Noa graduated from the MA in International Relations Program in 2018. She is from Kfar Saba, Israel and studied Philosophy, Political Science and Economics for her undergraduate degree.
Where do you currently work and what do you do there?
I currently work for iTrek as the iTrek Network Manager. Itrek supports treks to Israel on policy, law, business, and STEM for graduate students. In my position, I manage the long-term engagement with alumni by creating relevant content, executing programs and evaluating success.
How did the IR Program prepare you for what you're doing now?
During my time at the IR MA program, I had the privilege of serving as the President of the IRPA and leading the first NYU Policy Trek. These two opportunities boosted my leadership skills and gave me a chance to get more involved in the student community. Nowadays, working with alumni from diverse backgrounds and nationalities, I have a better understanding of the sensitivities and nuances that influence our alumni's perception of their trek. Being part of the IR MA cohort and dealing with volatile political issues in the classroom and in the student body gave me the necessary tools and qualifications.
Why did you choose the IR program at NYU?
NYU is a unique school that fosters academic excellence in the epicenter of the Western hemisphere. Learning about international relations in an international hub among peers from all over the globe who share a similar passion for policy provides unparalleled educational value. As such, it attracts high-achieving students, phenomenal teachers, leading scholars, and provides multiple opportunities for networking.
Which was the class you most enjoyed? And the one in which you learned the most?
It's tough to decide on just one class because I highly enjoyed all my electives, but an exceptional class was Professor Joseph Helman's US National Security in the Middle East. From the beginning, it's clear that Professor Helman invests a lot of effort into his classes (he comes in from Washington DC every Saturday to teach them!) and that he demands the students take the class seriously as well. This attitude created a really tight and serious peer group, with a lot of comradery and passion for the topic. The class in which I learned the most was Professor Daniel Benaim's US National Security class. Professor Benaim brought many practitioners and colleagues from his time in government to the classroom so classes were very relevant and covered real-life issues.
What advice would you give to future students of the program?
Take advantage of opportunities! NYC, NYU and the IR MA Program all present amazing opportunities for grad students to discover their passions and interests. Academic achievement is important, and you will find yourself challenged at times by classes and assignments, but the truly memorable moments from your grad school experience are usually outside the classroom.
What was your favorite place on campus? What did you like best about student life at NYU?
The Graduate Student Exchange room on the 10th floor in Bobst is definitely my favorite place on campus. I spent days and weeks in that room going over textbooks, writing papers, running into friends and making new ones. Even though NYU doesn't have a campus in the traditional sense, Bobst was the place where you would always meet your fellow students and share some quality time studying together.
What was the best thing about living in NYC?
NYC offers a never-ending array of opportunities. It is home of pop culture legends, a mandatory stop on every music tour, and houses the UN Headquarters. In 3 years I had a chance to see my favorite artists, go to Broadway shows starring famous actors, and attend talks with leading political figures. As someone who grew up in a small town, I never dreamed that one day I would have these opportunities.
Last updated March 27th, 2019