Clare Zimmerman, MA International Trade and Investment Policy, Class of 2013, #ElliottProud Alumni
Clare Zimmerman is an Economic Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Riga, Latvia. She holds an M.A. in International Trade and Investment Policy (now International Economic Policy) from the George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs and bachelor’s degrees in History, Spanish, and International Studies from the Pennsylvania State University. She has worked as a Foreign Service officer for the Department of State since 2013. Her previous overseas assignments include Vienna, Austria and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Previously, she worked at a Philadelphia non-profit organization and assisted homeowners facing foreclosure during the 2008 financial crisis. While at GW, Clare received the Graduate Development Fellowship and interned at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Delphos International, a financial advisory firm. Clare resides in Riga with her husband and two daughters.
When did you realize you wanted an international career?
I was fortunate to have a series of positive international experiences in high school and college, both studying abroad and volunteering, that increased my interest in international affairs. After a great internship at the U.S. Consulate in Tijuana, Mexico I knew I wanted to work internationally.
Describe your current position and what are your favorite aspects of the job?
As an economic officer at the U.S. Embassy in Riga, Latvia I analyze economic developments in Latvia and promote U.S. economic and commercial interests. One aspect of the job I like the most is the broad range of topics my work touches on in a single day – potentially anything from global energy markets to changes to local labor laws. It means no two days are the same and I am constantly learning.
What are the current trends driving the future of your career field and what advice would you provide an Elliott School graduate student that is interested in your field of work?
Take advantage of the evening class schedule and GW’s proximity to international organizations and seek internships that will help you develop marketable skills and a professional network. Seek courses that build policy and data analysis skills. Finally, strong communication skills are relevant in every career field. Use the skills courses (negotiation or public speaking, for example) to develop these competencies.
How does your current position compare to what you thought you would be doing when you first started your degree at the Elliott School?
When I started at the Elliott School joining the Foreign Service was my top career goal. However, I never could have guessed that in the seven years since graduating I would work in Mexico, Austria, and Latvia.
If you could have any other career, unrelated to international affairs, what would it be and why?
I’d love to own a bed and breakfast on the beach somewhere tropical. Sun, sand, and spreading the joy of travel – what’s not to love?
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The #ElliottProud profile series is managed by the Elliott School Office of Graduate Admissions and highlights graduate program alumni 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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