Washington Business Fall 2019 | Washington Business | Page 44

business backgrounder | education & workforce
“Many of our students have completed their associate degree and
are gainfully employed, but they’ve hit a ceiling,” Freeman Lane said.
“This degree helps them move to the next level.”
This program is ideally suited for students at Highline, which is the
most diverse higher education institution in the state. More than 70%
of students are students of color, and about 120 languages are spoken
on campus.
“International trade is a growing and vital industry that’s made for
everybody by its very nature,” Freeman Lane said.
Highline also hosts the Center of Excellence for Global Trade and
Supply Chain Management, which provides education and training
to support international trade. The center partners with schools and
colleges to build programs and pathways that create a competitive
workforce for the industry.
Jose Ramos was one of the first graduates of Highline College’s applied
bachelor’s degree in global trade and logistics.
an unexpected opportunity
Despite its prominence in the region, international trade isn’t a career
on most students’ radars.
“One of the things we hear from students most often is that they
didn’t even think about this industry,” Freeman Lane said. “It’s so
vital to our life in the Pacific Northwest, but it’s often overlooked.”
One reason for this is the fact that when most people think of
business, they think of accounting, finance, and marketing.
“Students are blown away to discover this is available to them,”
Freeman Lane said. “It’s a very fast-paced environment. There’s
never a dull moment in the industry. You can be on your feet, and you
can get out there on the floor as a supervisor. This is very appealing
to students who think business involves sitting at a desk all day.”
Many graduates of the program have gone on to successful careers.
One former student, José Ramos, had received his associate degree
in international business and trade from Highline and worked in the
field for eight years. When he heard Highline was launching the new
applied bachelor’s degree, he recognized the opportunity to make
himself more attractive to employers. He was one of the first to apply.
Today, he is a senior export logistics analyst with Stryker, one of the
world’s leading medical technology companies. He also serves on the
Highline College Business Development Advisory Committee.
“José is a shining star of the program. Not only did he come back
to Highline, but he received his B.A.S.,” Freeman Lane said. “He has
really moved up, and he continues to be involved with the program
and help us shape its direction.”
a resource for employers
The program serves more than students.
Employers also benefit from the program’s
emphasis on both academic knowledge
and practical skills.
“Students receive base-level career
preparation that you don’t always get with
a traditional degree,” Freeman Lane said.
In addition to business courses
in accounting, business analytics,
44 association of washington business
project management, Lean Six Sigma processes, global supply
chain management, and more, students are required to take
general education courses on such topics as presentation skills,
communication and organizational behavior, advanced technical
writing, and professional ethics.
“Employers are impressed when they see the class mix we offer,”
Freeman Lane said.

Internships are highly encouraged; students must complete at
least two internships and may complete as many as four. This is in
addition to the on-the-job experience many students have gained
before they enter the program.
“Employers are constantly needing to fill positions that require a
certain level of both education and experience,” Freeman Lane said.
“The program produces the employees they’ve been looking for.”
When developing the program, Highline sought input from many
regional and national employers, including American Presidential
Lines, CEVA Logistics, DHL Global Forwarding, and Federal Express
Global Logistics. This ensured the program aligned with industry
certification requirements and recommendations.
Ultimately, the program helps students become more competitive
in the job market and take control of their careers.
“Having this degree opens doors for our students so they can
move up and increase their income,” Freeman Lane said. “If they
want, they can go on to get their master’s degree. It’s a very powerful
opportunity for students to improve their lives.”
“Many of our students
have completed their
associate degree and are
gainfully employed, but
they’ve hit a ceiling. This
degree helps them move
to the next level.”