#WeAreElliott: Gihyeok Kwak

April 17, 2024April 12, 2024 ~ Elliott School Graduate Admissions ~ Leave a comment

Gihyeok smiles in a coffee shop wearing a black shirt.

Gihyeok Kwak is a second-year Master’s candidate in the M.A. in International Affairs program at the Elliott School, concentrating on International Affairs and Development. He received his bachelor’s degree in Conflict Analysis and Resolution studies at George Mason University in 2022. He is interested in international politics, economics, diplomacy, and international development and hopes to become a person who spreads good influence around the world based on this diverse knowledge.

What has been your favorite experience at the Elliott School so far and why?

My favorite experience at the Elliott School so far has been the opportunity to gain profound academic knowledge of international relations. Moreover, Elliott School professors with diverse experience in international relations provided a fantastic academic curriculum that allowed students to apply their deep academic knowledge of international relations to real-life scenarios, collaborate with peers, and engage in diplomacy. This experience enhanced my understanding of international relations. Furthermore, the Elliott School, located in the heart of Washington, D.C., enriches the profound academic knowledge of international relations learned at the school. Washington, D.C., is the center of American politics and diplomacy, where numerous international organizations and diplomatic think tanks from around the world are gathered, providing a blueprint for the practical application of the knowledge learned at school.

What courses have you found most helpful in your work, intern, or volunteer experiences and how have they been useful?

The most helpful course I found was “History and Its Uses in International Affairs.” This course has given me much more insight into how history impacts international relations and how policymakers use historical records to make policy decisions for the present day. I also gained knowledge about utilizing the historical narratives by governments, organizations, and individuals to promote their power status, get legitimacy, and support their agendas on the world stage. Thanks to this course, I have a more profound understanding of how history works and gleaned great insights about how governments, organizations, and individuals have learned the lessons from history and applied them to the policymaking process. Through this course, my critical analytical skills on international issues have improved, which will help me in future internships, international relations volunteer experiences, and policymaking.

Describe the pros and cons of being a full-time student versus a part-time student at the Elliott School.

One of the best things about being a full-time student at the Elliott School is the wide variety of academic programs available. The Elliott School offers students a variety of majors and minors that allow them to cater their education based on the jobs they want after graduation. Moreover, since the Elliott School is in the heart of Washington, D.C., it provides students with unique internship and networking opportunities to meet policymakers and professionals across various fields and thus get a jumpstart in their careers. However, balancing the demands of being a full-time student at the Elliott School, with a full course load, work, internships, other commitments can be quite challenging. Time management and good organization skills are necessary.

What resources or strategies have proven to be the most valuable in helping you reach success at the Elliott School?

The most valuable resources for success at the Elliott School is Career Services Center, which offers resume workshops, mock interviews, and networking opportunities with alumni and professionals in the field.

What advice do you have for prospective students who are comparing a graduate program at the Elliott School with other DC grad schools?

Being located in the heart of Washington DC, the center of politics, diplomacy, and international relations, is the Elliott School’s greatest advantage and further maximizes all the school’s strengths. As a result, if you have a dream and passion in the field of international relations, go straight ahead. Because everything you do can be meaningless without dreams and passion.

If you could have dinner with any person from history, who would it be and why?

If I could have dinner with any one person from history, I would like to have dinner with President Syngman Rhee, the first president of the Republic of Korea. President Syngman Rhee graduated from George Washington University. I want to express my gratitude to him as the person who created the foundation of today’s South Korea by protecting South Korea’s liberal democracy amidst the worldwide wave of communism after World War II.

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The #WeAreElliott profile series is managed by the Elliott School Office of Graduate Admissions and highlights current students to answer common questions posed by prospective, incoming, and current students. For more information on this series or to submit questions, e-mail the Office of Graduate Admissions at esiagrad@gwu.edu.

The views expressed by students profiled do not necessarily represent those of organizations they work for, are affiliated with, or the Elliott School of International Affairs.

#WeAreElliott: Shreya Lad

March 13, 2024March 5, 2024 ~ Elliott School Graduate Admissions

Shreya Lad smiles, wearing a brown top and a white skirt

Shreya Lad is a second-year Masters candidate in the International Affairs program at the Elliott School, concentrating in international security and technology and international affairs. She is currently a Research Assistant with the Cyber Program at the Stimson Center in Washington, D.C. Shreya works on international security in and through the cyber domain, and is passionate about the role of technology policy in U.S. national security and foreign policy. Her research interests include U.S. grand strategy, space and nuclear security, deterrence and coercion, and intelligence. Before joining the Stimson Center, Shreya interned at the Atlantic Council on the Forward Defense Program where she supported projects on U.S. defense policy and posture. She has presented her research at the GW Space Policy Institute and CSIS Conference on Non-Proliferation & Disarmament. Born and raised in Nashik, India, her native language is Marathi and she also speaks English, Hindi, French and Japanese. She enjoys debating and reading about current affairs, hiking, and hosting her Elliott School friends.

