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How do you find a mentor as a high school student interested in international affairs?
I participated in an exchange* program sponsored by the U.S. Department Of State's Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs. I'm looking for a way to expand my knowledge and learning of international relations/affairs/diplomacy.
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6 answers
Updated
Jay’s Answer
Congrats on participating in the exchange program, Andrew! That sounds like a great experience.
It looks like you're in San Jose, CA. I grew up in the Bay Area, and the first thing that comes to mind is the fact that you're near some excellent academic institutions with strong international relations / international affairs departments.
For example, Stanford University has an entire undergraduate and graduate school for International Affairs, and they regularly host events that are open to the public (often for free). You can bring your curiosity, ask questions, and network with people after. You're also likely to find information in the campus buildings that will give you ideas about how you can learn more or connect with others.
I received a Bachelor's Degree in International Relations, and it opened up a lot of doors for me. Good luck pursuing your interest!
It looks like you're in San Jose, CA. I grew up in the Bay Area, and the first thing that comes to mind is the fact that you're near some excellent academic institutions with strong international relations / international affairs departments.
For example, Stanford University has an entire undergraduate and graduate school for International Affairs, and they regularly host events that are open to the public (often for free). You can bring your curiosity, ask questions, and network with people after. You're also likely to find information in the campus buildings that will give you ideas about how you can learn more or connect with others.
I received a Bachelor's Degree in International Relations, and it opened up a lot of doors for me. Good luck pursuing your interest!
Updated
Sheryl’s Answer
Great question. I would suggest teh below:
1) start out with people in your immediate circle: family, friends, family friends, etc
2) join online groups for people that work in or are interested in your international affairs (please make sure the groups you join are legit groups)
3) look up people on LinkedIn currently in roles that you are interested in, reach out to them and ask then if they would ok to mentor you. If they are up for it, set a cadence that works for both of you for recurring calls and decide on topics that you'd like to discuss, this helps in making the interactions more productive and pointed.
Hope this helps, all the very best!
1) start out with people in your immediate circle: family, friends, family friends, etc
2) join online groups for people that work in or are interested in your international affairs (please make sure the groups you join are legit groups)
3) look up people on LinkedIn currently in roles that you are interested in, reach out to them and ask then if they would ok to mentor you. If they are up for it, set a cadence that works for both of you for recurring calls and decide on topics that you'd like to discuss, this helps in making the interactions more productive and pointed.
Hope this helps, all the very best!
Updated
Martha’s Answer
I am delighted to learn about your interest in international affairs, Andrew,, and congratulate you for participating in an exchange program already. With the world increasingly inter-related, we need people knowledgeable about this multi-faceted and important area. Here are some thoughts:
- I suspect that you are already doing this, but keep informed about key international issues, such as immigration, climate change, and regional conflicts. This includes journalism as well as blogs and/or podcasts by experts (such as columnist Thomas Friedman about the Mideast).
- Be active in a relevant club at your school, such as the Model UN. This will give you a structure for addressing relevant issues, as well as peers with whom you can share information and perspectives. If there isn't such a club, consider starting one. Another route might be joining a club that addresses key international issues, such as buildON, or hunger or climate action clubs.
- Explore other exchange programs, such as AFS - https://afs.org/study-abroad/high-school/.
- Apply to colleges/universities with international relations/policy programs, such as Princeton, Harvard, Tufts, Johns Hopkins, and many others. Even institutions without a formal IR program could offer exciting opportunities to study or work abroad.
Good luck!
Read article about international relations education and careers - https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/international-relations-major-overview
Check out this website - https://internationalrelationscareers.com/magazine/international-relations-organizations/
- I suspect that you are already doing this, but keep informed about key international issues, such as immigration, climate change, and regional conflicts. This includes journalism as well as blogs and/or podcasts by experts (such as columnist Thomas Friedman about the Mideast).
- Be active in a relevant club at your school, such as the Model UN. This will give you a structure for addressing relevant issues, as well as peers with whom you can share information and perspectives. If there isn't such a club, consider starting one. Another route might be joining a club that addresses key international issues, such as buildON, or hunger or climate action clubs.
- Explore other exchange programs, such as AFS - https://afs.org/study-abroad/high-school/.
- Apply to colleges/universities with international relations/policy programs, such as Princeton, Harvard, Tufts, Johns Hopkins, and many others. Even institutions without a formal IR program could offer exciting opportunities to study or work abroad.
Good luck!
Martha recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Julian’s Answer
Hi Andrew,
I studied international affairs with an emphasis in international economics at UCSD and received a master's degree at the School of Global Policy and Strategy. I also interned at the State Department and performed graduate research for a couple of bureaus.
As I high school student, if I were you I would begin familiarizing myself with the best international affairs programs at the undergraduate and graduate level. See what the requirements are and how you can start preparing yourself now. Know what classes to be taking in college. Courses in economics and business will be expected and taking language classes definitely helps. Join virtual and in person groups to the extent possible focused on international affairs and diplomacy. If you have opportunities to study abroad, don't pass them up!
I would even research the faculty at the schools you are interested in and see what kind of problems they are tackling in their research. Be familiar with international events and political/business climates.
It sounds like you are on the right path by participating in government student programs!
Best,
Julian
I studied international affairs with an emphasis in international economics at UCSD and received a master's degree at the School of Global Policy and Strategy. I also interned at the State Department and performed graduate research for a couple of bureaus.
As I high school student, if I were you I would begin familiarizing myself with the best international affairs programs at the undergraduate and graduate level. See what the requirements are and how you can start preparing yourself now. Know what classes to be taking in college. Courses in economics and business will be expected and taking language classes definitely helps. Join virtual and in person groups to the extent possible focused on international affairs and diplomacy. If you have opportunities to study abroad, don't pass them up!
