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 Joel Villa
University previously attended Troy State University, Troy, Alabama
Degree obtained BS Social Science, emphasis in international relations--magna cum laude 2002--minor in business administration
Country of origin United States
Career History
By the time he graduated from Troy State University in 2002 with a degree in social science and a concentration in international relations, Joel Villa had already spent several years in related work at the American embassies in Budapest, Hungary, and Santiago, Chile. In Budapest, he managed the Partnership for Peace Program, a diplomatic step as Hungary prepared for full NATO membership in 1999. While working in Santiago, Chile, he began his MBA studies at California State University, Dominguez Hills with a concentration in international business. The flexibility of an online program proved critical as he moved to a position as business development manager for Signature Consultants in Reston, Virginia, before graduating in 2005. Joel joined ITT Aerospace and Communications Division in 2005 and is currently vice president, Eastern Europe and Caucasus for ITT Defense International in Warsaw, Poland. He provides management and executive leadership for activities involving international sales in Central and Eastern Europe, the Baltic and Caucasus States and Central Asia.
With my minor at Troy State in business administration, my experience as director for a nonprofit organization for members of the international diplomatic community at the American Embassy in Budapest was an opportunity to develop and implement business strategies and objectives. That focused my interest in international business as an area of emphasis for the MBA and for my career. I researched a number of MBA programs and focused on those that had strong reputations for academic quality, provided courses that would enhance my skills in international business, and afforded the flexibility I needed with an online program. The program at CSU Dominguez Hills was frequently cited and strongly recommended.
I thoroughly enjoyed and benefited from my CSUDH experience. The subjects were covered completely, and the faculty challenged me continuously. I felt the stress of deadlines and the demand for quality to achieve a good grade. There were times I felt the demands of the coursework were difficult to handle, but in the end I could see the results and appreciated what I had learned. Interaction with the faculty was excellent, and they were easily accessible. The case studies and team projects were the best format for learning and applying the concepts being taught. All of my professors were knowledgeable and provided responsive feedback. As for student interaction, I thought it was great! I developed a number of friendships with students in the program, and we continue to be in touch. Those contacts remain important in my career. I learned a great deal about cross cultural communication from the program and especially from my fellow students.
I worked for the U.S. Embassy in Santiago, Chile, for most of the time I was in the program but moved to Washington, DC, in my last term. I was frequently required to travel while in Chile and could not have attended traditional classes with this type of job or schedule. The degree helped me get the job in Washington, DC, and later with ITT, and ITT focused heavily on the international business concentration. ITT needed someone with international experience and formal training in international business practices. They saw continued value and potential because I applied what I had learned in the program to open new business in eastern Europe. I was promoted and given the opportunity to open ITT's first defense office in eastern Europe.
I really enjoy the experience of campus life, but the online format allowed me to keep a full-time job, maintain my family life, and still build good relationships with fellow students. I now recommend the online format to anyone who will listen. I have encouraged my wife to continue her education with CSUDH online and have recommended the program to many of my colleagues.
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