Tom Myers
Program Director
Degree Program: International Business
Program Description: Getting international in Vermont
Global knowledge
The world is full of diversity, challenge and opportunity-which is why International Business Program Director Tom Myers insists that his students understand that they must be knowledgeable, objective and tolerant of the world's myriad cultures. His students learn not only the international business skills to succeed in the global environment, but also the leadership awareness to make effective change within that environment. To that end, his students are required to come to each class with an adequate comprehension of world-wide current events and how these activities affect their lives. It helps them build positive leadership skills and a genuine belief in their self-empowerment, and helps them get them ready for the required six-credit, 240-hour international internship based in a foreign country.
"In order to be successful," Tom says, "you must understand how to communicate with and learn from each other. Otherwise, you'll never get in the office door to do business. All of my classes contain a real-life business component," Tom continues. "Students work closely with local companies to provide them with viable international business solutions. Students then present their findings and research at the end of the semester to their businesses as well as to their fellow classmates." His students work in teams on projects with numerous Vermont companies (Ben & Jerry's Homemade, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Isis Sportswear for Women, Boyden Farm Winery and New England Over Shoe, among others), and with international business assistance organizations including the U.S. Department of Commerce-Commercial Service, the Vermont Global Trade Partnership and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce.
It's a big world out there
Before coming to Champlain College, Tom served as the Director of International Trade and Investment for the State of Vermont. During his tenure, he advised the governor and the state legislature on international trade policy issues, developed direct marketing strategies throughout the world and oversaw Vermont's foreign investment recruitment and promotion programs. He still serves as a member of the United States Department of Commerce's District Export Council.
