Home: Allen, Texas
UT Dallas Degree: MS – International Political Economy, 2008
Profession: Journalist, Examiner.com
My current work is a culmination of education and experiences I have acquired over the years. I have a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Uppsala University, a certificate in journalism from Poppius School of Journalism in Stockholm, and a master’s degree in liberal arts from Southern Methodist University. After a career as a model, I started at Texas Instruments in Stockholm working in strategic marketing.
In 1992, I moved to Caracas, Venezuela, where I provided coverage and correspondence concerning political and economic issues for “Svenska Dagbladet,” a daily newspaper in Stockholm. I also engaged in economic and educational support for school-aged children in deprived areas.
Upon moving to Dallas in 1995, I became a research fellow at the American Center for International Policy Studies. Since obtaining my master’s degree in international political economy at UT Dallas, I now write for Examiner.com’s politics channel, covering public policy and politics.
My master’s degree in international political economy has benefited me greatly. It’s very different to write for an internet publication compared to print press. With the internet, you have between 50 and 400 words to write a story and provide context. Covering public policy is challenging, but my UT Dallas education provided me with strong analysis and evaluation skills. Also the degree’s interdisciplinary focus has been very helpful.
What contributed most to my EPPS success was my extensive academic and international background.
Take advantage of an international internship. More jobs today require international knowledge, and the master’s degree in international political economy teaches you a lot about different regions. Still, nothing beats the experience of living in another country.