International Career Advising

Where to begin? Where to look?

From exploring international career options to expanding your network, we have a couple of experienced advisors ready to share thoughtful advice and offer strategic support to help you achieve your career goals.

Lizzy Shackelford

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Elizabeth Shackelford

A seasoned diplomat, policy analyst, educator, and author, Lizzy brings a wealth of knowledge from her distinguished career in the U.S. State Department and beyond. With postings in South Sudan, Somalia, Poland, and Washington, D.C., she has firsthand experience addressing some of the world's most complex political and conflict dynamics. Her expertise in diplomacy, governance, and multilateral initiatives provides unparalleled insight for students aspiring to careers in international affairs.

As an associate with Booz Allen Hamilton Lizzy led USAID projects to assess business environments in developing countries, and at the law firm Covington & Burling her focus was on international trade. Beyond her diplomatic service, Shackelford has worked as a Senior Fellow at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and gained international recognition for her thought leadership on U.S. foreign policy, including through her book, The Dissent Channel: American Diplomacy in a Dishonest Age. Her passion for fostering dialogue and addressing global challenges is matched by her dedication to mentoring the next generation of leaders. With a deep commitment to bridging theory and practice, Shackelford is an invaluable resource for students exploring paths in diplomacy, policy, and international development.

CONNECT

Click here to schedule half an hour to chat with Lizzy Shackelford, our senior policy director. 

If the times offered don't work for you, please email Lizzy at Elizabeth.e.shackelford@dartmouth.edu.

Ambassador Erica Barks Ruggles

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Ambassador Erica Barks Ruggles

With over 33 years of distinguished service in senior leadership and diplomatic roles, Erica brings a wealth of experience in international affairs, government, and global problem-solving. In addition to having served as U.S. Ambassador to Rwanda, where she oversaw critical humanitarian and development efforts, her broad expertise spans high-level diplomacy, human rights, democracy promotion, and global security. 

As a seasoned diplomat and former Senior Diplomatic Scholar at the Woodrow Wilson Center, she has firsthand knowledge of how to navigate complex global challenges. Erica has represented the U.S. on the international stage, led multidisciplinary teams in crisis settings, and worked closely with organizations such as the United Nations, USAID, and NGOs to address pressing global issues. Her unique ability to connect her experiences—from managing refugee crises to forging international partnerships—will provide students with deep insights into careers that make a meaningful global impact. 

CONNECT

Click here to schedule half an hour to chat with Erica. 

If the times offered don't work for you, please email her at erica.j.barks.ruggles@dartmouth.edu