Aaron Faucher always had a curiosity for the world beyond his backyard. After earning his associate degree, he transferred to Central and began as a French major. But it didn’t take long for him to realize he wanted a broader global perspective. He switched his major to International Studies with a concentration in Western Europe, a decision that shaped the trajectory of his career.
While at Central, Aaron took part in three transformative study abroad experiences; one in London and two in France. He also interned at the World Affairs Council in Hartford and worked in Central’s Office of International Education while earning his master’s degree in international studies. Those opportunities, he says, were key in helping him land his first role with the University of California’s Education Abroad Program. These early roles cemented his passion for global learning and student support.
Aaron's professional path took him across the globe, from creating customized study abroad programs for large universities, to a stint living in Malta, and eventually into the growing world of educational technology. His pivot into EdTech began at Samuel Merritt University, where he served as a project manager helping implement new software systems. There, frequent collaboration with IT teams sparked his interest in tech, and mentors encouraged him to formally explore the field.
He soon joined a startup where he gained fluency in the fast-paced tech environment and later transitioned to a role at LinkedIn, where he currently works with some of the world’s most important companies as a Principal Customer Success Manager for Global Clients with LinkedIn Learning. He says he gained a global perspective that began with those study abroad experiences which serves him today in working with large multinational corporations.
Aaron and his husband Joshua are currently relocating back to Connecticut from Northern California which he said feels like a full-circle moment that reflects both personal and professional growth.
His motivation to give back to Central is deeply personal. “I grew up in poverty with no professional network or role models, but Central gave me the foundation I needed to forge a path forward and start to believe in myself. Scholarships made it possible for me to study abroad and every little bit helped.” His first donation to Central was $50, but it marked the start of a proud commitment to give back each year. “I may not have come from a prestigious background, but I found my way at Central and I’m proud of that. Giving back is my way of saying thank you.”
