International affairs students explore careers, build skills on New York City trip

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Master’s candidates in the Penn State School of International Affairs (SIA) traveled to New York City in late October for the school’s first career-focused trip this academic year. A second trip is planned for the spring 2026 semester to Washington, D.C.

A total of 30 students participated in this professional development trip led by SIA Director Dr. Mitchell Smith, Director of Career Services Grant Littke, and Professor of Practice Ambassador Andrea Canepari. Students visited the Brown Advisory Group, the United Nations, the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations (NCUSCR), and participated in an engaging security policy simulation at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR).

“With our professional development trip to New York City, we took the next step in our new orientation toward combining career exploration with experiential activities,” Smith said. “SIA is responding to the shifting international environment by exploring new sectors for international affairs careers, such as global financial services.”

Exploring Careers

Littke and Canepari coordinated meetings with employees of various organizations, who provided students with critical career insights: what types of skills are important for employers; how to stand out in applications; effective networking tips, and much more. Many of the employees shared their career journeys, helping SIA students to envision their own future career paths. These insights also helped students to discover ways they can use their SIA education to accomplish their professional goals.

“Being able to get some one-on-ones with leadership and those hiring opened up new ways for me to enhance my resume and conversations that would solidify job opportunities,” said first-year graduate student Itzel Mialma Romero.

The first day consisted of meetings with Brown Advisory on Wall Street and NCUSCR at Baruch College. Students got to meet with employees of both organizations and learn about the different career paths they can pursue in the international business and nonprofit sectors. The day wrapped up with a dinner with Penn State alumnus Dave Morgan, a technology entrepreneur and Executive Chairman, CEO and founder of Simulmedia, who shared his experience with supporting Ukraine through U.S.-Ukraine technology partnerships.

“Meeting people from different sectors and gaining an understanding from them how they are affected by the international dimension is increasingly important,” Amb. Canepari said. “International relations leaders need to build a broad toolbox to evaluate context and to assess risk and opportunities, and therefore they can benefit from geopolitical analysis and other valuable competencies that our graduates can provide.”

Building Skills

The second day of the trip included several briefings and a simulation at CFR and concluded with a tour of the United Nations headquarters.

The CFR simulation centered around U.S. policymaking in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Students acted as members of the U.S. National Security Council including the president, secretary of state, and secretary of defense. The exercise provided an opportunity for students to apply what they’ve learned during their courses at SIA.

“Our Council on Foreign Relations simulation of U.S. foreign and security policy making in response to Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine invited SIA students to apply their analytical skills to a real-world scenario,” Smith said. “Reflecting the value of the simulation, we are continuing the exercise back on campus.”

The continuation of the simulation back at SIA’s building is one of several simulation exercises the school has planned for this academic year.

“Experiential activities and simulations are prioritized at SIA because they require students to synthesize information from multiple sources and navigate challenges through strategic analysis, teamwork, and negotiation,” Amb. Canepari said. “These are important and effective ways to complement the academic component of our courses.”

NYC Career Trip Highlights

Students were able to network throughout different parts of the trip, including with employees at the scheduled meetings and during the dinner with Morgan.

“My favorite part of the trip was going to the dinner and hearing Dave Morgan talk,” said Justin Blank, a first-year graduate student. “I personally spoke to two Ukrainian gentlemen who were at the dinner and had a lot of conversations on LinkedIn since that I’ve really valued.”

Another part of the trip that stood out to students was the tour of the United Nations. Second-year master’s student Sabrina Knox noted the U.N. tour as a highlight of her trip.

“I loved getting to see the spaces where voices come together from around the world to discuss humanity’s greatest challenges,” Knox said.

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.