When Charles Ventanilla receives his international studies degree this month, it marks another milestone in an already exciting career that spans countries and continents. Prior to coming to the University of Washington and the Jackson School of International Studies, Ventanilla was in the U.S. Marines where he served diplomatic missions to Jordan, China, and Denmark. Ventanilla also received an associate’s in arts degree from Shoreline Community College before transferring to the UW to major in international studies and minor in political science.
Ventanilla used his time at the Jackson School to hone his leadership skills and broaden his world view. He helped strengthen the campus community for veterans by serving as a peer mentor with the Student Veteran Life Center. Ventanilla also stepped up to project manage his Task Force team, working under the mentorship of Jackson School faculty, Jessica Beyer. Most recently, Ventanilla traveled to Brazil to complete a study abroad experience. After graduation, Ventanilla hopes to put these experiences and learnings to work at a foreign affairs focused agency or organization, ideally the State Department. He recently reflected on his experience at the Jackson School. Here’s what he had to say:
As you graduate and look to build your career, is there one class, professor, or experience at the Jackson School that you think will be the most helpful to your future work?
I’d say Jackson School faculty member Jessica Beyer has been the most helpful for me. I met her on the first annual Jackson School Washington DC trip back in March of 2025 and I later became the project manager for her capstone course on Drones and National Security. I am currently taking a class taught by her on technology and human rights. It’s really been a great experience working with her, I highly recommend other students to take her classes, and I hope to someday work again with her.
What would you say to someone thinking about studying International Studies at the Jackson School?
I would say for that person to go ahead and apply for the major! It’s a wonderful program that allows you to learn about topics outside of the United States and there’s some great study abroad programs too, like the most recent one I went on was Brazil this past quarter. It’s a great major for expanding your worldview and being outside your horizon. Be bold and step out of your comfort zone!
Not only did you serve in the Marines, but you were also a transfer student prior to coming to the Jackson School. How do you think these experiences impacted your studies, class discussions, and/or overall campus experience?
I think my experiences in the Marines really impacted everything. I was not a regular Marine who just did four years and left, I extended my contract to be able to work with the State Department and it got me to some great places abroad along with working with some of the best people I’ve ever known that I still talk to today. My time overseas greatly influenced my decision to pick International Studies. I’m able to contribute to class discussions because of my unique experiences abroad, and being a Marine veteran, I am able to find community with the campus Veterans’ center.
