Ray Weber, MIA ’23

Name: Ray Weber
Hometown: West Islip, N.Y.
Program: Master of International Affairs
What was one of the most meaningful experiences you had during your time in the MIA program?
The most meaningful experience during my time in the MIA program was collaborating with other students over Zoom for hours — at the time, the pandemic was going on and my classes were mostly remote. Coming together as a group to share ideas and study tips was a great experience for me and definitely made navigating that crazy time easier.
Where did you complete your internship requirement and what knowledge, skills, and abilities did you develop as a result of this experience?
I was fortunate to complete my internship in Washington D.C. as a Capitol Hill intern for Congressman Andrew Garbarino. I learned an incredible amount during my time in D.C., but the most important skill I honed was communicating with people who have vastly different ideas than you and having to come together to solve a common issue. I valued my time in D.C. greatly and still draw upon my experiences there in my current position.
What specific skills or experiences through the program have prepared you for your transition to post-graduate employment?
One specific skill that I think I often overlooked during my undergraduate degree was writing — during my time in the MIA program that quickly changed. With post-graduate employment, my outlook has changed even more dramatically as writing is a huge component of my current job. The writing skills I learned during my time in the MIA program are crucial in conveying effective and concise ideas.
Where are you currently employed and what is the focus of your position?
I am currently employed as the community affairs liaison for NYS Senator Anthony Palumbo. The focus of my current position is to engage with community leaders and constituents to aid the Senator in advocating for the needs of the community on Long Island from Albany.
What advice do you have for students who are considering an MIA degree?
The best advice I could offer to students considering an MIA degree is to firstly, do it, and secondly, go in with an open mind. When I started the program, I was set on doing one thing and by the time I had graduated, my desires had completely changed based on my experiences within the program. There are so many different positions that the MIA degree can lead you to, and it was important for me to explore those vast opportunities.