ECU Alumna Shares How Language and Global Experiences Shaped Her Career

Kristina Dortschy, (B.A. in German with a minor in International Studies, 2012), recently spoke with students about how her studies at ECU prepared her for postgraduate study and a career in Europe. Dortschy currently serves as a Global Sourcing Sustainability Professional with Aldi SÜD in Austria.

Dortschy’s path to international business was shaped early on by her adoptive German father’s career, which inspired her to declare German Studies as her major and International Business as her minor. Despite encouragement to study Spanish to connect with her Peruvian heritage, Dortschy followed her passion and minored in German Studies. Her time studying abroad as an undergraduate proved transformative, helping her uncover her identity and laying the foundation for her global career.

Dortschy admitted that she began her time at ECU as an undeclared major and changed her academic focus multiple times. It wasn’t until she began building her community with the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures that she discovered her direction. She credits the program with helping her discover her identity and build the cultural connections that set her apart in the international job market.

Her message to students is clear, “Get out of your comfort zone and embrace your failures.”

Dortschy’s story highlights the importance of language learning, cultural exploration, and resilience in shaping both personal and professional success while staying true to her passion for community and diverse ideas.