What has been your favorite experience at the Elliott School so far and why?

There’s too many to choose from, but I’d say my favorite so far was when I received an award from Space Policy Institute for a paper I wrote on strategic autonomy in French science and technology policy in the Cold War last summer. It was humbling to receive such amazing feedback from the faculty at the Institute, including Dr. Scott Pace, and an honor to have my work recognized.

What courses have you found most helpful in your work experiences and how have they been useful?

I think there’s something about the balance of practical skills (such as writing with Professor Chris Kojm, which is to-date my #1 most utilized skills course!) and conceptual courses at Elliott that goes a long way in complementing any professional career track. I learned as much about work ethic, collaboration, leadership, and time management, from my writing for policymakers course with Professor Kojm – as I did about concise and clear writing in the field of national security. Likewise, it was great to be exposed to a wonderful community of experts in the field through guest lectures and reading lists. This was especially serendipitous when I met some of these leaders in my internships or jobs, and had a chance to demonstrate my familiarity with their work and connect with them. It really opened so many doors for me and nurtured my passion for my field.

Describe the pros and cons of being a full-time versus part-time student at the Elliott School.

I’d like to call balancing class and work, as a full-time student, a pro if done well. There’s definitely risk of burnout and stress, but it also allowed me to perfectly translate what I learned in the classroom into my day job, which was research-based. Balancing can be tricky, but I found it very rewarding to develop dual-use projects that applied to both my internships and my coursework, connecting my peers and coworkers, and so on. The only con that comes to mind is how I’d miss out on many cool Elliott School events, panels, and talks, because I’d either be at work or in class!

What resources or strategies have proven to be the most valuable in helping you reach success at the Elliott School?

People: Graduate Student Services, professors, and peers. It’s mainly people, building relationships (with a strategy in mind), and getting to take home the connections you’ve made with so many people with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Secondly, I think no one does events like we do at the Elliott School. My favorite experience was getting to participate in talks, panels, and special events with incredible speakers and people. They helped me stay in touch with the cutting edge work in my field, build my network, get my foot in the door, and even land job interviews and other opportunities!

What advice do you have for prospective students who are comparing a graduate program at the Elliott School with other D.C. grad schools?

The Elliott School grants you access to the heart of the foreign policy community, while actively contributing to conversations in the beltway. I think it’s best positioned in terms of access and exposure. I would also advise future grad students to consider the Elliott School’s professional slant, which is what I sought from my Master’s degree. Faculty are equal parts academic experts and practitioners, as are students, often coming to school with years of experience in their fields. There is a strong focus on professional development and skill building.

What is the last show or movie that you really enjoyed and why?

I recently watched a screening of The Space Race (2023), a documentary about Black astronauts in the United States, in NASA and beyond. It’s fascinating to see the juxtaposition of social injustice and scientific achievement in the Cold War.

A special mention also goes to Season 1 of True Detective, starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, which I am very late to the party for (it aired in 2014). Go watch if you enjoy neo-noir existential horror!

The views expressed by students profiled do not necessarily represent those of organizations they work for, are affiliated with, or the Elliott School of International Affairs.

#WeAreElliott: Alka Pant

March 8, 2024March 5, 2024 ~ Elliott School Graduate Admissions

Alka smiling in front of a brick wall wearing a black and white jacket.

Alka Pant is a second-year Global Communication Master’s student concentrating in Global Gender Policy. She has a seven-year career in the private sector in India and Nepal spanning brand and marketing, internal and external communication, and corporate social responsibility in organizations like CitiBank, Standard Chartered Bank and Invesco Asset Management. She possesses a well-rounded understanding of communication strategies and their impact. Additionally, her MBA in International Business equips her with valuable business and management acumen. Driven by a passion for storytelling, Alka aspires to leverage her skills to address critical issues like climate change, intersectionality, and gender-inclusive policies. Her diverse project experience in India and Nepal has ignited a desire to build strong networks and contribute to impactful community initiatives and look to build career opportunities to create an equitable and sustainable future. In her free time, Alka enjoys traveling, exploring cuisines from different countries and coffee.

What has been your favorite experience at the Elliott School so far and why?

One of the most cherished experiences I’ve had at the Elliott School was moderating a panel discussion featuring the remarkable International Women of Courage Award winners in 2023. The room filled with energy of immense courage as I listened to the award winners share their inspiring and challenging stories. It was a privilege to be part of such a powerful and moving conversation.

