Carla Garcia

Describe your dissertation, thesis, or capstone (if you completed one):

My capstone project was a Risk and Resilience Assessment based on the World Bank template studying commercial agriculture in Brazil’s Amazon Rainforest. This RRA sought to understand the feasibility of sustainability while maintaining profitable agribusiness. This project aligned perfectly with my interests, bringing together climate/sustainability studies, politics, media, data analytics, globalization, and more.  

How did you choose your specific area of study?

I chose Global Affairs because I knew I wanted to improve my research and writing skills while expanding my overall knowledge of global studies. Coming out of my undergraduate studies with a business degree, I wanted to pursue a more interdisciplinary program to expand my skills. I was looking to focus my studies in specific areas of interest. This allowed me to better understand what path to take post-grad and develop the confidence I needed to succeed in my professional career.

How did your academic experiences in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences impact you?

The past two years within CHSS were monumental for me. I was able to explore new interests and develop my confidence in ways I never thought possible. My professors within the Global Affairs program were extremely supportive while challenging me to be my best. There were moments along the way when I greatly struggled with imposter syndrome, but with perseverance and support, I made it through a stronger and better future professional.

Of which accomplishment(s) during your time at Mason are you most proud?

I am most proud of being selected to be a Graduate Professional Assistant for the Graduate Academic Affairs team within CHSS. During my time in this position, I grew as a professional and expanded my skills in data analytics and business administration. It was an incredible opportunity to work in a real world setting while continuing to work through my degree.

I am also very proud of working through and completing my capstone project. The research process for this project was extensive and challenging so to be able to complete it and present it was a big moment for me. I found myself engulfed in the findings and eager to share them with anyone that would listen. In the end, this project proved that I accomplished my goals and gave me a large sense of accomplishment in terms of completing my first project of this scale.

Are there faculty or staff members who made a difference during your Mason career?

I would like to thank Professor Stephen Ruth for being such a kind and supportive professor. His dedication to his students was evident. He was the first professor I reached out to for career advice and was so helpful and encouraging. It is because of him that I felt more comfortable reaching out to others throughout the rest of my time at GMU.

I would also like to thank Stephanie Hinnenkamp, my supervisor and mentor during my final year at George Mason. She has been incredibly supportive and helpful in my development as a person and professional. She, and the rest of the Graduate Academic Affairs team has been monumental in helping me find my path. They made a huge impact on my time at George Mason and showed me just how much faculty and staff care about their students.

What advice would you give to an incoming cohort of graduate students?

Take this time while pursuing your graduate degree to challenge yourself to do things outside of your comfort zone. The university has so many helpful people and resources that are specifically there to aid in the professional development process. Take advantage of your resources. Taking action on your goals requires effort. Push yourself to make the effort to do hard things!

What are your current career plans following graduation? What are your long-term career goals?

I am starting my career at Grant Thornton as a Junior Statistician in the Fall of 2022. My goal is to expand on my skills and use my background in Global Affairs to specialize within my areas of interest.