Susanne Schweitzer graduated from the Global & Joint Program (Journalism and International Relations) in 2021 and is from Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany. She majored in English and German Literature and Linguistics at the University of Stuttgart before coming to NYU.
Where are you currently working at and what do you do there?
I currently work as a copywriter at a global and digital marketing company called Spotzer, as well as for the Global Partnership for Civic Engagement, a newly founded non-profit. There I work as an assistant to the founder and director Jim Clark, and also take on research and outreach projects.
How did the MA in IR Program prepare you for what you are doing now?
NYU's Global Journalism Program, combining Journalism and IR, was the only master's program in journalism which allowed me to combine two majors and build upon my transnational interests. What was also particularly appealing, is the travel component involved in our thesis project.
IR, by enhancing my understanding of other cultures and historical and political backgrounds lays the perfect foundation for being a globally engaged journalist. All of my international relations experience comes from my time in the MAIR program and is especially coming in handy now that I work for the Global Partnership for Civic Engagement. In order to successfully work at a nonprofit with global outreach, a thorough understanding of different cultures and political and social systems of different countries is crucial. The IR program gave me the solid foundation and basis necessary to be successful in this line of work.
What advice do you have for current students who are looking for a career in your field?
Try to get as much internship and practical experience as possible in addition to the academic and theoretical background the IR program is providing. This real-life work experience will help you land the jobs your looking for. And also, just trust in your own abilities and your academic background, the IR program has given you a solid foundation.
Which has been the class you most enjoyed? And the one in which you learned the most?
I really enjoyed the Global and International History foundation class in my first semester. I love history, and this class provided an entirely new and inclusive view on how our world came to be what it is today, something that is not usually taught in ordinary classrooms. Apart from the Global and International History class, I chose Latin America as my focus area and took a class on Latin American Human Rights with Peter Lucas, as well as a class on U.S. Foreign Relations in Latin America with Jorge Castañeda, both of which I can highly recommend for people who want to dive deeply into Latin American politics and human rights.
What advice would you give to future students of the program?
The most helpful advice I received, which has proven more than true, is that networking is key. Make use of all the incredible events and opportunities NYU, and especially the IR department, offers its students. The people you will meet may open up doors you hadn't even thought of. Go to the lectures, talks, discussions on topics you already know a lot about, as well as on those you don't, you won't regret it and you'll come out of them knowing a lot more and being able to use that knowledge. Make sure to stay in touch with professors whose classes you particularly enjoyed, or who have impacted you in a certain way, and take advantage of NYU's global network and internationally recognized standing.
What is your favorite place on campus? What do you like best about student life at NYU?
Outdoors, Washington Square Park is for sure my favorite spot. It's the perfect place to grab lunch, do some readings, take a phone call, or just unwind and enjoy the sun. There's always some commotion in the form of music, performances, food, or people watching, and it's truly the heart of our amazing campus. Indoors my go-to place is 20 Cooper Square, the journalism building - although I'd always much rather be outside.
Last Updated August 25th, 2021