Sesen Paulos

Where do you work? Describe your current job and how your role contributes to making an impact. 

I work at Catholic Relief Services (CRS), an international NGO working to provide humanitarian and development assistance to communities around the world. I manage two Talent Pipeline programs that recruit and train emerging talent in West and East Africa to address diversity gaps within CRS' workforce. Supporting CRS' goals of empowering local staff to lead programming in their own countries is very fulfilling for me as someone who strongly believes in local leadership initiatives.

Why did you choose NYU Wagner for graduate school?

I chose NYU as much as NYU chose me. After completing the Peace Corps, I was looking for a graduate program that would honor the value of my experience and what it would bring to the classroom. I also wanted to experience living and working in NYC, which is a hub for several international organizations. Once I was selected for the Coverdell Fellowship, the decision was quite easy!

What was your favorite class?

My favorite course was Politics of International Development, taught by John Gershman. I enjoyed that the class was largely guided by case studies and active discourse on complex issues. 

What skills did you develop at NYU Wagner that are most helpful to you in your current work?

At Wagner, I learned the value of leveraging your network. The alumni network at Wagner is so rich and largely committed to helping current students and alumni seize opportunities. Feeling embraced at Wagner helped me become more courageous in terms of reaching out to others for mentorship and guidance. 

How did your experiences at NYU Wagner prepare you for your career?

I prioritized gaining work experience alongside my academic pursuits while at Wagner, which was instrumental in landing a job after graduation. I appreciated that Wagner designed the program so that working professionals could still access learning and engagement opportunities, despite balancing other commitments.