Bigger picture, higher purpose
Noah is pursuing a master’s degree in international relations in preparation for a career in foreign affairs or national security. He says his Northwestern education challenged him to see beyond his immediate surroundings.
How ready were you for graduate school?
My time at Northwestern prepared me very well for the rigorous requirements of the program at SAIS—specifically, to evaluate difficult readings, present findings in a clear and concise manner, think through difficult topics, and engage with classmates holding divergent viewpoints. I’m convinced that my political science and economics education from Northwestern is on par with what many of my new classmates received at Ivy League schools.
What led you to choose international business as your major and study abroad in Romania?
I see international studies as a practical route to nurture my interests and surrender them to God’s purposes. Spending a month in Uganda with my family while adopting my little sister sparked my desire to experience different places and cultures, and it has grown ever since. Northwestern’s Romania study abroad program was super attractive to me because of its uniqueness and location at the junction between Europe, Asia and the Middle East. As part of my semester there, I completed an international internship, which was a requirement for my major.
How are you now furthering your career goals?
I have opportunities to network and attend events and absolutely love getting to meet and learn from top practitioners and academics in the field of international relations. Being physically in Washington, D.C., has made what I am learning in class even more real.
What did you enjoy most about the Northwestern community?
I made lifelong friends who became like family. Being away from them is one of the hardest things about this stage of life! Academically, I most appreciate my professors’ care for me. They were willing to encourage me, both in and out of the classroom. Some of my favorite memories at Northwestern are late-night taco runs, watching football in a blizzard, bonding with guys on the tennis team, and game and movie nights with friends, and the baccalaureate ceremony during graduation weekend. I miss it all already!
