Our graduates work in the private, public and non-profit sectors around the world. Here’s what they think about the unique and powerful experience of an education from the Josef Korbel School of International Studies (formerly the Graduate School of International Studies).

“My experience at GSIS sharpened my analytical and research skills, and significantly enriched my theoretical background in international politics. That, combined with my previous working experience as a special assistant to the minister of human rights in the government of my country, the Democratic Republic of Congo, really prepared me for my work at the UN.”

David Lokulutu Bongwele MA, 2005,International Administration
David is a political affairs officer in the United Nations’ Department of Political Affairs in New York City.

“GSIS strengthened my communication skills, introduced me to many relevant issues in global health, and provided the masters degree required for my position.”

Beth Harris MA, 2003, International Administration
Beth is an associate resource development officer for the Arlington, VA-based Family Health International, a non-profit organization active in reproductive health in more than 70 countries.

“If I look back on my time at GSIS, the greatest strength I got from my education was the ability to question, think critically and then be able to present that information in a concise and relevant manner. This is a credit to the professors at the school, who challenged me consistently throughout my time at GSIS. Yet at the same time, their doors were always open and they provided critical mentoring as I matured as a student and narrowed my career choices. This ability to challenge, yet provide support, helped to prepare me for all of the jobs that I had since graduation.”

Brett Makens MA, 2002, International Studies
Brett is a foreign service officer in the U.S. Department of State. He currently serves as vice consul in the U.S. Embassy in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

“An M.A. and Ph.D. from GSIS provided me with the critical thinking and analytical abilities to excel in my career in international security and homeland defense with a focus on Mexico and North American defense and security.”

Benjamin P. Gochman MA, 1987 and PhD, 1998, International Studies
Ben is Mexico Desk Officer at United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) in Colorado Springs, CO.

“GSIS provided me with the opportunity to stretch my mind, challenge my assumptions, and learn to look at things from a different perspective. I can actually pick out professional experiences where something I learned in a conflict resolution or political economy or political theory class helped me understand a particular situation and devise a practical solution. I think the variety of classes that I was able to take at GSIS helped me learn to use my brain in different ways--to build a foundation that has helped me to “think outside of the box” and develop effective programs in the developing world.”

Megan McIllwain Elliott MA, 2003, International Studies
Megan is Technical Program Officer for the Organization International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease in Paris, France.

“The School’s multidisciplinary approach to international relations has also allowed me to better perceive the complexity and interrelated nature of socio-economic and political issues in the era of globalization. Such an approach has also taught me to place particular issues into broader social, economic and political dynamics. I have used these skills when engaging in practical work within the United Nations system and the non-governmental sector.”

Celine Artal MA, 2004, International Human Rights
Celine was Associate Economic Affairs Officer at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) – Trade and Investment Division in Bangkok, Thailand.

“My training in international conflict resolution really helped develop cross cultural communication competencies, develop an ability to communicate in adverse and sensitive situations, create a skill set in public presentations, and the development of professional writing. My research-related coursework really honed my grant writing skills and the ability to develop and convey a convincing project. Graduate work at also prepared me to think creatively about my resources.”

Kumasi Adoma MA, 2003, International Studies
Kumasi is Assistant Manager of Outreach and Special Projects at the Houston, TX, office of the Institute of International Education, the oldest international education non-profit in the United States.

“Both skills and theory courses helped, especially such practical courses as ‘Professional Communication,’ ‘Data Analysis’ and ‘Country Team-Operations.’ Interacting with diverse classmates and instructors prepared me for a multicultural work environment.”

Jeff Franklin MA, 2005, International Development
Jeff is a program manager for CARE International in Indonesia, where he is responsible for two water and sanitation projects in Banda Aceh.

“Classes like ‘Health and Development’ helped me see the whole picture of global health. The certificate program helped me focus my interests and has given me the research skills I need.”

Katrina Berg MA, 2007, International Development with a Global Health Affairs Certificate
Katrina is a PhD student in the Department of Health, Behavior and Society at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

“GSIS helped me develop an intellectual aptitude to confidently address and negotiate complex challenges facing organizations and people in different country and cultural contexts.”

Karin Soweid MA, 1999, International Administration
Karin is Senior Human Resources Analyst and Talent Management Project Manager for SABIS® Educational Services s.a.l. in Lebanon.