On April 23, APSIA collaborated with Korea University’s Graduate School of International Studies (KU GSIS) and the Seoul National University Graduate School of International Studies (SNU GSIS) to host Exploring Careers in International Affairs, as part of the 2021 Diversity Forum.

Fifteen Korean students and young professionals joined KU GSIS Alumna Monica Jeong, Professor of International Relations at Handong Global University, and SNU GSIS alumna Sewon Kim, Researcher for the Korea Institute of Public Finance, to discuss career opportunities in the fields of international affairs. It was moderated by APSIA Asia Pacific Graduate Fellow and SNU GSIS Student Sejung Kim.

During the event, alumnae talked about their professional experiences, as well as how they discerned what career paths to take. They said it is always important to know exactly what you want to do in your life, who is it for, and what is the purpose of choosing your career. They also said that career is a long-term professional journey that may be determine based on your passion, so it is important to be passionate about your area of interest when choosing your future path.

Overall, the presenters encouraged students ask: what do you want in life? What do you love? What are your talents? They challenged students to compare personal interests and community interests and shape their decisions from there.

This 2021 Diversity Forum is made possible by our generous investors, including: Johns Hopkins University Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, McLarty Associates, Open Society Foundations, Princeton University School of Public and International Affairs, Syracuse University The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Texas A&M University Bush School of Government & Public Service, University of Southern California Master of Public Diplomacy Program, and the University of Washington Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies.