sure which discipline she wanted to focus on, but after several meetings with her academic adviser, she decided to major in interdisciplinary studies with minors in business communication and speech communication.
Looking back on her time at Oneonta, Yamakawa said a career preparation class she took during her senior year was a key factor in planning for her future. 鈥淚n fact, I had seamless transition by having a new career before my graduation,鈥 she said. 鈥淚 worked for a major Japanese chemical company as a human resources supervisor for eight years, and my former employer sponsored my H1B working visa to legally work in the U.S.鈥
Nearly 20 years after graduation, she still remembers her favorite class, Conflict Management with Art Dauria. She also can鈥檛 forget the many fun experiences she had as a member of the International Student Organization. 鈥淚 met my lifetime friends from all over the world and spent wonderful time with local host families. I truly enjoyed the diverse atmosphere while I was focusing on my studies.鈥