Why did you choose History as a major?
I ended up choosing the History program for its focus and emphasis on research and writing. The other soft skills that came with the program were a plus. Before coming to Mason, I didn't really know much about the program, but I knew going in that I wanted soft skills that could open up many doors for me to work in the Washington D.C. area. In essence, I wanted the flexibility that the History program offered.
What was your career path after graduation?
After graduating from Mason with my degree in History, I immediately applied for the School of Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University. I knew that I wanted to continue my education and work on a master's, and from there I would hope to apply all I learned to a future career. I ended up applying for many government positions and ultimately ended up taking a position offered by the Government Accountability Office as an analyst.
How do you think your History major at Mason prepared you for your career?
I believe that the research and analysis skills, alongside my writing skills from the History program, set me up for success. With that, my communication skills that were fostered in the program help me on a daily basis with interviews and surveying for information gathering.
Any advice you'd like to give current Mason students?
Work hard, don't miss deadlines, use Zotero for your sources, and don't be afraid of failures. Challenge yourself and challenge your professors when you can. The biggest takeaways from my undergrad years were the connections I made and the ability to learn and be flexible, which really helped me in graduate school and my career.