Name: Roberto Rosales
Year of graduation: 2013
Major: Geographical Sciences
Concentration: Human Geography
Current employment status:
• Employer: U.S. Department of State
• Position: Assistant to the Executive Director, Bureaus of Educational and Cultural Affairs and International Information Programsraduate
Graduate school:
• School: George Mason University
• Program: Global Affairs
• Degree: Masters of Art
Current Research:
No current research. However, I am in the process of initiating research about weapons sales, particularly how they affect, or accelerate conflict in countries with weak governments.
Why did you want to be a GEOG/GIS/ENSP major?
Because I felt like it gave me a broad perspective on how the world works. I was able to take courses in economics, geography, science, mathematics, domestic and international politics, among others. Essentially, it gave me the flexibility to learn what I felt was beneficial for me.
What internships or independent research did you do as a GEOG/GIS/ENSP major?
I started doing research at the end of my freshman year. I became a research at a non-profit called Child Trends. I was supposed to only stay there as a “graduate research intern,” but actually ended up staying for an additional two years. It was an amazing opportunity. I learned how to communicate; how to do data analysis; work with statistical software; and how to conduct qualitative and cognitive interviews via face-to-face meetings, or the phones.
Secondly, I was fortunate enough to do research with Dr. Sarah Croco—a graduate professor with the Government and Politics Department. I learned about how Congressional leaders were affected (voted out) because of their support for the Iraq War. It was a great opportunity and I will forever be thankful for her support.
What recommendations would you make to current GEOG/GIS/ENSP majors for career and academic success while they are still undergraduates?
GET INVOLVED!!!! Besides following your dream, you have to get involved. Find opportunities (internships, volunteering, research, etc.). To this day, I remember the day I met Dr. Croco. One of the most important advice that she gave was to approach professors for research opportunity. As soon as she said that, I approached her that same night and asked if she had opportunities for me. I still carry that with me. If I am super interested in something, I go for it. It doesn’t matter if people tell me they cannot help me, immediately. I think it is also important to note that failure is part of the process. I can’t count the times that I have “failed,” but managed to find other rewarding opportunities.
What recommendations would you make to current GEOG/GIS/ENSP majors for career and academic success after graduation?
Location! You are near a city that provides many opportunities. Enjoy that. Make sure that you do internships while in school. You have to realize that there are others that want the job(s) that you want. The more you prepare yourself for post-life graduate, the more polished you will be when you enter the labor market.