What courses have you found most helpful and how have they been useful?

My journey at the Elliott School has been enriching and guided by the invaluable support of my incredible academic advisor, Elizabeth Lusk. Having previously worked in corporate social responsibility, stakeholder management, branding, marketing, and communication, I yearned to expand my knowledge by incorporating a climate change element into my academic portfolio. The Elliott School’s stimulating coursework on international relations, global gender policy, and climate change issues provided the perfect platform for this exploration.

Describe the pros and cons of being a full-time versus part-time student at the Elliott School.

As a full-time student, I witnessed my peers expertly balancing work and studies, thanks to the flexible course design. This allowed me to actively participate in college and external events featuring diverse experts, forge friendships, and network with individuals from various backgrounds. I cannot miss mentioning the coffee conversation at Foggy Bottom with friends and program meet at Tonic, a local campus restaurant. These experiences, coupled with the approaching end of my Master’s program, have provided invaluable networking opportunities crucial for navigating my path towards my dream job.

What resources or strategies have proven to be the most valuable in helping you reach success at the Elliott School?

Engaging with classmates from diverse backgrounds allowed for a multi-faceted perspective on course material. Professors, drawing from their experiences, breathe life into complex topics, sparking further exploration. Additionally, the assignment structure encourages deeper dives into areas of personal interest, while the extensive online and offline library resources provide invaluable support for independent learning. This combination of diverse voices, practical insights, and comprehensive resources has created enriching academic experience.

What advice do you have for prospective students who are comparing a graduate program at the Elliott School with other D.C. grad schools?

The Elliott School caters to diverse schedules with various timings and formats which helps you balance work and classes. It also helps you pursue your passions and goals with a wide range of offerings and opportunities to connect with experts and peers through events and resources.

What is your favorite country to visit outside of the U.S.?

While my answer is definitely biased, I recommend traveling to Nepal for its diverse culture, cuisine and its beautiful landscape. They have some really wonderful treks which make you understand the simplicity of life and the beauty of nature further.

The views expressed by students profiled do not necessarily represent those of organizations they work for, are affiliated with, or the Elliott School of International Affairs.

#WeAreElliott: Pablo Molina Asensi

March 6, 2024March 5, 2024 ~ Elliott School Graduate Admissions

Pablo Molina Asensi smiles, wearing a dark red button-down shirt with white buttons. He is sitting in front of a white background.

Pablo Molina Asensi is pursuing an M.A. in Global Communications at the Elliott School with a concentration in Conflict and Conflict Resolution. He developed an interest in the overlap of journalism and international relations as an undergraduate at American University’s School of International Service, from which he graduated summa cum laude in May 2022. He is passionate about issues of human rights, refugees, and forced displacement. In 2022, he produced a journalistic project on the status of Western Sahara and Sahrawi refugees in Algeria, interviewing Polisario Front ministers, the Algerian Ambassador for the U.S., and Sahrawi human rights activists. He has worked as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at GW, helping in classes about the Sustainable Development Goals, journalism, and democracy. Currently, he is working on a Capstone project about Congolese refugees in Uganda, and he looks forward to a career in international reporting, with a special focus on human rights, conflict, and peacebuilding.

What path led you to apply to graduate school? Why did you choose the Elliott School?

I have been passionate about the overlap between communications and international relations since my second year of undergrad. I was pursuing my B.A. in International Studies at AU and realized that I wasn’t sure policymaking by itself was what I wanted to do. I had a different calling: journalism. I still wanted to study IR, but I also realized that I not only loved writing but that I was passionate about the didactic aspect of journalism. I wanted to be able to educate people and help them understand complex issues of human rights, peace, and conflict. After all, I have always believed that an active, independent media and an informed public are critical in ensuring democratic accountability in foreign policy and controlling government. Going to graduate school was always the plan. I knew I wanted to continue my education, and I knew I wanted to stay in D.C. After all, all my social circle lived in the district, and I wanted to spend more time getting to know it. This meant that as I prepared to apply for graduate school, I looked at D.C. schools with programs that could appeal to my somewhat niche interest in IR and communications. AU was an option, but I wanted to branch out and see other institutions. Ultimately, the Elliott School was the only other school that had an M.A. program tying together IR and communication, so that is where my interests took me.

Where do you currently work and how does it fit in with your career goals?

