APSIA Hosts 8th Annual Diversity Forum Advisor Workshop in New York City

On Friday, October 4, 2024, APSIA and the Columbia School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) welcomed 16 community college and undergraduate advisors from 9 institutions to the 2024 APSIA Forum Workshop for Advisors in New York City.

The day kicked off with a welcome from APSIA Constituent Relations Coordinator Britnee Chuor (Univ. of Texas at Austin LBJ School Alumna) and SIPA Chief Operations Officer Alexsandra Sanford (Columbia Univ. SIPA Alumna) who talked about the School’s call to change the world through international affairs. As a founding member of APSIA, SIPA and similar institutions equip students with the interdisciplinary skills that are highly valued by employers in the fields of international affairs and public service.

Britnee then invited Meg Heenehan, Executive Director of SIPA’s Career Advancement Center, to moderate the alumni panel on career journeys and possibilities. Speakers Courtney Doggart, President of Network 20/20 (Columbia Univ. SIPA Alumna), Earl Carr, Founder & CEO of CJPA Global Advisors (American Univ. SIS Alumnus), and Shantell Isaac, Assistant Vice President in International Government Relations at MetLife (American Univ. SIS Alumna, WIIT Member), re-iterated the interdisciplinary nature of the fields of international affairs and public service. While some practitioners focus on specific geographical or policy areas, being “multidisciplinary is [also a valuable] asset”, and many succeed as generalists. The speakers highlighted that there is no single career path in these fields, urging students to focus on developing essential skills in verbal and written communication, data analytics, and relationship-building while they are in school.

After the career pathways panel, advisors heard from SIPA Executive Director of Admissions & Financial Aid Grace Han and Ariel Matos, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at the Princeton University School of Public and International Affairs. Moderated by Young J. Hah, Director of Graduate Admissions & Enrollment Services at Baruch College Marxe School of Public and International Affairs, the panelists discussed key factors that prospective graduate students should consider when comparing graduate degrees and mapping financial aid. They noted that while students come from varied backgrounds and interests, they all share a commitment to “making positive change and serving the community”. Prospective students often pursue graduate school to meet the job requirements of applications for senior positions or to enhance their skills in data analytics and effective communication. The speakers also recognized that students from diverse backgrounds face unique challenges in accessing traditional opportunities and suggested tools for advisors, such as connecting students with mentors, admissions counselors, fellowships, and alumni to broaden their exposure and expand their skill sets.

After lunch, advisors reconvened for a final panel moderated by Barbara Hampton, Director of Graduate Career Development at the Princeton University School of Public and International Affairs. Looking at how advisors can connect their global-minded students with local opportunities, panelists Edgar Puga, co-founder and COO at Apis Energy Technologies (Hertie School Alumnus), Ricardo Puga, co-founder and CEO at Apis Energy Technologies (Hertie School Alumnus), and Sheerica Ware Wilkins, Staff Assistant at the U.S. Department of State (Georgetown Univ. SFS Alumna), discussed how local issues like electricity and immigration also impact communities globally, emphasizing the importance of a global perspective for practitioners. They encouraged advisors to connect students with organizations offering immigration services, internships with public officials, and climate change campaigns to gain experience in these fields.

To close out the day, Britnee Chuor shared more about the APSIA Forum and explained the breadth of resources now available to them and their students.

Learn more about the APSIA Forum at apsia.org/about-apsia/diversity-forum/.

Learn more at pisanetwork.com.

Attendees shared:

“Great sessions. Fabulous speakers/panels. Looking forward to tapping into the PSIA network, resources and opportunities for our undergraduate students.” (I. Tineo, Baruch College)

“Great venue, insightful speakers. It was helpful for me to see how I can better guide my students who have an interest in International Affairs.” (S. Kupprat, Baruch College)

“[I liked] the ability to ask panelist questions and learn more about global affairs. Thank you for hosting a great panel! I have over 5 pages of notes. Have a wonderful weekend!” (S. Gecir, Stony Brook University)

“[I liked]... the non-traditional approach and easy flow of conversation.” (C. Vargas, Hunter College)

Speakers also had positive feedback about the day:

“It was a pleasure and a great event,” said Courtney Doggart.

“Thank you Britnee for organizing such an informative offering! It was a pleasure to be on the panel with Grace and Ariel. Look forward to more collaborations!” said Young Hah.

Attendees came from