#WeAreElliott Catherine Reynolds
Catherine Reynolds is a Master’s Student at the Elliott School of International Affairs where she is pursuing an M.A. in
International Affairs with a concentration in both International Security Studies and Nuclear Policy. Having
recently graduated from a double B.A. in Global Studies and Middle East Studies, Catherine moved across the
country to D.C. in order to pursue her professional goals through engaging in an advanced academic program that
combines her passion for international politics, evolving technologies, and foreign languages. Inspired by her
recent study abroad program in Egypt, Catherine is studying both Arabic and Spanish in addition to her program
requirements and plans to use her specialized skill set to engage in international affairs through multiple lenses.
Catherine has a background as a professional sailor, and spends her free time sailing boats using wind power on
both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
When did you realize you wanted an international career? What led you to choose the Elliott School?
I have always been interested in international affairs and security, so when I applied to graduate school, the Elliott School was the obvious choice! Coming from a double B.A. in Global Studies and Middle East Studies, I decided that adding a M.A. in International Affairs to my skillset would make me more than well equipped to enter the professional world.
Where would you like to be in 5 years from now?
Looking forward five years, I hope to find myself working in a setting where I can combine my passion for international politics, evolving technologies, and foreign languages.
What has been your most rewarding academic experience at the Elliott School and why?
Earlier this year I had the opportunity to study abroad in Egypt, where I studied the convergence of government institutions and society in the Middle East. I have always had a passion for exploring new cultures and ideologies, so traveling to Egypt provided an amazing opportunity to put my education into practice in a setting rich in political complexity and cultural diversity.
Describe the pros and cons of being a full-time versus part-time student at the Elliott School.
While pursuing an M.A. in International Affairs as a full-time student can prove daunting, I am lucky enough to have found an academic field which is constantly evolving, providing me new material to explore every day. It is an engaging challenge that I thoroughly enjoy.
What advice do you have for incoming students who are starting to think about internship and work opportunities
My best advice for incoming students is to identify something you find interesting, and chase it! If you tailor your skillset to your interests, you will find a job that is both exiting and valuable to you.
Do you have any pets?
I have two rescue kittens and a dog at home, all of whom like to play together outside in my yard
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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.