7 Things About Bradley Moon

Bradley Moon is the director of international recruitment at San Diego State University.

1. What inspired you to do this kind of work?

Studying abroad during my undergraduate studies at Drake University changed the trajectory of my life. It sparked my interest in the pre-Internet world that I had only imagined growing up in Des Moines, Iowa. Since that experience, I’ve never stopped exploring the globe and I’ve deliberately fashioned my career around opportunities that allowed me to keep my passport current and suitcase packed.  

2. How long have you worked at SDSU?

I began working at SDSU in January 2013 after eight years in international education with the University of Hawaii and Hawaii Pacific University.

3. What is the best piece of advice you ever received?

Three pieces of sage advice:

1. Keep your eye on the ball. 
2. When you’re figuring out what to do with your life, pick the place where you really want to live and go there. Your career will work itself out wherever you go.
3. Buy a plunger before you need a plunger.

4. What is your favorite thing about your job?

My favorite thing about my job is witnessing the personal and intellectual growth of our international students from when they arrive to San Diego as freshman to when they graduate and head out into the world. It’s gratifying to know that by recruiting international students to SDSU, my office plays an important role in enriching the campus community with diversity of cultures, thoughts and ideas.

This is vital for all of our students — both domestic and foreign — as they embark on careers in our globally interconnected world. 

5. What about your field or position do you think would surprise people the most?

Beyond people who have worked specifically in university enrollment, I think most people are surprised to learn what a huge industry international education is across the world. Through recruitment of international students and scholars, sending students to study abroad programs, and advocacy of campus internationalization, universities worldwide are clamoring to increase their international footprints. The more this can be a campus-wide initiative, the better.

6. What is the most interesting or surprising thing about you?

Before working in higher education, I toured Europe and Canada with Cirque du Soleil.  While I never swung from a trapeze, my Cirque stories make for great conversation at parties.  This chapter of my life definitely brought a fascinating cast of characters into my world.  

7. If you could only rescue one thing from your burning office, what would it be?

The cool mid-century chairs that I recovered from their demise at SDSU’s salvage area.  The chairs have a “San Diego College” sticker on the back, which authenticates their value and long history on this campus! 

Bonus questions

1. What is your favorite kind of music/what are your favorite bands? 

Let me put it this way …  I guarantee no one at the gym has a workout mix like this:   Great Big Sea, John Mayer, Violent Femmes, Kelly Clarkson, Pavarotti, The Black Eyed Peas, and a smattering of Broadway show tunes.  

2. What is your favorite sports team or who is your favorite individual athlete?

College team loyalties are divided among the Aztecs, Iowa Hawkeyes and University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors.