Reema Hibrawi graduated from the MA in IR Program in May 2015. Reema has lived in Irvine, California; Aleppo, Syria; and Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. She completed her undergraduate studies in Business Administration with a minor in Human Resources Management.
Where do you currently work and what do you do there?
I work at the Atlantic Council, a think tank based in Washington DC, and my role is focused on strategic analysis and communication for the Middle East programs. My position is devoted to program management, content creation, and research and analysis following current events as well as long term trends on peace and security in the region supported by our expert fellows.
How did the IR Program prepare you for what you're doing now?
The most obvious but the most important is the rigorous research, writing, and analysis assignments which were invaluable job skills that continue to be my most vital assets. Additionally, I took advantage of the interdisciplinary courses taught by professors with a range of backgrounds. These classes gave me a nuanced insight into how the private, public, and non-profit sectors engage with each other. This is incredibly important for my work in DC which is constantly about engaging with Congressional staffers, government officials, and other non-profit organizations.
Why did you choose the IR Program at NYU?
I was drawn to the interdisciplinary aspect of the program as well as the significant amount of Middle Eastern classes which was a great match for my concentration in this region. However, I'm glad to see the course list is more diversified to suit a variety of interests. I also really valued the approach of classes taught by both academics and practitioners in the field.
Which was the class you most enjoyed? And the one in which you learned the most?
I learned something new from each class so it's hard to pinpoint just one. I learned so much from my peers in addition to my professors which was a wonderful surprise to me.
What advice would you give to future students of the program?
As much as the staff and program support you, I would recommend meeting people outside your field of study. I learned so much from people from the Ph.D. program in European studies to the School of Professional Studies.
What was your favorite place on campus? What did you like best about student life at NYU?
My favorite part of student life was meeting such a variety of people from different backgrounds and parts of the world. We would sit and discuss topics on foreign and domestic policy, and it was great to have such invigorating discussions with people on these topics all the time.
What was the best thing about living in NYC?
Variety is the spice of life and New York City is one of the greatest places to experience that. I loved how it draws in such diverse people and somehow manages to create inclusive spaces for them all. Also, the food scene remains one of my favorite things about the city and is a great way to experience the different boroughs and connect with people.
Last Updated October 30th, 2019