Event Reflection #2

I attended the IA Mini-Involvement Fair from 5:30 PM to 7 PM on October 25th outside of Smith-Steeb Hall, a Service event. The event helped open my eyes to more personally relevant opportunities to get involved and network on campus. The exclusivity also provided more one-on-one time with the leaders of each club. The Involvement Fair at the beginning of the academic year was with the entirety of the Ohio State University student body – literally, tens of thousands of people spread out along College Road representing every club imaginable. The environment was a bit overwhelming and it was incredibly difficult to connect to club leaders. Having a chance to do it with only a few dozen students total and about a dozen clubs relevant to our learning community’s interests was a great idea.
The Fair is tied to International Affairs because it encouraged a more worldly and balanced perspective, ranging between a safe space for students to express their political beliefs and helping those in need in foreign nations. I was vaguely familiar with many of the organizations from the university-wide Involvement Fair, class presentations from club representatives, and had an understanding that the focus of the event was International Affairs related. Each club strives to make the world a better place in a different way, so attending did not change any of my beliefs or opinions on how beneficial they are to society. Both academically and professionally, I gained resources and networking opportunities by getting involved. I have the chance to see change happen firsthand and receive personal satisfaction working to improve humankind.
My major of Security and Intelligence (under the umbrella of International Studies) links to the event well. I am currently in an Intro to Intelligence class and am writing a paper on potential solutions to, what I believe will be, some of the most pressing concerns for the intelligence community over the next decade. Writing this paper provides excellent practice for me, as I aspire to enter the field of intelligence for a large federal agency, such as the CIA, FBI, or NSA. I would love to target my skills on the Arab-Israeli conflict in the Middle East, applying my soon-to-be Arabic double major and prior knowledge of Hebrew to my efforts. I want to help those around the globe, and intelligence is a route that I find to be the most up my alley. My career choice correlates to the International Affairs Scholar theme by focusing on the world around me and the United States’s place in it. After receiving my bachelor’s degree, I would like to attain a master’s, both for the interest in the subject and to boost my resumé. I am also aware that many post-graduation job offers are based on connections made through these types of clubs and their guest speakers. My previous conception that career options would be vast for this field was only solidified after attending the Fair. Other possible pathways may include diplomacy, public health, politics, law, justice, activism, among others.