International affairs career trip emphasizes hands-on approach to professional development

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Master’s candidates in the Penn State School of International Affairs (SIA) visited the World Bank and the Embassy of Kazakhstan, and participated in an intense cybersecurity simulation, as part of a recent professional development trip to Washington, D.C. The two-day experience was SIA’s second career-focused trip to the nation’s capital in the 2024-25 academic year, demonstrating the school’s emphasis on preparing its students for professional success in a wide range of fields and sectors.

“I have been on two career trips so far and each time I have discovered a new opportunity I can pursue in the future,” said Megg Reddy-Yates, a 2026 master’s candidate at SIA. “I am incredibly thankful to have such opportunities, that allow me to broaden my experiences.”

SIA has been organizing career exposure trips for more than a decade, but this most recent iteration included more interactive elements—the embassy visit, cybersecurity simulation, and multiple panel discussions on relevant topics. Moving forward, the school’s career trips will follow this model of combining traditional visits to potential employers along with hands-on international affairs activities.

“This was such a productive visit,” said Dr. Mitchell Smith, SIA director and professor of international affairs. “Our students had the opportunity to explore career opportunities, to learn about the workings of a foreign embassy in the U.S. from a distinguished SIA graduate, to discuss critical global trends with experts from a prominent think tank, and to engage in a cybersecurity simulation exercise. All this and a networking dinner with our fantastic D.C.-based alumni in an intensive 36-hour trip.”

The first day in D.C. was capped off with an alumni reception, during which current students met and networked with SIA graduates now working at U.S. government agencies including the Department of Commerce, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Department of State, FEMA, International Trade Commission; as well as at private sector organizations such as CRDF Global, D3 Systems, DAI Global, Deloitte, International Republican Institute, PepsiCo, Peraton, Save the Children, and Semper Valens Solutions.

“The alumni reception was an excellent opportunity to connect with the latest SIA class and hear about their favorite coursework and career ambitions,” said SIA alumnus Taylor Grove, class of 2020, who currently works as project lead at CRDF Global. “It was also delightful to reconnect with other alumni, especially in this trying time for the industry and for globalism.”

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) hosted the second day of the trip, highlighted by a cybersecurity simulation exercise that provided SIA students with an interactive, real-world learning experience.

During the simulation, students were assigned to various groups—Departments of Defense, Justice, and State; private companies; and members of the Intelligence Community—and tasked to develop a coordinated response strategy to a (hypothetical) scenario in which a U.S. aircraft manufacturer is attacked by a suspected Russian hacking group that then demands ransomware payment. While forming a response to the attack, students had to consider the legal, political, and diplomatic dimensions of the situation while also ensuring the protection of sensitive military materials.

“The cybersecurity simulation allowed me to test my knowledge, understand cyber defense and security tactics, and enhance my problem-solving skills,” said Halie Boop, a 2026 master’s candidate at SIA.

In addition to the simulation, CSIS delivered interactive presentations on current international affairs topics and future trends, and held a panel discussion on foreign policy careers.

“My SIA concentration is international security studies, so getting to actually go into CSIS and speak with people who have contributed to studies that I’ve read for my own research was so fascinating,” said Savannah Gibson, a 2026 master's candidate at SIA. “I've recently been eyeing the private sector and think tanks, so hearing about internship and career opportunities at CSIS was really cool.”

SIA’s career trips are open to all of its students, including those in the Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate (IUG) program.

SIA provides an innovative education for the next generation of global leaders through its professional, hands-on, and interdisciplinary Master of International Affairs degree program. Its faculty includes internationally recognized scholars and seasoned former officials who focus on practical, experiential learning to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and global perspective to make a difference in the world. SIA graduates shape policies, drive innovation, and foster understanding across cultures. Learn more at sia.psu.edu.