Brandon Butler, MA ’09

Profession: Financial Editor, China Construction Bank International Securities

Location: Hong Kong, China

Worked in or travelled professionally to: Thailand, Korea, Canada

All my choices regarding teaching have brought about so many amazing opportunities to not only teach but to travel and to try different jobs in different locations around the globe.

What drew you to English language teaching?

I had been teaching English in Korea for about 12 years when I decided to pursue the after you received your TESOL master’s degree. I had a TESOL certificate but felt like I had a lot more to learn about teaching and wanted to feel more legitimate as a teacher, since I had been teaching in universities. The side benefits were enhanced career security and income potential.

What have your professional travel experiences been like?

One of the reasons I liked teaching abroad is that the schedule allowed for lots of travel. Even during the field-based MA program, I really enjoyed being in Asia, spending time in Chiang Mai and Azusa, and getting to explore the different countries around me. The job and degree ultimately led me to my current opportunity in Hong Kong. In one three-year career diversion, I formed a band with musicians I met in Korea who were all also ESL teachers, and that led to a three-year recording contract with a record label in Canada and three years living there with the band as a full-time musician.