Orlando Saiz

Q: “Tell us about yourself.”
A: “I live in southern California, I love the outdoors, and I have a wife and a dog named Sandy; I am interested in art, music, enjoying the outdoors, and connecting with others. I recently accepted a position as an Administrative Faculty member and director of Research at Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena. I earned a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership in 2017 from The Chicago School. Since 2016, I have served as a professor in multiple disciplines, including graduate and undergraduate psychology, social science research, general business, organizational psychology, business psychology, behavioral economics, clinical psychology, forensic psychology, human development, leadership, and education. I have recently written a book chapter for IGI global publishing (2025), on writing a results section for qualitative dissertation research.”

Q: “What was your motivation for pursuing your degree?”
A: “My motivation for pursuing my master's in diplomacy was to increase my knowledge and understanding of politics, business, and global interconnectedness. I learned much more than I bargained for at Norwich and was quickly tuned into how the global international system operates. The knowledge and experience that I gained as a graduate student at Norwich helped propel me into my current profession as a college professor and administrator. I identify with the strong institutional values that Norwich has ingrained in me and hope to influence others with the strong values that I hold, of persistence to reach goals, integrity, instituting strong leadership, being a positive influence in the world toward others, being authentic and being a servant leader.” 

Q: “What are your future professional plans?”
A: “I plan to develop myself further in leadership roles and keep working in the areas of doctoral research, professorship, and administration. I plan to expand my professional portfolio by publishing more, presenting, and engaging in leadership opportunities, to give back and serve as a positive influence toward others.”

Q: “Why did you choose Norwich?”
A: “I stumbled on Norwich while online. It took me a while to understand how online study differed from in person. Since then, I have learned first-hand what the difference was and have gained a valuable experience that helps to set me apart from many of my colleagues.”

Q: “Did you have any uncertainties with choosing an online program?”
A: “Yes, I wondered about accreditation, the equality in rigor, the prestige of an online vs. on-ground institution, etc. The deciding factor was the reasonability in cost, the convenience, the accreditation, and reputation of the institution.”

Q: “What is one piece of advice you would give to future students enrolling in one of Norwich's online programs?”
A: “If the idea and goal serve you when considering this institution, go for it and do not look back. You will do great to follow your goals and instincts. There is nothing to lose by earning a graduate degree at a quality institution. You will also encounter many wonderful colleagues, faculty, and staff that will further enhance your experience.”

Q: “How do you plan to use your degree in your career?”
A: “The global element of the diplomacy degree often comes in handy. Mainly as a perspective and a knowledge source, but also in application as being globally or social-minded. In this world, it benefits to have both a local and global perspective. This is what was developed at Norwich and continues to be developed to my current role and interests.”

Q: “Please tell us about a time in which you could put your knowledge gained in the classroom to work immediately at your job.”
A: “Frequently, I describe my experiences doing fieldwork abroad in Japan and Brazil. This was part of the graduate program at The Chicago School. I remember learning about expatriatism at Norwich in my diplomacy degree, which seemed to come to life while studying abroad. I seemed to excel in relation to other classmates, frequently, understanding the customs, norms, and interactions with my colleagues and acquaintances in host nations. These experiences helped me to develop long friendships and important experiences that I can share in the classroom, which involve diplomatic relations, empathy, compassion, cooperation, and socially focused interactions. These types of opportunities and experiences have truly been invaluable.”

Q: “What aspects of your Norwich experience will you carry most strongly with you?”
A: “The wealth of knowledge that I have gained, part of which involved interacting with my classmates, colleagues, and professors. The learning community at Norwich was very strong and influential.”  

Q: “Is there anything else you would like to tell?”
A: “I am very grateful to have studied at Norwich and to be a part of its rich heritage. I truly learned the strength of character, professionalism, and the value of taking one step forward ("I will try") at every opportunity. These are tools and philosophies that I have learned from that I will use throughout my lifetime.”