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Navigating global careers with Jackson alumni

January 6, 2025

What’s it like to work for the U.S. Department of State? What can students do to prepare for a career in the Foreign Service? How do Foreign Service Officers advance their careers?

In winter quarter 2024, the annual Navigating Global Careers Speaker Series, a collaboration among the Canadian Studies Center, Center for Global Studies, East Asia Center, South Asia Center and Center for Southeast Asia and its Diasporas – all National Resource Centers housed at the Jackson School – offered UW students the chance to get these questions answered from current U.S. Foreign Service Officers who have served in a wide variety of roles in the U.S. and around the world.

Held online as a panel discussion, three Jackson School alumni representing decades of international experience and currently serving in the Foreign Service shared their perspectives:

  • Matthew Bunt (M.A. International Studies) 
  • Elizabeth Evans (M.A. South Asian Studies; MPA)
  • Nolan Masterson (M.A. International Studies; MPA)

During the hourlong discussion, the panelists gave insights on how students can leverage cultural competence, language training, and soft skills in a global professional environment. The event was moderated by Nadine Fabbi, Acting Assistant Professor and Director, Canadian Studies Center, as well as Co-Lead, Arctic and International Relations Initiative.