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Meet Elle Baker: Jackson-Fosdick Memorial Scholar

January 24, 2025

In this Q&A, we speak with Elle Baker, an international studies undergraduate, who was selected as an autumn 2024 recipient of the Jackson-Fosdick Memorial Internship Scholarship award.

The Jackson-Fosdick Memorial Internship Scholarship provides $2,000 to undergraduate and graduate Jackson School students serving in internships at organizations engaged in some aspect of international affairs.


Name: Elle Baker Headshot of Elle Baker

Degree: B.A. International Studies and Political Science

Expected to graduate in: Spring 2025

Hometown: Malibu, California

What made you choose the University of Washington?

Growing up in Southern California and a fall baby, I’ve always loved the changing of the seasons and seeing the autumnal colors around me. Visiting UW after getting admitted in the spring of my senior year of high school was such a surreal experience. Seattle itself is an incredible city and being able to walk through UW campus solidified my experience. Aside from the aesthetics of the university, UW has offered so much to my personal, academic, and professional growth. The professors, classmates, public lectures, social clubs, sports and massive school spirit made UW feel like my home. Every day I’m so proud to call myself a Husky and to be a part of such a renowned university, even if it’s just for these four years.

What led you to the Jackson School?

I applied to UW as a communication major and had an intention to minor in political science, so I was really looking forward to exploring a variety of classes that interested me (thanks UW for no Gen Ed requirements!!). My freshman fall quarter, I took an intro political science course, POL 203: Intro to International Relations with Professor Jonathan Mercer. He was such an amazing introduction to the world of international affairs and really opened my eyes to the world outside of U.S. politics. I looked into what an international relations related major was like here at UW and found the Jackson School! I had an info session with Joni Marts [former senior academic adviser] and it all kind of took off from there. She has been a really important part of my Jackson School experience and I am really sad to see her go. I’ve gained so much knowledge and experience both from my professors and peers in my Jackson School classes, and I’m so grateful for getting exposure to this department at UW.

What was your reaction to receiving the Jackson-Fosdick Memorial Internship Scholarship?

I was overjoyed when I saw the email! I applied on a whim really, since I saw one of the last call emails we get from the Jackson School email chain, and saw when the deadline was so I wasn’t all that confident in my application. However, I knew that either way I was going to pursue my internship and any assistance the scholarship could provide, I would be grateful either way. I remember I called my mom after I saw the email and we were both so happy.

What organization did you complete your internship at and what were your responsibilities?

I interned for the World Affairs Council in Seattle, specifically under the Global Leadership Exchange Team. I assisted the program director and officers with proposal writing and itinerary planning for international visitors through the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), which is a professional exchange program funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. These programs have participants from all over the world who are professionals, academics, diplomats, military executives, and many more, that are related to the topics of the programs. Topics range from Combating Violent Extremism to Transition to Clean Energy, and how the participants can learn from local Seattle and Washington State representatives and organizations.

How will this award help your goals and career path?

This award will help my goals and career path in that it gives me an opportunity to further my experience in the non-profit sector via an unpaid internship that is within the same vein as my career goals. Having experience in a topic adjacent to my specific interests is incredibly valuable and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to learn more about a sector I had little understanding of.

What key skills have you learned at the Jackson School that you’ll apply to your career?

I will use my writing, research, and analytical skills that I have developed from my classes, professors, and peers in my career. I plan to go into the foreign service industry, whether that be a diplomat or ambassador, or work for the state department or NGO for foreign affairs domestically. All of these career options rely on strong communication and writing skills, in addition to analytical and research skills, to which I have been able to develop so strongly thanks to the Jackson School here at UW.

What advice would you give to students considering applying for Jackson School Internship Scholarships?

Just go for it! Applying for scholarships is a daunting and frankly often unrewarding process, however, when that one application does go your way it is so worth it! Unpaid internships are common for undergraduates, and especially living in Seattle for university does not make the daily living any easier, so having this extra financial support while furthering your career and experience, makes the effort with your time.

Anything else you’d like readers to know?

The Jackson School is such a valuable resource! Use all of the connections, talks, speaker events, and more that the department has to offer. Who knows? You may meet someone that becomes a mentor or can eventually write a letter of recommendation for furthering your education, like me! Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.