Are you a current student preparing for graduation or a young professional just kicking off your career in international affairs? Join the Women's Foreign Policy Group for our online career panels and professional development workshops, and connect with fellow members at the WFPG's Young Professional Network virtual mentoring chats and roundtables. In 2020, WFPG launched annual 1:1 mentoring office hours, a competitive year-long mentoring program, as well as a career resources platform for WFPG members. Find a quiet corner, grab your laptop and join us for our upcoming programs!
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Recent:
November 19th | Non-Profit and Government Career Forum
WFPG and WIIS hosted the annual Non-Profit and Government Career Forum in conjunction with George Washington University, New York University, University of Pennsylvania and the University of Delaware. Panelists Becca Balis of the World Bank, Lauren Bedula of Beacon Global Strategies and Anne Coleman-Honn and Sue Saarnio of the US State Department shared their insights from their careers and discussed topics ranging from work-life balance, working remotely, studying and working abroad and how to get your foot in the door. 
Taking Action: Navigating Your Career in Global Gender Advocacy
French: November 3rd | Spanish: November 10th | English: November 16th
WFPG and APSIA hosted three panel discussions featuring women on the front lines in the field of gender advocacy to discuss their experiences and give participants insight into what opportunities are out there and what is needed to succeed. Held in French, Spanish, and English.
October 13th | YP Network Virtual Coffee Chat: Applying to Grad School
WFPG hosted Katie Conti of the London School of Economics, Aline Guzik, graduate of the Columbia School of International and Public Affairs and Katarina O'Regan, graduate of the Georgetown School of Foreign Service, for a virtual coffee chat on the best practices for applying to grad school.
October 6th | Mid-Career Challenges: Women Shifting Careers
Mid-Career Mentoring Series
WFPG hosted a conversation on how to overcome the challenges of changing sectors or advancing in your field as a mid-career woman with speakers Dineo Brinson, Academic Exchange Specialist at the State Department, Sherry L. Mueller, author and Adjunct Professor at American University, David J. Smith, consultant and coach, and Brandy Svensson, Global Intelligence Analyst at the World Bank. The panelists discussed the importance of developing and refining your professional narrative, identifying and leveraging professional support networks, fostering connections in the virtual age and finding your vocation among other useful advice. This program marked the first event of the WFPG's Mid-Career Mentoring series, which provides career development programming to support for mid-career women. Read more
July 13th | Working in the Field: Opportunities & Challenges for Your International Career
Professional Development Series | Co-sponsored with Women in International Security (WIIS)
WFPG and WIIS hosted management consultant Michelle Abou-Raad, political parties expert Sef Ashiagbor, security specialist Diorella Islas, and democracy and human rights expert Deborah Ullmer for a discussion on field work and working abroad. During a conversation moderated by Ariela Blätter the panelists covered the variety of opportunities available, what skills are necessary, considerations and logistics, and tips on adapting to a new environment. Following the opening session, participants moved to interactive breakout sessions with the panelists where they could ask their own questions. Read more

June 25th | Mid-Career Pathways and Opportunities at the United Nations
WFPG hosted UN officials Aruna Thanabalasingam and Suzanne Shanahan and representatives from the UN's Office of Human Resources Joan Ampah, Salena Brown, and Eva Jansen for a discussion on mid-level careers and opportunities at the United Nations. Following an opening session, participants moved to interactive breakout sessions with the webinar speakers and UN colleagues where they could ask their own questions on a wide variety of topics. Read more

June 24th | YP Network Virtual Workshop: Skills-Building for Effective Negotiation
WFPG hosted Dr. Judy Kuriansky of Columbia University and H.E. Katalin Bogyay, the former Ambassador of Hungary to the United Nations, for a virtual workshop on the psychological principles of negotiation and diplomacy. Participants learned about their specific "brain styles", and gained specific strategies and "soft power" to use in professional and personal situations. Read more 
June 15th | YP Network Virtual Happy Hour: Making the Most of Your Summer Internship
WFPG hosted Elinor Harty from the Woodrow Wilson Center and YP Network peer mentors for a virtual happy hour chat on how to be successful in your summer internship. They discussed how you can make a lasting impression as a summer intern, and offered advice on how to jump into the networking world as a young professional. Read more
May 5th | Common Gender Traps in Communications
Professional Development Series | Co-sponsored with Women in International Security (WIIS)
