BA in Global Affairs

Kerri Buschbacher, 2012

Kerri Buschbacher

What work are you doing now?

I currently serve as a foreign affairs officer in the Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations (CSO) at the U.S. Department of State. More specifically, I work on the countering violent extremism (CVE) team in the Bureau's Office of Analysis, Planning, Programs and Learning.  I provide research, analytical, and programmatic support to the Bureau, Department of State, and interagency stakeholders on CVE.  

What do you like about it?

CSO works to put evidence at the center of the CVE policy discussion and to put that evidence to work in the field. The highlight of my job is the opportunity to engage with dedicated professionals who both work to shape the policy discussion around CVE and further the research and body of knowledge surrounding CVE.  Contributing to the analytical work and identifying opportunities for its practical application is both meaningful and challenging. 

How did your degree in the college prepare you to do this work?

Studying both global affairs and conflict analysis and resolution at Mason prepared me to think critically about the world around me, question assumptions, and develop a greater understanding of international actors and processes. Courses ranging from international relations theory to the environment and conflict provided a strong foundation for a career in international affairs.

What advice would you give current students about developing their careers?

Where and when possible, combine your academic studies and interests with an internship, fellowship, etc. Taking what you learn in the classroom to a different environment helps to contextualize the information and adds nuance to coursework. An internship can also help to frame what most interests you career-wise – and what doesn’t – and provide opportunities to get engaged in that space past graduation.