Faculty
The MIP is administered jointly by the Benson-Bertsch Center for International Trade and Security (BBCITS) and the International Affairs Department. MIP courses are taught by faculty from across SPIA. Additionally, the MIP enjoys a strong partnership with UGA’s College of Engineering. Many of BBCITS’ Resident and Non-resident Fellows serve as either guest lecturers or instructors for MIP courses. BBCITS Fellows complement SPIA’s faculty instruction by sharing practical knowledge gained through years of real-world experience and specialized expertise. Furthermore, many BBCITS Fellows have deep insights into government and industry hiring processes. Routine, meaningful interaction with both faculty and fellows is a defining feature of the MIP program.
To read more extensive biographies on the exceptional BBCITS faculty and fellows, please click here.
Students
The MIP attracts and accepts students, both domestically and internationally, from a strong variety of academic backgrounds, research areas, and career interests. The unique combination of these differences within our student body create a rich environment for discussion and collaboration, both inside and outside of the classroom.
To learn more about current individual MIP students, click here and filter by selecting “Master of International Policy” on the drop down menu. You can also check out some of the student spotlights featured below.
Lydia McCoy ’22
“This position made me realize the possibility of a career in export compliance. I recently accepted a conditional job offer to work for the U.S. State Department’s Export Control and Related Border Security Program beginning after graduation!”
“In this role, I worked with clients in our region on exporting their sensitive technologies in compliance with US export controls.”
MIP ’22
Export Compliance Intern, US Department of Commerce and US Commercial Service
Duyan Beyan ’22
Duyan helps clients navigate international trade initiatives by communicating with them to understand their objectives and the technologies and activities that they need assistance with. She then outlines steps they need to take to ensure their export transactions are in compliance with trade initiatives.
“My goal is to work in export compliance for either the public or private sector. This experience is necessary because I will be able to navigate the difficult rules and regulations found in EAR, ITAR, OFAC and more, and hopefully be able to apply this knowledge in a future position.”
MIP ’22
Intern, US Department of Commerce and US Commercial Service
Sarthak Sarma ’22
“My primary responsibilities include research and administrative assistance and supporting the daily activities of the program. Currently, I am involved in projects focusing on foreign aid and development infrastructure and finance.”
“Through the PPD, I have gained practical experience in the international development arena. Additionally, I am learning from and networking with individuals with extensive experience in this field.”
MIP ’22
Research Intern, Project on Prosperity and Development (PPD), CSIS
Kelly Dobso ’22
“Through MIP, I got a Research Associate position at the British Standards Institute working in supply chain security and intelligence for Fortune 500 companies. I have been working there since February 2021 and was promoted to Lead Research Associate for the Asia team.”
“The opportunity shaped my career aspirations as I hope to work in supply chain security and intelligence full‑time after graduation.”
MIP ’22
Lead Research Associate, British Standards Institute
Michael Sway ’23
As an intern at GABI, Michael attends weekly staff meetings, sits in on expert presentations and panels, writes reports on them, and conducts research
“This has helped me get a taste of what professional life will be like working in the private sector. It has also helped me begin creating a network in DC.”
MIP ’23
Intern, Global America Business Institute
Elizabeth Howell ’23
The trainings Elizabeth pursued will help her work with and analyze data in the future. She currently is doing research on terrorist groups and kidnapping in order to understand underlying motivations. She hopes to work as an analyst in the intelligence community one day.
“[This internship] allowed me to gain experience in document processing and monitoring a congressional mailbox. Through this position, I was also able to pursue independent trainings, primarily in data analytics.”
SLP ’22, MIP ’23
Intern (Spring 2021), Office of Congressional Relations, DHS Immigration and Customs Enforcement
