Our graduates work in private, public and nonprofit sectors throughout the world. Here's what some of them 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).
Influencing the world one graduate at a time
- Jessie Burley
MA, International Development
BA, International Studies and Anthropology
Program
Master of Arts in International Development
Goals
To work abroad with an NGO to strengthen institutional capacity and reduce poverty and inequality.
“The Josef Korbel School's success as an international studies school was attractive, as was the divergence from the classic, traditional East Coast policy schools.”
- Anna Corio
- MA, International Development
BA, Anthropology
Program
Master of Arts in International Development with a Certificate in Humanitarian Assistance
Experience
Intern, childhood education intern, African Community Center, Denver
Goals
To work for a global NGO overseas
“I like the sense of community and the diversity of perspective on international affairs that all of the various programs offer. So far I've met some really great people, both students and faculty.”
- Eric Deutcher
- MA, Homeland Security
MPA, Public Administration
BS, Business Administration
Program
Master of Arts in Homeland Security
Previous Experience
Ten years as a police officer
Goals
To take my professional and academic experience to the federal level and focus on homeland security, counterterrorism and intelligence.
“After researching programs across the country, I found the Homeland Security program at the Josef Korbel School had the best variety of national and international security-related classes and were taught by talented professors with a lot of real-world experience.”
- Devin Finn
MA, International Studies
BA, Political Science
Program
Master of Arts in International Studies with concentrations in international human rights and international security
Experience
Intern, American Enterprise Institute
Journalist, Inter-American Dialogue
Researcher, International Budget Project of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
Goals
To earn a PhD in comparative politics; to work at an international organization such as the United Nations, International Labor Organization or International Crisis Group doing research and policy design, or at the Department of State.
“The Josef Korbel School has provided a stimulating environment in which to launch into course work, research and specific projects. Grad school is a very rich and formative time and the Josef Korbel School really supports this process, from financial aid to career fairs to film nights.”
- Onyeka Ilobi
- MA, Global Finance, Trade, and Economic Integration
BS, Economics and International Business
Program
Master of Arts in Global Finance, Trade, and Economic Integration
Goals
Summer internship in Tunisia or in sub-Saharan Africa
Financial policymaking and analysis for developing countries.
“My experience at the Josef Korbel School has been fulfilling and challenging. I've also appreciated the quality of the other students. They have done so much with their lives already.”
- Brandon Sternquist
- MA, International Security
BA, International Relations and BA, Law, Politics and Society
Program
Master of Arts in International Security with a concentration in Military Analysis, and a Certificate in Humanitarian Assistance
Experience
Intern with the United Nations Foundation, Washington, D.C.
October to December 2008
Temporary position, U.S. State Department, Washington, D.C.
April 2009
Goals
To continue work in the areas of International Security and Humanitarian Assistance as an analyst or in a similar role with a governmental or non-governmental organization.
“My time at the Josef Korbel School has allowed me to have some great experiences and gain many of the skills I will need as a professional in international affairs. I know the people I have met in and out of the classroom will be my colleagues and co-workers in the years to come.”
- Nathaniel Tishman
- MA, International Human Rights
BA, Journalism
Program
Returned Peace Corps volunteer, Master of Arts in International Human Rights with a Certificate in Humanitarian Assistance
Experience
Peace Corps Volunteer in Chad
Intern, Mercy Corps, a humanitarian assistance NGO, in Uganda and Niger
Goals
To return to Africa to work for organizations such as Medecins Sans Frontieres, the United Nations, International Committee of the Red Cross, International Crisis Group and Mercy Corps to help those most in need
“At the Josef Korbel School there are incredible opportunities to learn and connections to be made. Some of the professors are legendary in their fields and for them to bring that knowledge to you in a class is pretty special.”
“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 develop my professional writing.”
- Kumasi Adoma
(MA '03)
- Assistant Manager for Outreach and Special Projects, Institute of International Education, Houston, TX
“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 '04), Associate Economic Affairs Officer, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, Bangkok, Thailand
“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'07), PhD Candidate, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
“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 '05), Program Manager, CARE International, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
“An MA and PhD 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 Gochman (MA '87 and PhD '98), Mexico Desk Officer, United States Northern Command, Colorado Springs, Colorado
“The Josef Korbel School provided me with the opportunity to stretch my mind, challenge my assumptions, and learn to look at things from a different perspective.”
- Megan McIllwain Elliott (MA'03)
- Technical Program Officer, Organization International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease
“For me, as practitioner in the financial services industry, some of the best learning I did at the Josef Korbel School came from the other students. So it only seemed natural to me to try to connect back to students.”
- Steve Musick (MA'06)
- Golden, Colorado
“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
- Senior human resources analyst and talent management project manager, SABIS Educational Services s.a.l. in Lebanon
- Zarif
“My experience at the Josef Korbel School sharpened my analytical and research skills, enriched my theoretical background in international politics and really prepared me for my work at the UN.”
- David Lokulutu Bongwele (MA '05)
- Political Affairs Officer, UN Department of Political Affairs, New York
“The Josef Korbel School 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'03)
- Associate Resource Development Officer, Family Health International, a nonprofit organization active in reproductive health in more than 70 countries
“If I look back on my time at the Josef Korbel School, 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 there.”
- Brett Makens (MA '02)
- Foreign Service Officer, US Department of State