Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies

GRADUATES GAIN A COMPETITIVE EDGE WITH EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

 

Sectoral trends come and go; that’s why Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) focuses on preparing graduates for multifaceted careers across sectors that allow them to adapt and thrive in diverse professional landscapes.

Senior Associate Director of Global Careers Rebecca Aman points out: “The key in this day and age is to be open-minded and flexible about career approaches. And we’re seeing students pursue parallel public and private sector job searches.”

Given the school’s Washington, DC, location, many graduates land positions in federal spaces, such as the US Departments of State, Defense, Commerce, and the Treasury. Others find roles in multilateral organizations, including the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and United Nations. Deloitte, McKinsey & Company, and Booz Allen Hamilton continue to be some of the school’s notable employers in the private sector. 

Aman also notes a shift in students’ areas of interest, with SAIS reshaping degrees and specialized programs to meet evolving demands. International development, energy, and defense spaces are mainstays, but the school is seeing a growing interest in the area of technology, especially its intersection with defense and energy. Environmental, social, and governance (ESG); sustainability; and European public policy are likewise gaining more traction with students.

While building area-specific knowledge is vital, graduates entering the workforce need transferable skills to move smoothly between fields and sectors. To position students for successful careers, SAIS takes a multipronged approach that relies heavily on experiential learning to create profiles fitted for flexibility and change.

From internships and career treks to case competitions and industry days, students are encouraged to explore multiple areas of interest hands-on. “Students use their entire time at SAIS—not just the last semester when applying for jobs—to do a lot of exploratory work,” explains Aman. Recurring industry days are “one-stop shops that allow students to make connections through alumni and employers and experiment with what it’s like to be in these different roles.” She adds, “We’re seeing similar faces at these sessions. So someone going to my Tech Day is also thinking about how to use tech knowledge in defense and other areas.”

The school’s newest facility, 555 Pennsylvania Avenue, is set to provide students with even more experiential opportunities, like the Walmart Global Policy Challenge, held earlier this year, where 72 students from various areas of concentration presented research and recommendations on the cross-cutting topic of digital inclusion to Walmart leadership. “Moving away from just one-on-one coaching appointments and into these truly immersive experiential, collaborative spaces that host employers and different learning activities is how we see our role moving forward,” says Aman.

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SAIS’s New Home Provides Unique Student Experiences and Learning Opportunities

In fall 2023, Johns Hopkins SAIS will welcome students to its new home at 555 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, DC. This state-of-the-art facility expands the school’s capacity for both teaching excellence and evidence-based research toward addressing global challenges. The building is minutes from the US Capitol, the White House, and Union Station.
>>>Designed to foster community and collaboration, 555 Pennsylvania Avenue boasts 38 high-tech classrooms, a 375-seat theater and performing arts space, group and individual study spaces, lounges, and roof terraces with views of Pennsylvania Avenue and the Capitol. Student amenities include a library, coffee shop, restaurant, and fitness center. Event spaces will host prominent policymakers and global leaders. Other divisions of Johns Hopkins University will also have a presence in the building, providing unmatched opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.

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Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies
https://sais.jhu.edu/student-experience/career-services
[email protected]
202-663-5710