International Studies Minor Students Explore Global Careers in New York City

During winterim, eight students from the Dickey Center's International Studies Minor (ISM) traveled to New York City to connect with professionals at the forefront of international affairs. The students met in person with experts representing a range of international organizations, gaining valuable insights into potential international career paths.

Accompanied by Casey Aldrich, Dickey Center Associate Director for Global Studies, and Professor Graziella Parati, Chair of the ISM Faculty Steering Committee, the group visited units within the United Nations. At the Executive Office of the Secretary-General, they met with Michèle Griffin, Director of the Summit of the Future. She shared valuable perspectives on the UN's ongoing efforts to adapt international cooperation to both today's realities and the challenges of the future. The students also explored the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO), where Elizabeth Edelstein, Special Advisor to the Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific, helped them gain a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding peacebuilding and regional diplomacy.

The group also met with leaders from several other key organizations, including the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) NY Liaison Office, the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), and UN Women/UN Trust Fund, where they learned about critical work being done in global development, climate action, and gender equality. A conversation with Maristela Verastegui, an interpreter working for the UN and the NY District Courts, further showcased the diversity of support careers in the realm of international affairs.

A highlight of the trip was a special reception hosted by Dickey Center Board of Visitors member Jenny Wood '95, giving ISM students – along with students in the King Scholars Program who were also in NY for their annual Leadership Week –  the chance to connect with Dartmouth alumni working in international fields. This connection to the Dartmouth community added both personal and professional depth to the students' experience.

For the ISM students, the trip was not just an educational opportunity but also a chance to apply the theories and concepts they've explored in their coursework to real-world challenges. As they interacted with professionals across various sectors, they gained a deeper understanding of how international relations theories are put into practice in the field.

• Sofia Lee '25: "I've learned so much about the UN through this trip that it has made me rethink a few career options due to each person's transparency on their journey to their current position."

• Najma Bore '27: "Sitting across from individuals tasked with fostering global cooperation and understanding, whose work shapes the very stories and news we follow, was profoundly inspiring and beyond anything I could have imagined. Hearing their stories and witnessing their dedication reinforced my passion for utilizing my international studies minor to contribute to meaningful change and work toward a more equitable and compassionate future for everyone worldwide!"

• Andrew Serrano '27: "This trip was an incredible experience that allowed me to forge deeper connections with peers in my minor while building new relationships with a diverse group of individuals."

• Mahina Damon '26: "This experience brought the international studies courses to life by learning from real world people and their personal experiences in the various fields within the minor. I realized how interconnected all the themes were and continued to be impressed with the persistent and important work of the United Nations."