Esmé Montgomery is a graduate (Spring 2017) of the NYU in International Relations and Journalism (GloJo) Program. She is from north-east England and completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.
Where do you currently work and what do you do there?
I currently work as a public relations consultant at a PR agency in London. I advise international private clients, corporations, and non-governmental organizations of strategic communications, media relations, reputation management, and sensitive issues. Prior to my current role, I worked at an internal strategic communications firm in New York.
How did the GloJo Program prepare you for what you're doing now?
The GloJo Program was highly adaptable to my interests and allowed me the flexibility of growing academically, while also gaining practical experience and professional skills. I completed several internships during my time at NYU and that experience combined with strong careers advice from NYU allowed me to shape my career. Additionally, the prestige of the university and its strong name recognition internationally meant that I always had an interesting story to tell employers at interview about my time in New York, which they responded positively to!
Why did you choose the IR program at NYU?
I chose the IR-Journalism program because it allowed me to pursue my two interests at the same time, unlike many other programs on offer. I like the way you can specialize a track within IR, such as Security and Diplomacy, or Human Rights, or Development. I found the financial aid I was offered generous too. [Please see the GloJo Financial Aid and GSAS Financial Aid webpages for more information.]
Which has been the class you most enjoyed? And the one in which you learned the most?
The class I have most enjoyed so far is Speechwriting and Diplomacy, with Professor Benaim. You study historical speeches and recent speeches on domestic policy, foreign policy, etc. You also write several of your own speeches and critique them as a class. This class has made me seriously consider a career as a political speechwriter!
What advice would you give to future students of the program?
I would advise students to get involved in the extracurricular life of the IR department with the events and societies. However, I would also advise not to overcommit in your first semester! I made this mistake myself!
What is your favorite place on campus? What do you like best about student life at NYU?
My favorite place on campus is the 8th-floor workspace in the Kimmel Center. It has a great view of the city and the seats are so comfortable! The best part of student life at NYU is the great events put on for the graduate students by the Graduate Student Life office (for example Graduate Students Go Baking!) The IR department also has an extensive events calendar of panel discussions on current affairs.
What is the best thing about living in NYC?
Living in NYC is exciting because it feels like everyone is here to work hard and achieve their ambitions- it’s contagious!
What are your plans after you graduate? How has this program prepared you for that?
After I graduate I hope to move to Washington D.C. and work in a think tank, the government or a non-profit. Part of the reason my courses have been so helpful in preparing me for a career is that they are extremely practical. For example, in my Practicing Diplomacy class, we write policy memos as if we are State Department staffers! The societies within this program (JPI and IRPA) have also allowed me to meet alumnus who have helped me plan out how to achieve my career plans.
Last Updated July 20th, 2019