BA in Global Affairs

Global Study, Global Leadership

Andrea Kwon, 2021

Andrea Kwon

Andrea Kwon is currently a senior in Mason Korea’s Global Affairs program with a double concentration in Human Security and Global Governance, and a minor in Conflict Analysis and Resolution. Last summer, she participated in the World Federation of United Nations Association (WFUNA) College Leaders at the United Nations program as one of two Mason Korea student representatives.

The reason this program is special for students is that it partners with the United Nations Academic Impact and various Korean universities to provide an opportunity for college students to represent their institutions at the UN Headquarters, having the opportunity to interact with respected UN officials and diplomats.

After being selected as the representative, she had the opportunity to travel to New York and present her policy recommendation on Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) at the United Nations Global Compact and the United Nations Secretariat. In preparation for this presentation, she spent three months collaborating with other college leaders to write a policy proposal and prepare a presentation.

Andrea

“Learning to research UN documents, find reports, and identify policy making language was a tough but rewarding lesson. This has been especially valuable practice as a Global Affairs student, particularly with large research projects”, said Andrea. “The program also helped me grow as a team player. Working with college students studying in all different parts of the world meant being an active, efficient communicator. We were constantly sharing new insight from our policies, discussing potential revisions, and re-writing our recommendations — learning to adapt and adjust to a new environment was a really memorable process.”

Andrea’s eye-opening experience really began by visiting the Career Development Center at Mason Korea. She was guided and supported by the CDC throughout her application process.

“Mason Korea was very hands on and helpful throughout the process of preparing for the WFUNA, as they are with all internship and volunteer programs available to MK students,” she notes. Andrea received a lot of support from the CDC as well as other Mason Korea students and staff members. She was also given a scholarship which financially enabled her to participate in the program.

Andrea

A word of encouragement from Andrea is: “Seize the opportunities as they come! Mason Korea provides a lot of different internship and volunteer opportunities, and Mason Korea staff are always really good with ensuring a smooth process for you. All it takes is interest and enthusiasm to be plugged into unique opportunities to propel you further into your potential future career path.”