Ruth Sleshi, MA International Development Studies, Class of 2018, #WeAreElliott Current Student
Ruth Sleshi is a second-year graduate student in the International Development Studies program, with a concentration on institutional strengthening and gender equality. During her time at the Elliott School, she has held two internships at Management Systems International and UNDP Bangkok as a recipient of the Freeman Foundation Grant. Ruth plans to pursue a career in Africa working towards effective institutions and women’s equality. Ruth holds a B.A. in International Studies from Ohio State University and is expecting to graduate with her M.A. in May 2018.
Where do you currently work, intern or volunteer, and how does it fit in with your career goals?
I recently finished an internship with UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub as a researcher for the Gender Focal team. I researched and briefed my supervisor on various topics including the existing gender-transformative practices in the private sector in Asia and the Pacific and other topics like the role of unpaid care and domestic work in advancing gender equality. I also did some analysis on UNDP’s gender equality/empowerment interventions in Asia and the Pacific related to the SDGs. I was able to gain or sharpen many skills that will help me in my career. It fits with my career goal of working the development sector with a focus on gender equality.
What strategies have proven most helpful in making the most of your time at the Elliott School or D.C.?
The obvious one is attending events and following up with people you meet there. Joining organizations in DC around certain themes or regions has been a fun way to explore the city. Expanding my scope beyond my declared major and giving different topics a chance. Doing school work on weekends so I have time to engage in activities during the week. Another strategy that was helpful was working close to campus or blocking off a day or two a week where I can study on campus and be able to walk over to event or consultation at the graduate career center. A coping strategy whenever I feel overwhelmed or unappreciative is going to a place or event that could only be found in DC —it always gives me a boost and #Thisisthelife moments.
What piece of advice/wisdom would you have given yourself when you started your program now that you’ve completed your first year?
My piece of wisdom for my first-year self would be: It’s okay not to be sure of your concentration within your program and not to stress about it, that it will become clearer in time as you learn more and become exposed to the sector. Go to your professor office hours just for chats. Explore more of DC. Do not feel intimidated by or shy away from engaging with well accomplished (sounding) people. Intern throughout your graduate program.
Favorite summer activity?
Spending evenings by a lake or beach. Something about being by the water on summer nights is relaxing.
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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.
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