WFPG and WIIS hosted Lynn Fahselt and Dorry Levine from ReThink Media for an interactive workshop on how to avoid common communications mistakes and to elevate and amplify fellow women’s voices in meetings and in the workplace. They covered why it is so important for women to engage in these conversations, as well as the most common errors and strategies to counter these pitfalls both individually and institutionally. Read more
April 23rd | Foreign Policy on the Hill: Understanding the Field
Professional Development Series | Co-sponsored with Women in International Security (WIIS)
The WFPG and WIIS hosted a conversation to delve into the critical role that Congress plays in US foreign policy and the entry-level and mid-career professional opportunities available. Committee staffers Chidi Blyden, Maggie McNamara Cooper, Katherine Earle, and Meghan Gallagher, joined Congressional Research Service foreign policy analyst Katarina O'Regan and moderator Kim Kahnhauser Freeman to share insights from their roles and career paths, their day-to-day responsibilities, and their advice for those interested in pursuing a career in foreign policy on the Hill. The participants then joined speakers in breakout rooms for more informal discussions. Read more
February 24th | Virtual Global Affairs Career Forum
WFPG hosted its second virtual Global Affairs Career Forum on February 24, 2021, connecting mid- and senior-level international affairs professionals with over 200 students and recent graduates just beginning their foreign policy careers to discuss the breadth of career paths available in the field of international affairs and share practical career advice. Mentees spoke to mentors in small, interactive breakout sessions on topics such as the steps young professionals should take to advance their careers, what mentors wish they would have known when they first began their careers, and how to discover a career path that provides both professional and personal fulfillment. The program kicked off with brief remarks by WFPG Board Member Theresa Loar. Read more
February 8th | Exploring the Field: International Affairs Research
Professional Development Series | Co-sponsored with Women in International Security (WIIS)
International affairs researchers Chantal de Jonge Oudraat of WIIS, Michele Dunne of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Elizabeth Hedge of the Global Women's Institute, and Rui Zhong of the Wilson Center joined WFPG for an engaging discussion on research careers in international affairs and foreign policy. The panelists shared their career path, advice for those entering the field, and how research can make an impact on the world of policy and advocacy during a conversation moderated by WFPG Executive Director Kim Kahnhauser Freeman. The participants then joined speakers in breakout rooms for more informal discussions. Read more
December 8th | Overcoming Stress and Trauma: Build Your Resiliency in the Age of COVID-19
Professional Development Series | Co-sponsored with Women in International Security (WIIS)
2020 has been a year of uncertainty and it has posed unique challenges to those working in humanitarian relief, international security, trade, and foreign policy. Personal and global circumstances have taken a toll on professional lives and career pressures have impacted family lives. After opening remarks by CARE USA Managing Director of Strategic Initiatives & Development Beth Solomon and Co-President of the NY Chapter of WIIS Min Kyriannis, Elizabeth Stanley, creator of Mindfulness-Based Mind Fitness Training, shared advice on how to apply mindfulness skills in your daily life in order to build resilience. Read more
November 13th | Nonprofit and Government Career Forum
Co-sponsored with NYU, GW, UPenn, and University of Delaware
This annual event included a virtual panel discussion on careers in international affairs, as well as a virtual career fair, which offered students the opportunity to meet with representatives of NGO's, non-profits, and government agencies. Read more
November 10th | Diplomatic Toolbox: Multilateral Negotiations
Professional Development Series | Co-sponsored with Women in International Security (WIIS) and the Robertson Foundation for Government
What makes for a successful multilateral negotiation? What role do diplomats play, and what are their responsibilities? How has diplomacy changed during the pandemic? WFPG hosted a webinar to answer these questions, followed by an interactive workshop with seasoned negotiators and authors Rebecca Webber Gaudiosi, Jimena Leiva-Roesch, and Ye-Min Wu of Singapore. One week later, they held an interactive simulation in which participants could put these multilateral negotiating strategies to the test. Read more
October 29 | Building Strategic Power through Exchanges
Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
WFPG partnered with the Department of State on their interactive virtual program to provide international relations students, interns, and foreign affairs professionals with an in-depth understanding of the role of exchange programs in global power dynamics and strategic power and offer networking opportunities with foreign affairs related organizations.
