2020 Nunn School Graduation Profiles

Posted April 29, 2020

On May 1, 30 undergraduates, 5 master’s students, and 1 doctoral candidate graduated from the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs. The million dollar question for our graduates, is what’s next? 

Here is what Edouard Goguillon (BS INTA 20), Elizabeth Osman (BS INTA ’19 & MS INTA ’20), Pooja Patel (BS IAML ’20), and Dayana Rosas (BS INTA '20) had to say about their post-graduation plans: 

Eduoard Goguillon, BS International Affairs

What are you post-graduation plans?
I will be staying at Georgia Tech to obtain my Masters degree in International Affairs.

What club(s)/organizations were you part of and how did this add value to your studies?
The main organization I was a part of was the GT Mock Trial team. Being a part of this organization was crucial to my studies because it helped me continue to grow my interest in law, while giving an amazing group of friends to spend time with. Competing against other universities across the United States greatly improved my public speaking, critical analysis, and knowledge of the law.

How was your experience studying abroad and what would you tell someone considering it?
Studying abroad was a huge part of my academic route. I spent a summer in Spain & Portugal, followed by a full semester in Paris later on. Both of these experiences shaped my studies as they oriented me towards specializing in Europe and the EU specifically. They also gave me a chance to explore new cultures, try new things, and open my eyes to new opportunities. If you are considering it, don’t even think twice, you won’t regret it!

What advice would you give prospective students looking at the Nunn School?
Have the courage to do what you love and want to do. Georgia Tech is an amazing place with so many different paths to take. If you want to pursue an unconventional topic, do it. If you want to create an organization that doesn’t exist yet, do it. If you want to try something new, but you are afraid that it doesn’t fit in your academic career, do it. The doors are open at GT, you just need the courage to walk through them. 

Elizabeth Osman, BS International Affairs and MS International Affairs 

What are you post-graduation plans? 
This fall I will be starting my PhD in Political Science with a focus in Comparative Politics at the Ohio State University. The Sam Nunn School has prepared me for the last five years for this next step. 

What advice would you give students considering pursuing the 5 year BS/MS at Tech?
For anyone looking to pursue the 5-year BS/MS program, I would certainly encourage you to do so. It provides you with an opportunity to get to work with faculty more closely, seek the specific knowledge needed for your field, and join a close community of equally driven and passionate students.

What was the impact of performing research with the Center for European and Transatlantic Studies (CETS) on your studies?
I worked as a research assistant with CETS for two years, and I am so thankful to Dr. Young and Dr. Greenstein for providing me with so many opportunities to learn about academia, interesting content, and publishing.

What was your most memorable experience at Tech?
Looking back, my most memorable experiences are the daily ones: organizing a pizza party in a night class, hanging out with fellow graduate students in the TA office, and trivia nights with my cohort.

Pooja Patel, BS International Affairs and Modern Languages

What are your post-graduation plans?
I will be working as a Management Consultant with Accenture Federal Services up in Washington, D.C.!

How was your experience studying abroad and what would you tell someone considering it?
I studied abroad in Europe as a part of the European Union Study Abroad Program. Not only did I get to learn about the European Union, take 12 credit hours, travel across all of Europe, but I made lifelong friends while doing it. I loved being a part of a program where no one knew anyone. We all threw ourselves into it and I think it made me grow as a person. It forced me to put myself out there, take charge of situations, and find my interests. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is thinking about it. The memories you make are priceless. 

What advice would you give prospective students looking at the Nunn School?
Find your niche. I think one regret of mine is that I took a lot of different classes instead of honing in on my interests. For example, if you come into the Nunn School interested in human rights, take those classes and find out if you want to focus on human rights and development! It is essential for figuring out a track you might want to focus on as a potential career. Also, make friends with the people who are in your classes – you will find yourself in A LOT of classes with them and it’s always nice to have a buddy in a class! 

How do you think the Nunn School has prepared you for job at Accenture?
International Affairs is about problem solving. Professors ask you to look at the world from various perspectives, think critically, and find a way to make a difference. These are all highly valued skills as a consulted. Consultants are asked to problem solve, whether that is for businesses or governments. I look forward to applying everything that all my incredible professors at the Nunn School have taught me at Accenture.

Dayana Rosas, BS International Affairs

Looking back, what was your most memorable experience? 

Looking back, my most memorable experience was getting my acceptance letter to GT after applying three times. 

How did your study abroad experience add value to your studies?

A professor once told me: "Anyone can survive in Europe or a developed country, but it takes a special kind of person to go to Africa." With that being said, traveling to Senegal reminded me to be humble, enjoy the little things, and love every step of my life. As well, learning a third language, being introduced to a new culture, and different ways of life, helped me improve my English. I became more confident in speaking, writing, and expressing myself self which is an important quality for someone who studies International Affairs. 

What advice would you give prospective students looking at the Nunn School?

To never give up and to persevere through it all. Do not let factors such as, where you come from, your background story, or social status to define who you are or what you can do. Remember that your education is something no one can ever take away from you. Fight for your dreams!

The Class of 2020 are graduating in an unprecedented and uncertain time but we are confident the technical and essentials skills developed will be used to tackle some of these 21st Century challenges.