This winter quarter, 54 undergraduates completed the Jackson School’s Donald C. Hellmann Task Force Program, a capstone course that involved several weeks of research, writing, and group collaboration on a current global issue. The program concludes with a student-led evaluation day, where each Task Force presents their final report to an subject field expert.
Safaa Turner-Rahman during the March 14 Task Force evaluation day.
Name: Safaa Turner-Rahman
Expected to graduate in: Spring 2025
Degree: B.A. in International Studies with a minor in environmental studies
Task Force title: Hidden Highways of the Internet: Global Subsea Cable Security
Task Force instructor: Jessica Beyer
Hometown: Pullman, Washington
What has been your favorite Task Force experience? Did anything surprise you from when you first heard of the Task Force program and the on-the-ground experience?
I wouldn’t say I have one single favorite Task Force experience, but overall, what I enjoyed most was simply going to class. Class was where so many fun and memorable moments happened — whether it was joking around with teammates about our specific parts of the project, diving into wide ranging conversations while we worked, debating which policy recommendations were actually viable (unfortunately, we all agreed that recruiting kids to cut undersea cables wasn’t), or trying to come up with the perfect alliterative title for our report. Every session brought something new and exciting, making it something I genuinely looked forward to each week. But more than that, what truly stood out to me — and what I didn’t expect going into Task Force — was the chance to really connect with classmates I had seen around for years but never truly knew on a personal level. Through the shared challenges, late nights, and dedication we all poured into this project, we formed a bond that I don’t think I’ll ever forget. Task Force wasn’t just about policy — it was about the people, and that’s what made it such a meaningful experience
What key skill(s) do you think the Task Force program gives you?
Task Force equips you with a wide range of skills that are not only valuable for future careers, but also essential for tackling real-world challenges. Academically, it throws you straight into intensive research, and over the course of the quarter, you develop the ability to conduct research in a productive and efficient way — something that many other Jackson School courses don’t offer to the same extent. Beyond research, the skills you gain can depend on your role within the group. From critical thinking and attention to detail to editing and even graphic design, Task Force allows you to refine a variety of practical skills. A key takeaway, though, is the ability to communicate effectively — both in writing and speaking. Task Force provides plenty of opportunities to practice and improve public speaking, which I find to be invaluable across all career paths. Most importantly, this program fosters strong collaboration skills, which, in my view, are among the most crucial abilities to have in any career. Learning how to work effectively with a team, navigate different perspectives, and produce a cohesive final product is an experience that translates well into any professional environment.
What impressed you about the Task Force evaluation day? What part of the presentation did you find most rewarding?
What impressed me most about Task Force evaluation day was just how prepared our entire group was. From delivering a confident, well-spoken presentation to handling the tough questions from our evaluator with ease, it was incredible to see how well we pulled it off. What made it even more impressive to me was the fact that our evaluator was a literal two star general, yet we held our own and answered his questions thoughtfully and capably. The most rewarding part of the experience was realizing how well our hard work had paid off. For the most part, our evaluator had very few critiques of our report, presentation, and policy recommendations, and the feedback he did provide was given in a constructive and encouraging way. Hearing from someone so accomplished that we had done a great job made the entire experience feel incredibly fulfilling.
What is your advice to students interested in becoming an International Studies major at the Jackson School? In your own words, how would you promote the Task Force program?
Task Force is truly the culmination of the international studies major and everything you’ve worked toward. Over the course of three years, you build essential skills, but Task Force is where they are refined, polished, and put into practice in a highly professional setting. You gain real-world experience that applies across sectors and careers, becoming an expert in your own right on the topic you research. But beyond the skills, Task Force is also about the people. You form strong connections and friendships with your peers — bonds that will stick with you long after the program ends. While it may feel nerve wracking at first, once you find your rhythm, it becomes an incredibly fun and engaging experience. In the end, you walk away with something truly rewarding — an experience that not only sets you apart from your UW peers, but also prepares you for whatever comes next.
What career are you interested in pursuing after graduation?
I’m interested in becoming a Foreign Service Officer or working in foreign policy, and Task Force has been incredibly helpful in building the skills I’ll need for either path. The experience of conducting in-depth research, crafting policy recommendations, and presenting findings in a professional setting has given me a strong foundation for the kind of work I hope to do in the future.
