Hjördís Ólafsdóttir: A Fun and Welcoming Spirit at Schiller and a Home Away from Home

Alumni Spotlight:Hjördís Ólafsdóttir

Hjördís Ólafsdóttir’s journey from Schiller International University’s Florida campus to her role as Senior Specialist at the Icelandic Transport Authority is filled with meaningful moments and lasting lessons. As a graduate from the Florida campus, Hjördís fondly recalls the warm, inclusive spirit of Schiller and the faculty who helped shape her professional path. Her story is a celebration of international education, personal growth, and the power of following your instincts.

Can you share some of your fondest memories from your time at Schiller International University?

How would you describe the spirit and culture of Schiller during your years on campus?

The spirit was always fun and welcoming, and they really made an effort to make you feel at home. As most of the students were international students, that really made a big difference for the whole experience.

Did someone from the staff or faculty leave an impression that you still carry until this day?

Yes, most definitely, I can name a few like Ronda Mariani, Mike Donovan and Mike Poliquin. If I had to pick one for the most impression I would say Mike Poliqiun, he was our Marketing teacher. Not only was he a great teacher with deep knowledge and passion about his field of expertise and decades of experience, but he also left a lasting impact on me. I feel like I remember every class that he taught, with all his real-life stories, both professional and personal. Some of course done for the humor like his 3 life rules;

1. Never drink a vodka with a Russian.
2. Never drink sake with a Japanese.
3. Never drink a beer with an Australian.

😊 He could always make me laugh. His marketing classes gave me a strong advantage in my business endeavors and my professional life.

Are there any qualities of the Schiller education that you believe continue to benefit students today?

The fact that this is an international school with students from all over the world gives the students the experience working in a multi-cultural environment that benefits them greatly when they enter today’s job market where most companies have employees with different backgrounds and cultures.

Are you still in touch with some of your friends from your years as a student?

I keep contact with a few on social media but not as much as I would have chosen. Maybe Schiller Alumni Community platform will help with that.

How has your education at Schiller played a role in your life since graduation?

It has helped me in various ways. It really gave me a head start for so many of my future endeavors. It has opened doors for career opportunities, strengthen my critical thinking abilities and self-esteem.

What do you consider to be the most valuable aspect of your Schiller experience?

I would have to say the faculty, we had so many interesting and knowledgeable teachers and professors that left us so much more knowledgeable and with a deeper understanding for what the future holds.

As Senior Specialist Flight Operations & Licensing Department what would you recommend to any student following a similar career path to yourself?

Trust your instinct, follow your heart and never stop learning.

What advice would you give to current students to help them make the most of their Schiller experience?

Try to take in as much as possible, learn as much as you can. Use what you have learned as a tool to reach your goals. Be curious beyond the curriculum and build connections.

If you could go back to you years as a student, would you have done anything differently?

Looking back, I’m not sure I would have done anything differently during my Master of Business Administration (MBA) in International Business at Schiller International University in Tampa, Florida. I truly feel that I gave my best effort to make the most of this experience and to learn as much as I could.