Jordan Sweet
Jordan Sweet is a digital engagement specialist and fashion content creator whose global experiences have shaped his professional journey. A 2024 graduate of the University of Illinois Chicago with a degree in Marketing, specializing in Digital Marketing and Promotions, Jordan studied Fashion Design & Merchandising in Milan, Italy, through IES Abroad in Fall 2022. During his time abroad, he served as a Social Media Correspondent for IES Abroad, sharing his experiences and insights. Currently, Jordan works as a Digital Engagement Specialist at the American Planning Association and serves as a Communications Ambassador for BET. He continues to advocate for diversity in international education, leading presentations like “Passport to Success” at UIC, highlighting the impact of study abroad on students of color.
“Study abroad matters to me in ways that go far beyond the classroom—it was a life-changing experience that shaped my academic, professional, and personal journey. I was first inspired by my cousin who studied abroad in Finland, which opened my eyes at a young age to the possibilities that international education could offer. That early exposure planted the seed that eventually led me to pursue my own study abroad experience in Milan, Italy. While attending the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), I worked at the Study Abroad Office, where I not only helped other students explore global opportunities but also planned my own time abroad.Jordan Sweet
During my program in Milan, I balanced classes, an internship, and remote work for UIC’s Study Abroad Office—all while soaking in a new culture and building lifelong connections. My experience continues to live on through my career in digital marketing and content creation, where global awareness, cultural competency, and storytelling are at the heart of what I do. To give back and expand access, I created “Passport to Success,” an initiative that educated students on the study abroad process through engaging presentations, trivia with prizes, and a panel of past participants. Through this program, I was proud to award passport funding to two students and gift Amazon gift cards to encourage others to take that first step. International education gave me the confidence to dream bigger and the tools to turn those dreams into reality—and now, I strive to inspire others to do the same.
During my time abroad, I had the incredible opportunity to walk in Milan Fashion Week for Tokyo James Spring-Summer 2022. This experience not only fulfilled a lifelong dream but also became a pivotal moment in my career—leading to me signing with Boom Models in Milan, Italy. Studying abroad gave me the flexibility and exposure to explore both academic and creative passions, proving that international education can truly open doors beyond the classroom.”