Jordyn Emilee Miller is a second-year Masters candidate in the International Affairs program at the Elliott School, with concentrations in Transnational Security and Global Energy and Environmental Policy. Jordyn grew up in the Foreign Service and lived in seven countries prior to coming to the Elliott School, shaping her passion for international affairs. She currently works for the U.S. Department of State in the Global Public Affairs Bureau, managing communications and contact management for embassies and consulates around the world. Jordyn also interned with the U.S. Department of State in Durban, South Africa where she wrote cables and reports on the regional political and economic issues, including wildlife trafficking and political violence. Jordyn enjoys traveling (when possible), musical theater, and snuggling with her cats, Nala and Simba!
What has been your favorite experience at the Elliott School so far and why?
It is really difficult to pinpoint one favorite experience at the Elliott School. I think my entire graduate school experience at Elliott has been a highlight. From getting to learn directly from leading experts in the field to being surrounded by such an inspiring faculty and campus, I genuinely enjoy the day to day as a graduate student here. One memory that does stand out was the Welcome Happy Hour that was hosted in the City View Room on the 7th Floor my first year! Getting to see such an incredible view of all of DC while interacting with my fellow cohort was such an exciting moment that I will never forget!
What courses have you found most helpful in your work/intern/volunteer experiences and how have they been useful?
There have been so many wonderful courses at Elliott, but there are a few that stand out to me as especially useful in helping me be successful in my current position at the Department of State. I took a Skills Course called “Mobile Phones for International Development” that proved to be very interesting and helped me understand the various ways that technology can help address global issues in a ground-up way, which is something I have applied directly to my work at the Global Public Affairs Bureau. Another course that I found to be fundamental to shaping my future career interests was “Transnational Security” with Dr. Marcus King. This class covers such a wide range of transnational security topics that have really helped me understand where my passion lies and what career I want to pursue in the future!
What resources or strategies have proven to be the most valuable in helping you reach academic success at the Elliott School?
I am very thankful for the wonderful faculty at the Elliott School and all the support offered by Graduate Student Services. There have been several occasions where I’ve reached out to an academic advisor for advice on career and educational decisions and have felt so supported and at ease; specifically transitioning from being a full-time student to part-time when I got hired by the Department of State! Also, if you are preparing to take a language exam, the Language Cafes are such a great way to practice speaking and build confidence with conversations!
What advice do you have for prospective students who are on the fence about applying to a graduate program at the Elliott school?
The Elliott School provides a world-class education and immersive experience that you really won’t get anywhere else. There is nothing more inspiring than walking to class surrounded by the institutions and historic monuments that you are discussing in lectures, taught by such a diverse and impressive faculty. Additionally, the location of the school, combined with the flexibility of the program, the Capstone Project, and all of the supplemental opportunities makes the Elliott School the most incredible path to success. It is the best decision I’ve made and hope it can be one of your best decisions too!
What city outside of the U.S. should people should visit and why?
If you can visit anywhere in the world, I definitely recommend going to Cape Town, South Africa! I may be bias being from there, but it is truly such a beautiful place filled with so much history, culture, and natural beauty. There is something for everyone in Cape Town from the beach to horseback riding, the wine, or the wildlife! The people are also just so warm and welcoming.
Want to connect with current Elliott School students and alumni? Click here to see how!
Find out more about this program by creating a CustomViewbook!
Join us for an information session, RSVP here!
Click here to apply to the Elliott School!
Twitter · Facebook · Instagram
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.
Elliott School Office of Graduate Admissions 