Grad's guide to graduate admissions essays - Colleen Reding 2015
Georgetown university - Security studies program
General graduate studies
As a Paralegal Specialist in the Office of International Affairs at the U.S. Department of Justice, I am uniquely situated at the crossroads of the U.S. criminal justice system and the world of foreign policy. I coordinate between state and federal law enforcement, a variety of federal agencies, and foreign governments. This experience offers me perspective on careers in a number of fields, most notably law, law enforcement, foreign policy, national security, and intelligence. In comparing these potential career paths, I have decided to pursue a career in which I make policy decisions in the interest of U.S. national security. I am convinced that a Master of Arts in Security Studies from Georgetown University will best allow me to achieve that goal.
Prior to working at the Department of Justice, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown. My undergraduate studies established a solid academic foundation in the area of international relations, and I put that knowledge into practice in my professional capacity. Through my tenure at the Department of Justice, I have also gained an understanding of the importance of law-enforcement efforts on national security. The most interesting and rewarding part of my job is analyzing the impact of our case-specific decisions on broader U.S. national security objectives. For instance, our office must determine how an extradition request for a high-level drug trafficker fits into the overarching counter-narcotics strategy of the United States. I enjoy assessing the impact of these decisions and making recommendations based on their national security implications.
A Master of Arts in Security Studies will complement both my undergraduate studies and my practical experience. Ultimately, I intend to transition to a position in which I evaluate intelligence and make policy decisions to protect the United States from threats posed by transnational organized crime. Diplomatic and law-enforcement efforts against violent international drug-trafficking networks are of particular interest to me. A master’s degree in security studies will prepare me to transition successfully onto this career path.
The Security Studies Program at Georgetown is ideally positioned to maximize the benefit of my graduate studies. The university’s reputation and location attract a variety of exceptionally talented individuals, and learning from professors who continue to practice in their respective fields is invaluable. In addition, the Georgetown community extends into a wide range of government agencies, which will prove beneficial as I seek to continue a career in the public sector. These qualities are the key components of the competitive advantage that a degree from Georgetown’s Security Studies Program offers, and they are the principal motivators of my desire to return to Georgetown.
In conclusion, my professional experience has demonstrated to me that a master’s degree from the Security Studies Program at Georgetown University is central to my future career ambitions. It is the missing piece on my academic résumé, and I seek admission to the program to complete the foundation for my career.