I work on-campus as a Graduate Teaching Assistant for Dr. Lisa Benton-Short’s Introduction to Sustainability class. It is not an IR or communications class, but it is built around the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s), which means that it does involve a lot of comparative analysis of different countries. Why have different countries made uneven progress towards the SDGs? What political, social, and economic circumstances explain that uneven progress? What consequences does this have for people in the Global South or underserved communities in the Global North? These are all questions where having a background in IR often comes in handy! As part of my TA responsibilities, I also lead two weekly discussion sessions to help my undergraduates review the material, and I am the one who grades their assignments. Honestly, I think being a TA is a crash course in adapting to the workforce. You not only have to coordinate with your instructor and other TAs, but you have dozens of students counting on you for their grades, feedback, and guidance. It is a lot of responsibility, and the position helped teach me how to adapt quickly and work around deadlines, give presentations, work as a team, and communicate effectively and transparently with the people to whom you are providing a service (in my case, my students)

What tools/strategies have proved most helpful in making the most of your time at the Elliott School?

Time management and prioritization are key! This is a lesson I learned the hard way as an undergraduate, but I always recommend that everyone take some time once a week to plan out and organize their work for the next one. I’ll download all my readings and assignments, write due dates down on my planner, and then use a different colored pen to write down when I’m doing each thing, based on the time I know I’ll have each day of the week. Ultimately, your career and academic success are what matters, and you should focus on those ends rather than building your plans around the process and means to get there. When you have a lot of work and limited time, you have to learn to skim effectively. You shouldn’t spend more on a reading than you’re going to spend discussing it in class. Readings are not the end goal of school – they’re the means to reach the end of learning. Being economical about your time will not only give you the bandwidth to absorb all the information you need as a graduate student and to finish your work but also allow you to have some time to yourself to keep you well-rested and mentally healthy.

What advice do you have for students for staying motivated at work or in class?

Ideally, you’re taking classes that you find interesting, which always helps. In my case, I’m the kind of person who answers a lot of questions and participates in discussions, which not only keeps me awake but also makes the class more engaging. Think of your class as a chance to chat about interesting topics with experts and fellow enthusiasts! Also, when it comes to staying motivated during your academic career, resting is paramount. I like to reserve two hours each evening after I finish working to wind down, whether that’s by reading or playing a relaxing video game. If you have some “me time” to look forward to at the end of the day, you’ll be able to focus more and perform better at work or in class. You will also be better rested the next day! Also, try to have a free day of the week where you don’t do any work and just spend time with your friends, clean up your place, or rest. That’s what I do with my Saturdays and having a day all to myself to clear my mind, go for a walk, or play a board game with my friends or partner is very rejuvenating.

What has been your most memorable experience while studying at the Elliott School?

I don’t have any big, life-changing experiences to share, but the benefit of being in a small program like Global Communication means that we can all get together every now and then and hang out. Normally, we have Happy Hours at Quigley’s twice a semester just to catch up, talk, and enjoy drinks and snacks together. It’s a great way to meet the new students, chat with friends, and spend some time with our Program Director and our Program Coordinator. They’re small, laid-back experiences, but they make you feel welcome and at home. They let you know that you made the right decision by coming to the Elliott School. I also did have a funny experience: before my first week of graduate school back in August 2022, I had to get tested for COVID-19. I was on campus for orientation, so I thought that I would take the chance to find the Elliott School since my test would be there, and I knew that’s where I would be having a lot of my classes. I should have followed the Google Maps instructions better because instead of finding the Elliott School, I accidentally walked into the State Department. A kind but confused security guard let me know that I wasn’t supposed to be there, and I still chuckle at the memory.

What is one book you think everyone should read and why?

I will never stop recommending Kim Stanley Robinson’s The Ministry for the Future. Robinson’s dialogue and character writing isn’t particularly enthralling, but he is a master worldbuilder and I think Ministry for the Future should be mandatory reading for anyone who wants to help build a more sustainable, humane, and fair world. The book takes place in a very close future, and Robinson imagines what humanity could do to save itself when pushed to the absolute brink by global warming. He explores economics, environmental science, politics, and international relations, and presents a series of radical, necessary solutions that are still grounded in real-world conditions. Its beginning, much like our current situation, is grim, but it leaves you both energized and hopeful by the end. I’m biased towards it because I read it as I was coming out of a particularly bad mental health period and its message of hope amidst darkness spoke to me on a personal level, despite its societal implications. The Ministry for the Future is an absolute must-read for anyone interested in fiction that explores how we could solve the defining crisis of our time. As a fun side note, I think Robinson read the same academic journal paper on geoengineering that I read for my World Politics cornerstone in my first semester of graduate school, since a plot point from Ministry for the Future seems almost lifted from the paper in question.

The views expressed by students profiled do not necessarily represent those of organizations they work for, are affiliated with, or the Elliott School of International Affairs.

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