BA in Global Affairs

Justin Samson, 2012

Justin Samson

What work are you doing now?

I currently manage a U.S. dollar clearinghouse at HSBC for all global banking transactions returned by intermediary banks.  I examine and detect transactions in apparent breach of U.S. sanctions, including potential attempts to evade them.

What do you like about it?

I take great pride in protecting, not just the bank, but also the entire global financial system. The U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control administers economic and trade sanctions on a number of countries, entities and individuals. My job is to ensure that HSBC meets these regulatory obligations, which is both challenging and rewarding. I also get to see the inner-workings of the global financial system through different types of transactions. My job is complex, but I am fortunate enough to work alongside some of the best minds in the business.

How did your degree in the college prepare you to do this work?

I chose to concentrate in ‘Global Economy and Management’ because it allowed me to explore international economics, trade, corporate law and business. These courses gave me a profound understanding of our global economy and how consumers and investors react to boom-and-bust cycles, regional conflicts and market incentives. Most importantly, it gave me a deep understanding of world events, which is crucial in keeping up with a rapidly changing regulatory environment.

What advice would you give current students about developing their careers?

After graduating, I was ambitious and thought about all the big name employers in the private and public sector. I didn’t see all the hidden gems out there in smaller, lesser-known organizations. Don’t be afraid to think small too. I was able to find a mid-size organization where workloads were spread among fewer workers. Having a wider range of responsibilities enabled me to quickly build new skills, gain exposure to diverse areas of the business and assume strategic roles earlier in my career, which has led me to my current career success.