After a year and a half of living and working abroad in Manizales, Colombia I decided I would get my master’s in Latin American Studies. In choosing which graduate school to attend, I talked at length with alumni from the Elliott School’s Latin American and Hemispheric Studies Program (LAHSP). I learned in particular about how the LAHSP capstone project would allow for a significant level of hands-on, real world, client-consultant experience, which would culminate in field research abroad. Such a one-of-a-kind opportunity immediately drew me to the program.
Prior to starting at Elliott, I knew the school had certain characteristics I was looking for: a multidisciplinary approach, an evening class schedule allowing for an internship alongside my studies, and professors who are also currently practitioners. Over the past two years, these characteristics have certainly enhanced my experience—I’ve been able to take courses in a variety of interests, including business, monitoring and evaluation, and econometrics; the schedule has provided space for a different part-time internship each semester; and through their work, my professors have been able to impart their inside perspectives on the development world.
The Office of Graduate Student Career Development (GSCD) has also had a meaningful impact on my experience at the Elliott School. Not only has the Career Connection website been the source of significant job and internship opportunities, but the GSCD staff have been extraordinarily helpful in my one-on-one meetings with them. Without their help, I would not be where I am today.
Finally, being involved with different initiatives and organizations on campus, including the Graduate Student Ambassadors (GSA) has allowed me to help bring students together for both academic and extracurricular activities. While on GSA since 2012, I’ve encouraged Elliott School students to attend the university-wide All Alumni Networking Night; sat on class registration office hours for first year students; and helped plan both an ice-skating outing and an Elliott School study break.
When I think back to why I chose the Elliott School, I know I had solid reasons for doing so. However, it was the experiences I had here, both what I was looking for and what I found, that have given me a sense of fulfillment. Although graduation is right around the corner, I will soon be proud to call myself an Elliott School alumnae.
