Over 50 prospective students attended various panels at the Josef Korbel School Open House on Thursday, November 3rd to learn about the graduate degree programs offered.

The theme of the night was the interdisciplinary nature of each program and the job market value of a Josef Korbel School degree. Around 92 percent of students are employed within one year of graduating in the public, private, non-profit sectors, and abroad.

"We prepare you with the most in-demand skills for the field at the moment and for the future," said Dr. Sally Hamilton, the International Development Program Director.

"It's the kind of degree that's attractive to employers," said Dr. Edward Rowe, Program Director for the MA in International Administration. Being located outside the "beltway," the stretch of cities along the East Coast, gives the Josef Korbel School a broader perspective, allowing a comprehensive view of theory to policy links.

Prospective students were told that professors at Korbel are willing to challenge orthodoxy and bring alternative perspectives to the classroom.

"The students here are interested in getting dirt under their fingernails, working in the field, and we really encourage that," said Dr. Claude d'Estrée, both a professor and the director of the Human Trafficking Clinic.
Hearing from the program directors and other panel members made each degree seem more tangible to some prospective students. "It feels more real to me having come, hearing the experiences of students and alumni," said Kathleen Koelsch, a prospective student from Denver.

Other panels included representatives from the Office of Career and Professional Development, Alumni Relations, Admissions, and Student Affairs. The evening concluded with a student and alumni panel to round out what an experience at Korbel might look like beyond the academics.

Alumni networking and career search were discussed as well as application tips. Brad Miller, Director of Graduate Admissions, reminded prospective students that Josef is spelled with an 'f,' in addition to other useful hints.

"I thought it was very helpful," said James Arnold, a prospective student in attendance.

-Sarah Crozier, MA Candidate, International Development