Alexander Johnstone – COSSPP alumnus [B.S. Interdisciplinary Social Science (ISS) ’08] – credits his comprehensive education in FSU’s ISS program with laying the groundwork for his success as founder and CEO of World Advisory, a business consulting service.
World Advisory connects startups, entrepreneurs, and small businesses through global networking to make entrepreneurship more accessible to all individuals. The organization is involved in the community through events, media, partnerships, philanthropy, and more.
“The Interdisciplinary Social Sciences program [at FSU] laid a foundation for me to build this company in ways that I would not have been able to do with a more narrow focus,” Johnstone said. “It has enabled me to excel in the small business community as entrepreneurship is an endeavor that is pursued by practically every demographic on the planet. Regardless of age, location, industry, or trade, I’ve found myself able to understand and apply universal principles that relate to all types of businesses and individuals.”
Johnstone received his degree in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences (ISS) with a minor in business in 2008. This allowed him to study various subjects across several departments, including geography, economics, urban planning, and environmental science. He designed his curriculum around his first entrepreneurial endeavor: an online publication dedicated to urban planning and design called “The World Edition.”
The publication’s purpose was to inform, educate, and inspire people everywhere about cities, structures, and the changing world. He recruited and published contributions from notable journalists, academics, and professionals from across the globe, including some from FSU.
The flexibility of the ISS degree allowed him to also take classes in the College of Communication and Information on the subjects of mass media, marketing, and advertising as well as several courses in art history.
“Although my classes were centered around the publication and my unique situation at the time, I had a feeling it would be helpful to take a well-rounded approach in order for my studies to remain relevant regardless of future endeavors,” Johnstone said.
As an out-of-state student from Bethesda, Maryland, Johnstone made an effort to get involved in campus activities, including Dance Marathon, Intramural Sports, and International Programs. During his sophomore year, he studied abroad at the FSU Study Centre in London, where he met his wife of fourteen years, Michelle, who was majoring in theatre.
Another impactful experience at FSU was his membership in the Brotherhood of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He credits the involvement with bringing him closer to his grandfather, who was a brother at the UNC-Chapel Hill chapter, and transforming him from a boy into a gentleman. His pledge brothers gathered in the fall to celebrate 20 years since they joined the fraternity.
Johnstone attributes the ISS program to shaping his career trajectory, making him well-rounded with a wealth of knowledge and experience across a range of subjects. He encourages current ISS students to use this opportunity to learn as much as possible about as many subjects as possible.
“In my experience, what’s most important is to embrace lifelong learning, critical thinking, and constantly expanding your perspectives and worldview,” Johnstone said. “This same intellectual curiosity and thirst for knowledge and understanding will remain with you throughout your life. And it will propel you to extraordinary experiences in amazing places with inspiring people.”
To learn more about FSU’s Interdisciplinary Social Sciences Program, visit cosspp.fsu.edu/iss.
To learn more about FSU’s International Programs, visit international.fsu.edu.