September 30th | Mindful Connections and Virtual Communication
Professional Development Series | Co-sponsored with Women in International Security (WIIS)
What makes for a compelling and engaging virtual presentation? How can you use your screen time effectively and develop meaningful professional relationships through remote interaction? We joined communications expert Scott Morgan to answer these questions and learn the the do’s and don’t of leading virtual meetings and presentations. Read more
September 17th | YP Network Virtual Cocktails and Careers: Should I Go to Law School?
Current law students Megan Bright, Kelly Recker, and Archana Vasa joined members for a roundtable discussion about law school: whether you should go, how to apply, and what to do once you're there. Read more
July 16th | Federal Service: Navigating Applications and Landing your First Job
Professional Development Series | Co-sponsored with Women in International Security (WIIS) and the Robertson Foundation for Government
Jennifer Hawkins of USAID, Erin McGown of the Department of Justice, Lindsay Rodman formerly of Department of Defense, and Sharon Swabb formerly of the White House Presidential Personnel Office, joined WFPG Executive Director Kim Kahnhauser Freeman for a conversation on navigating applications and landing a job in Federal Service. The panelists spoke about the different pathways to public service and gave tips on applying through USAJobs. Read more
July 9th | YP Network Virtual Chat: Real Talk Grad School Edition
For this month's YP Network Chat, the WFPG hosted a virtual happy hour and peer-mentoring conversation with YPN members to learn the real deal about applying for grad school. Read more
June 16th | Job-Search Toolkit: Interviews, Salary Negotiation, and Getting Your Foot in the Door
Professional Development Series | Co-sponsored with Women in International Security (WIIS)
Executive Director of the Public Leadership Education Network Sarah Bruno, Cybersecurity/Technology Business Development Lead for Jaros, Baum & Bolles Min Kyriannis, and JNA Associates President Nancy Lubin joined Women In International Security President Chantal de Jonge Oudraat for a conversation on how to put your best foot forward when searching for a new job and interviewing. The panelist shared tips on how to shine in an interview, negotiate salary, and ease into a new work environment. Read more
June 11th | YP Network Virtual Coffee Chat
For this month's Cocktails and Careers, the WFPG Young Professional Network Chapters in NY and DC hosted WFPG board members Theresa Loar and Allison Ford for a virtual roundtable to discuss Advocating for yourself in the workplace: When and how to speak up. Read more
May 20th | Virtual Networking and Video Interviews - How Has the Job Hunt Changed?
Professional Development Series | Co-sponsored with Women in International Security (WIIS)
World Resources Institute Senior Human Resources Manager Clarissa Balatan, Career Coach Alyssa Best, and Deloitte Analyst Nadia Crevecoeur joined WFPG Executive Director Kim Kahnhauser Freeman for a conversation on how to network and job hunt remotely. The panelists shared best practices for interviews, informational interviews, reaching out through social media, and building and maintaining your network. Read more
May 7th | YP Network Virtual Happy Hour
WFPG's Young Professional Network hosted a virtual happy hour to talk about upcoming plans, as well as adapting to the new normal and what that means.
April 23rd | Global Affairs Career Forum
Co-sponsored with New York University
What does a career in international affairs really look like? The program included an online panel discussion, followed by breakout roundtable mentoring sessions with international affairs professionals. Read more
April 2nd | YP Network Virtual Coffee Chat
Gillian Apfel, a Rome-based US Foreign Service Officer joined members for a conversation on what it's like to be an FSO in the thick of a crisis like COVID-19 and her own career path. Read more