I would even research the faculty at the schools you are interested in and see what kind of problems they are tackling in their research. Be familiar with international events and political/business climates.
It sounds like you are on the right path by participating in government student programs!
Best,
Julian
Updated
Brandon’s Answer
Some steps you can take include the following.
Activate Your Connections:
Begin by tapping into your existing circle. Engage with teachers, program coordinators, or professionals you've encountered during your exchange program. They could offer valuable insights or even introduce you to possible mentors.
Get Involved in Related Groups:
Search for clubs or organizations in your school or community that concentrate on international affairs, diplomacy, or global studies. Becoming a member of these groups can lead you to meet others with similar interests and potential mentors.
Participate in Events and Conferences:
Make it a point to attend conferences, workshops, or events centered on international affairs. These occasions are perfect for meeting field experts and professionals. Don't hesitate to initiate conversations with speakers or panelists to express your interest and ask for guidance.
Leverage Online Platforms:
Use online platforms like LinkedIn, where professionals frequently share their knowledge. Connect with individuals involved in international relations and send them personalized messages expressing your interest in the field and your quest for a mentor.
Connect with Alumni:
If your high school has graduates who ventured into international affairs, consider getting in touch with them. Alumni are often open to assisting current students and could provide valuable mentorship.
Investigate Academic Institutions:
Research universities or institutions with robust programs in international affairs. Connect with professors or researchers specializing in areas that captivate you. Share your background and interest, and inquire if they would be open to mentoring you.
Discover Online Mentorship Platforms:
There are online platforms designed to match mentors and mentees based on common interests. Explore platforms like MentorCity, iCouldBe, or similar mentorship programs tailored for students interested in international affairs.
Define Your Goals:
When contacting potential mentors, articulate your goals and what you expect from the mentorship. This clarity helps mentors understand how they can best assist you.
Respect the time and commitments of potential mentors, and stay persistent in your search. Cultivating a mentorship relationship requires time, but the rewards for your personal and professional growth can be immense.
Activate Your Connections:
Begin by tapping into your existing circle. Engage with teachers, program coordinators, or professionals you've encountered during your exchange program. They could offer valuable insights or even introduce you to possible mentors.
Get Involved in Related Groups:
Search for clubs or organizations in your school or community that concentrate on international affairs, diplomacy, or global studies. Becoming a member of these groups can lead you to meet others with similar interests and potential mentors.
Participate in Events and Conferences:
Make it a point to attend conferences, workshops, or events centered on international affairs. These occasions are perfect for meeting field experts and professionals. Don't hesitate to initiate conversations with speakers or panelists to express your interest and ask for guidance.
Leverage Online Platforms:
Use online platforms like LinkedIn, where professionals frequently share their knowledge. Connect with individuals involved in international relations and send them personalized messages expressing your interest in the field and your quest for a mentor.
Connect with Alumni:
If your high school has graduates who ventured into international affairs, consider getting in touch with them. Alumni are often open to assisting current students and could provide valuable mentorship.
Investigate Academic Institutions:
Research universities or institutions with robust programs in international affairs. Connect with professors or researchers specializing in areas that captivate you. Share your background and interest, and inquire if they would be open to mentoring you.
Discover Online Mentorship Platforms:
There are online platforms designed to match mentors and mentees based on common interests. Explore platforms like MentorCity, iCouldBe, or similar mentorship programs tailored for students interested in international affairs.
Define Your Goals:
When contacting potential mentors, articulate your goals and what you expect from the mentorship. This clarity helps mentors understand how they can best assist you.
Respect the time and commitments of potential mentors, and stay persistent in your search. Cultivating a mentorship relationship requires time, but the rewards for your personal and professional growth can be immense.
Juney Dijkstra
Business Development / Production / Project Management
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Updated
Juney’s Answer
A few small additions to the above excellent suggestions:
- Discord has ample professional communities, these days, in addition to LinkedIn. You may find a welcoming community of professionals happy to answer a few polite, enthusiastic questions.
- Read books such as The Culture Map by Erin Meyer. Having worked with folks from many cultures wildly unlike my own, I can't stress the critical importance of acknowledging & respecting differences in backgrounds enough.
- Find podcasts! There are plenty of podcasts by and featuring professionals that you can learn plenty from.
- Follow the news. Stay up to date with the latest goings on worldwide to see how bits & pieces interconnect globally.
For all of the above, don't just passively consume: Sit back, analyse and reflect. Debate, ask for different perspectives, and develop well-informed opinions.
No doubt these routes will expose you to professionals that resonate with you deeply, some of whom would likely be honoured to be asked to be your mentor :)
And, when the time comes -- make sure to follow a Mentorship framework to make the most of the experience!
- Discord has ample professional communities, these days, in addition to LinkedIn. You may find a welcoming community of professionals happy to answer a few polite, enthusiastic questions.
- Read books such as The Culture Map by Erin Meyer. Having worked with folks from many cultures wildly unlike my own, I can't stress the critical importance of acknowledging & respecting differences in backgrounds enough.
- Find podcasts! There are plenty of podcasts by and featuring professionals that you can learn plenty from.
- Follow the news. Stay up to date with the latest goings on worldwide to see how bits & pieces interconnect globally.
For all of the above, don't just passively consume: Sit back, analyse and reflect. Debate, ask for different perspectives, and develop well-informed opinions.
No doubt these routes will expose you to professionals that resonate with you deeply, some of whom would likely be honoured to be asked to be your mentor :)
And, when the time comes -- make sure to follow a Mentorship framework to make the most of the experience!