Georgetown University M.S. in Foreign Service Program (MSFS)

🚀 MSFS kicked off the spring semester with a series of engaging conversations, practitioner insights, and community events across January and February. Here’s a recap of what happened on the Hilltop:

1️⃣ MSFS launched the semester with an Over the Horizon discussion on the future of Venezuela. Moderated by MSFS Director George Shambaugh, the panel featured Ambassador James B. Story, Dr. Fabiana Perera, and Carlos E. Chacon Cupello, who examined Venezuela’s political trajectory and geopolitical position over the coming decade.

2️⃣ Practitioner in Residence Dr. Vivian Walker joined students for a discussion on the future of soft power. Drawing on her career as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer, she explored how cultural diplomacy, credibility, and long-term engagement shape influence in an increasingly fragmented global information environment.

3️⃣ Mercy Tembon, former Vice President and Corporate Secretary of the World Bank Group, shared lessons from development work in crisis settings. She reflected on the importance of trust, flexibility, and relationship-building when working in fragile political and institutional environments.

4️⃣ Former Deputy Under Secretary of Defense David J. Trachtenberg led an informal discussion on great power competition, examining how historical experiences and threat perceptions shape the strategic behavior of the United States, Russia, and China.

5️⃣ Three MSFS alumni from the U.S. Department of the Treasury returned to campus to speak with students about what it’s like working on international affairs at the Treasury and the pathways students can take to start a career there.

6️⃣ Mock Orals brought together alumni, faculty, and practitioners to help second-year MSFS students prepare for their final oral examinations through practice panels and feedback sessions.

7️⃣ Dr. Jason W. Davidson joined MSFS for a book talk on NATO After Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine, discussing how differing threat perceptions and national priorities continue to shape alliance dynamics despite renewed unity.

8️⃣ World Bank economists Tommy Chrimes, Kate McKinnon, and Peter Selcuk presented insights from the Global Economic Prospects report.

On October 9-10, forty students from Georgetown University’s MSFS program traveled to New York City for the return of the annual MSFS New York Career Trek—a dynamic two-day event connecting current students with accomplished alumni working across various aspects of international affairs.

Read the full story on our website here👇
🔗 https://sfs.georgetown.edu/news/msfs-students-and-alumni-connect-in-new-york-city-for-the-2025-msfs-career-trek/

The Career Trek could not have been made possible without the generous involvement of our MSFS Board and distinguished alumni.

Hoya Saxa!

MSFS students and alumni connect in New York City for the 2025 MSFS Career Trek | School of Foreign Service | Georgetown On October 9-10, 2025, forty students from Georgetown University’s Master of Science in Foreign Service (MSFS) program traveled to New York City for the return of the annual MSFS New York Career Trek—a dynamic two-day event connecting current students with accomplished alumni working across vari...