Sophie Radke, a senior at the University of Georgia, is charting a remarkable course through her studies in International Affairs, complemented by a minor in International Human Rights Security and a Certificate in Data Analytics in Public Policy. Sophie’s academic journey is a testament to the power of a well-rounded education in the School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA).
Discovering SPIA and a Passion for International Affairs
Sophie’s path to SPIA was driven by a broad interest in the world and a desire to understand her place within it. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do going into college, but I liked the world and figuring out how it works,” she recalls. This curiosity quickly translated into a love for politics and geopolitics, fueling her decision to pursue International Affairs.
Her interest in human rights was sparked during her freshman year when she took an honors course in human rights with Professor Chad Clay. This pivotal moment steered her away from a potential law school path and towards a focus on human rights, leading her to add a minor in International Human Rights Security in her second year
Sophie’s engagement in SPIA has been nothing short of fulfilling. “SPIA is the best decision I ever made. The teachers believe in what they teach, and seeing students come together in both on-campus organizations and classroom discussions is very beneficial to the learning process.”
The Certificate in Data Analytics in Public Policy: A Game-Changer
Sophie’s journey took another significant turn when she discovered the Certificate in Data Analytics in Public Policy through SPIA newsletters. Following a study abroad experience, she sought a new academic challenge and discussed the certificate program with her advisor. She enrolled in data analytics courses in her junior year, eager to integrate these skills into her understanding of international policy.
Through the data analytics courses, Sophie developed a suite of valuable skills. “The main thing I learned was how to think critically and discern salient pieces of information from large text blocks,” she explains. She gained proficiency in data visualization and manipulation, learning how to clean spreadsheets and create various types of charts. These skills are crucial in the growing cyber age, enabling her to present complex information clearly and concisely.
Applying Data Analytics in the Real World
Sophie’s data analytics skills have already had a significant impact on her career trajectory. During an internship with the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), she worked on monitoring Captagon, an illicit drug linked to amphetamine, which was being trafficked in and out of Syria. Her role involved network analysis, where she utilized open-source intelligence to track and organize data on factory raids, seizures, and other related activities. “We present our findings every Monday to a one-star general and other senior intelligence leaders, and engage in brainstorming sessions about intelligence crises,” she shares.
Her ability to present information clearly and accurately made her a valuable asset to her team. “In intelligence, it’s a big matter of who can present the information most clearly, correctly, and concisely,” Sophie emphasizes. Her background in data-driven analysis strengthened her case for her work and opened doors within the intelligence community.
Encouraging Peers to Embrace Data Analytics
Sophie is a strong advocate for the Certificate program, encouraging her peers to consider adding it to their studies. “Think about how you are coming out of college. Having programming on your resume makes you stand out in competitive applications,” she advises. She highlights that a strong understanding of quantitative data is essential in International Affairs and Political Science, where policies are often driven by numbers.
The certificate program also enhances critical thinking skills, allowing students to find connections and patterns that others might overlook. This quantitative mindset is invaluable in both academic and professional settings.
Looking Ahead: A Future in Intelligence
In her senior year, Sophie continues to engage in national security research, focusing on lessons learned from historical intelligence surprises and how they can be applied to future scenarios. Her ongoing internship with the DIA’s Central Command underscores her commitment to a career in intelligence and national security.
Sophie credits much of her success to the supportive and engaging professors at SPIA. Professors like Jason Lian, who taught data analytics in international policy, were instrumental in her learning process. “He worked closely with me to work through problems, always helpful in breaking down complex concepts,” Sophie notes. Collaborative projects and group work were also integral, providing a supportive environment to tackle coding and data analysis challenges together.
As Sophie prepares for graduation, her ultimate career goal is to work in intelligence analysis and collection, with aspirations to join agencies like the DIA, CIA, or NGA. She is particularly interested in providing crucial information to warfighters, contributing to national security, and ensuring peace and security for individuals to live freely without distraction.
Sophie’s academic journey exemplifies how the Certificate in Data Analytics in Public Policy can propel the careers of SPIA students. By equipping them with critical skills in data analysis and visualization, the certificate opens doors to competitive opportunities and enhances their ability to contribute meaningfully to their fields. For students looking to stand out and make a significant impact, adding the Data Analytics Certificate to their course of study is a strategic and empowering choice.
