The U.S.-Japan Career Landscape: Government, JET, Business, and the Nonprofit Sector

When & where

About this event

Margot Carrington and Michi Calcagno discuss different career paths for Japanese language learners. Students who are studying Japanese language, or are interested in studying Japanese, will learn about career opportunities in the U.S. government, the private sector (not-for-profit and for-profit) and academia. Associate Provost for Global Affairs Heather Ward moderates the discussion. Margot Carrington is a retired U.S. Foreign Service Officer who served four tours in Japan, and Michi Calcagno is the executive director of the Japan-America Society of North Carolina. Wednesday, Sept. 30 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. DeBerry Board Room (3009), FedEx Global Education Center This event is open to all UNC-Chapel Hill students and faculty. Registration is strongly encouraged. Learn more about Margot Carrington and Michi Calcagno Margot Carrington is a retired U.S. Foreign Service officer who served with the U.S. Department of State for 25 years. During that time, she served four tours in Japan, most recently from 2014-2018. In that role, Margot oversaw staff throughout the country and served as Ambassador Caroline Kennedy's advisor on all public diplomacy-related matters. Margot's achievements and dedication to strengthening U.S.-Japan cultural exchange and supporting women's empowerment have been recognized with numerous awards. Margot speaks Japanese, Malay, Spanish and French. She graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's degree in international relations. Michi Calcagno is the executive director of the Japan-America Society of North Carolina, leading statewide programs, community engagement and operational initiatives that advance the organization's mission to foster cultural, educational and business ties between North Carolina and Japan. Before JASNC, she spent 20 years in California's telecommunications industry. Michi is a proud member of the U.S.-Japan Council. She earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Lafayette College and a master of business administration from Cornell University. Her foundation in Japanese language and culture began with a summer program at Middlebury College followed by a year in Tokyo at Sophia University. - - - This event is a part of Diplomacy Week 2026! Diplomacy Week offers students and, on a couple occasions, members of the community, opportunities to engage closely with experts whose work has shaped U.S. foreign policy. Explore other events on the UNC Global Affairs website and join us in celebrating 250 years of American diplomacy!

Reviews

Discussion