Pardee Career Night 2025: A Celebration of Connection, Purpose, and Possibility
On April 1st, the Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University hosted its second annual Career Night, welcoming more than 15 diverse organizations, career resources, and a vibrant mix of students, alumni, and professionals. The event provided a dynamic space for students to explore career pathways, engage with potential employers, and connect with Pardee alumni who have transformed their global education into impactful work.
The evening opened with a warm welcome from Dean Scott Taylor, who emphasized the power of early career exploration. “This is where you really get to know people,” he shared, recognizing the importance of genuine connection and community in the career development journey. He also expressed appreciation for the alumni who returned not just as professionals, but as mentors and guides for the next generation.
Director of Career Services Sonia Liang followed with remarks that captured the spirit of the night:
“We bring people together, and then the magic happens…In these turbulent times, an event like this – one that fosters connection and community – matters more than ever.”
Students engaged in meaningful conversations with representatives from a wide range of industries including state and local government, international development, strategic advisory, humanitarian assistance, defense and energy, global health, reinsurance and citizenship diplomacy. The energy in the room was palpable, with tables buzzing with curiosity, enthusiasm, and discovery.
Current staff from the Global Development Policy (GDP) Center highlighted the growing demand for strong communication skills, particularly in multimedia, social media strategy, video production, and visual storytelling, ideal for students with creative talent and a passion for public impact. FGS Global representatives also made a strong impression, engaging students in thoughtful dialogue about launching a career in global strategic communications and navigating the evolving intersection of policy, media, and technology.
The International Institute of New England (IINE) stood out to students passionate about refugee support and humanitarian work. Olivia Cassinari, a second year MAIA student, current Intern at IINE, shared her personal story of how Career Night last year led directly to her current role:
“It all started with a conversation. I’m grateful to be back here representing IINE and helping others find their own path.”
Justin Dynia (MA ’24), now working with WorldBoston as Citizenship Diplomacy Manager, also credited the 2024 Career Night as a pivotal moment in his professional journey:
“Pardee Career Night helped me explore opportunities I wouldn’t have otherwise considered. It opened doors for exploration and led to where I am today.”
At the Department of Defense table, students engaged deeply with representatives about internships and long-term career tracks. The key advice? Start early, be proactive, and don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals who share your interests.
Throughout the evening, students from all levels found opportunities to connect. First-year MAIA students expressed excitement about the range of opportunities. One remarked, “It was enlightening to hear how French and Spanish language skills are in demand. As a French-speaking student, that was really validating.” Undergraduates were equally enthusiastic, asking insightful questions about how to build a strong resume by graduation. Employers encouraged them to pursue study abroad opportunities, develop intercultural fluency, and take on internships and project-based learning experiences to deepen their skills and broaden their perspectives.
Pardee Career Night 2025 proved to be more than a professional networking event – it was a space of inspiration, reflection, and meaningful human connection. As students, alumni, and professionals gathered to explore what’s possible, the vivid spirit of global engagement and career community-building came to life.
In a world that often feels uncertain, events like these are a reminder: when we bring people together, the magic really does happen.