Name
Angel Smith
Graduation year
2022
Degree
Master of Global Affairs
Current employer
Fulbright Awards (a US Department of State program)
Job title
Fulbright Independent Researcher
What initially brought you to Rice and the MGA program?
I chose Rice and the MGA Program due to the esteem of both Rice University and the Baker Institute. Rice's reputation speaks for itself, so the fact that my program was also connected to the illustrious Baker Institute made selecting it an obvious choice. I knew that I would be held to a high academic standard that would force me to grow professionally and academically. I also knew that having access to some of the greatest thinkers/academics/thought leaders in areas that I am passionate about would also help me expand my knowledge base. Lastly, the customizable nature of the program was very appealing as it gave me more control over my graduate experience and thus allowed me to grow in ways that were beneficial to me.
How did your experience in the MGA program prepare you for a professional career?
The MGA Program prepared me for my professional career in several ways. First and foremost, the number of intersectional topics covered during the program greatly expanded my knowledge base.
Additionally, the program offered many opportunities to present and perfect my public speaking skills. During the program, there were many times when I had to present on a topic that was relatively new to me. However, I learned that conducting thorough research helped me be more confident in my presentation. I also learned how to respond to audience feedback in real-time.
Lastly, the program allowed me to audit classes that were of interest but not offered by the program. As a lifelong student of Arabic, I found being able to audit Arabic courses during my program extremely valuable. In fact, enrolling in Arabic courses at Rice prompted me to apply for other language programs. I was awarded a Critical Language Scholarship (Department of State) and a Boren Fellowship (Department of Defense) which allowed me to enhance my Arabic skills and also study abroad.
What are your primary responsibilities in your current role?
Currently, I am conducting research on Climate Statecraft in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a Fulbright Independent Researcher. My research aims to create a more holistic definition of climate statecraft and an accompanying framework for better understanding this emerging domain. To do so, I analyze how energy and climate ambitions influence tech and AI investments, geopolitics, and international development.
Ultimately, my research will identify sound energy transition strategies that help others navigate the complex landscape of global climate politics and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. I spend much of my days attending conferences, reading, and spending time with others in this field. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to participate in international events, such as COP28, to speak with other climate and energy folks about my research. My time in the UAE has indeed been a dream.
Upon completing my Fulbright, I plan to return to ExxonMobil and continue working as a Policy Analyst for the Low Carbon Solutions business.
What are some ways you incorporate what you learned in your professional master’s program into your career?
As someone whose work is strategy-based, the intersectional perspective I gained while in the MGA Program has allowed me to understand policy, strategy, and their implications in a deeper, more holistic, and more critically analytic way. Additionally, the public speaking skills and confidence in my expertise developed during the program have helped me tremendously while engaging in high-stakes platforms like interviews for government agencies and global dialogues at UNFCCC events. Lastly, I have continued to utilize the Arabic that I was able to enhance while I was in the program.
What are some of your long-term goals for your career?
In the long term, I hope to continue making a positive impact by identifying nuanced ways to understand and solve our planet’s most complex and pressing issues.
What is some advice you would give to someone thinking about enrolling in the same professional master’s program?
DO IT! If you are unsure if this program is right for you, contact the program. They are very responsive and can answer any questions that you may have. Beyond encouraging you to apply, I also encourage you to vocalize your interests so that you can work with the program to ensure your needs are being met. Lastly, connect with program Alumni to learn more about their experience.
What are three words you would use to describe your experience as a professional master’s student at Rice?
Transformative, invigorating, necessary.