How did you fit your education into your life?
Balancing my graduate education with a full-time job in financial consulting was one of the most demanding but rewarding experiences of my life. I often found myself working across time zones on complex client projects during the day, then switching gears in the evenings to dive into course readings, write policy memos, or join live class discussions.
The flexibility of Harvard Extension School made this possible, but it still demanded a level of discipline and commitment I hadn’t tapped into before.
One of the defining moments of my time at HES was the three-week summer school course on campus, which was intense, immersive, and very memorable. I met incredible classmates during that course, some of whom have become close friends and will be guests at my wedding in the summer of 2026.
That experience, along with the January session in Cambridge, made my academic journey feel grounded, personal, and truly connected to the broader Harvard community.
How has your Harvard Extension School experience helped you throughout your career journey? How do you expect it to impact your next steps?
Harvard Extension School was a turning point in my professional life, and I hope it will be the foundation for my transition from financial systems consulting into the world of international affairs and public policy. Through courses in global political economy, U.S. foreign policy, and international governance, I gained a deeper understanding of the forces shaping the world today.
More importantly, I developed the tools to analyze, challenge, and contribute to those dynamics.
Living in Boston and engaging with Harvard’s academic environment, especially its libraries, speaker series, and access to world-class research, deepened my learning in ways I hadn’t expected. The program gave me the space to grow both professionally and personally, sharpened my writing, refined my policy analysis, and connected me with a global network of peers and mentors who broadened my worldview.
As I move into the next phase of my career, I hope that it will lead me to opportunities with international organizations, think tanks, or policy institutions focused on global trade, financial governance, or economic development.
My time at HES furthered a curiosity I’ve long had about how global systems function and how they can be improved. I’m leaving with more than just credentials. I’m leaving with the confidence to contribute meaningfully, the analytical skills to back it up, and a deep appreciation for the value of truth.
Veritas is more than a motto; it’s a compass I’ll carry forward in everything I do.
What does earning a Harvard degree mean to you?
Earning a Harvard degree represents the successful balancing of a demanding graduate program with a full-time consulting career, and the discipline it took to sustain that over several years.
As an international student from Ireland, it also means earning a place in a global academic community where ideas, ambition, and impact matter.
This degree has sharpened my analytical and policy skills, expanded my understanding of international affairs, and given me the confidence to pursue a more global, public-facing career. The Harvard name carries weight, and rightly so; its prestige opens doors, commands respect, and signals a standard of excellence that is recognized worldwide.
Walking into Harvard Yard for Commencement with my cohort made the achievement feel tangible, as it wasn’t just symbolic; it was earned. More than anything, this degree will mark the beginning of a new chapter for me. It’s a foundation I plan to build on as I move into international policy, development, or global governance, bringing both practical experience and a Harvard education to the table.
Describe your Extension experience in one word.
Transformative.
