Loren graduated from the MA in International Relations Program in the fall of 2017. She is from Edison, New Jersey and studied international relations at NYU for her undergraduate degree as well.
Where do you currently work and what do you do there?
I currently work as the Political Manager at Democrats for Education Reform, a national advocacy organization that focuses on achieving educational equity for all students regardless of where they live. I facilitate our organization's political work which includes engaging elected officials and candidates for public office on their education platforms and legislative plans, conducting research on current issues within the political and education landscapes, and supporting our state staff in their local work to improve educational achievement in our eight-state chapters.
How did the IR Program prepare you for what you're doing now?
The transition from international relations to national education policy was far smoother than I anticipated thanks to the foundation I established through NYU's IR Program. Through the program, I was able to develop research, writing, data analysis and problem-solving skills that I use every day in my work. And although my current job has a different global scale and focus, I cultivated a love for advocacy work and a passion for enacting change in the IR Program that motivates me to this day.
Why did you choose the IR program at NYU?
I chose the IR Program at NYU because of the access to a diverse, experienced and passionate faculty and student body. Prior to the MA IR Program, I was an undergraduate at NYU and completed The College of Arts and Science's Undergraduate International Relations Program. I was introduced to the MA program during my undergraduate career and knew I wanted to continue my education at NYU. The MA program provided a breadth of class options that allowed me to focus in on what interested me most with professors who were engaging and challenging.
Which was the class you most enjoyed? And the one in which you learned the most?
The class I most enjoyed was UN Peacekeeping & Peacebuilding for two reasons: I thought I knew a lot about the UN and its work and this class showed me that I knew very little, and the class focused on projects and allowed the students to really participate in the classwork. It was really a hands-on experience and the relationship I developed with my classmates was unique.
The class in which I learned the most was Global and International History. That class is a crash course in everything you need to know if you want to study International Relations. I studied International Relations in undergrad and I still learned so much. It is challenging but it is so rewarding and even allows you the flexibility to focus on what interests you in the papers required.
What advice would you give to future students of the program?
You will be surrounded by such intelligence and experience, so don't let that go to waste. And I am not just talking about the faculty; my student peers were some of the most accomplished people in the field of international relations I had ever met. Engage with the students and professors around you beyond the classroom and learn as much as you can. The group has such diverse backgrounds and experiences that each one will help you grow and figure out exactly where you fit in this work. Take advantage of it.
What was your favorite place on campus?
My favorite place on campus was anywhere I could sit outside and still have wifi access! During the warmer months, I loved to get my schoolwork done in the open air and there are several locations that make it easy: the 2nd-floor balcony of Kimmel and the law school courtyard, to name a few.
What was the best thing about living in NYC?
The best thing about living in NYC is having something to do at pretty much any time. There is something for everyone to enjoy no matter what your interests are. Living in New York is total cultural immersion and all you have to do is take advantage of it. I was able to visit countless museums, exhibit, shows, concerts, shops, gardens, restaurants, and the list goes on and on.
Last updated March 27, 2019