Episode notes
What does a Department of Defense (DoD) analyst actually do, and how do you build a successful career in foreign service and international security? In this episode, student co-hosts Lucy and Ceres interview Dr. Renanah Miles Joyce, Assistant Professor of Security Studies at Georgetown University, MIT research affiliate, and former Department of Defense analyst.
Whether you're a high school or college student aspiring to enter international relations, defense policy, or diplomacy, this episode breaks down real-world intelligence analysis, civil-military relations, and actionable career advice for breaking into foreign service.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Inside the Department of Defense: What a foreign policy and defense analyst does day-to-day.
- Transitioning Policy to Academia: The shift from government policy work to pursuing a PhD at Columbia University.
- Core IR Superpowers: Essential skills students must build to thrive in international relations.
- Security Assistance & Defense Grants: What "security assistance" means in modern U.S. foreign policy and why it matters.
- Foreign Service Career Advice: The single best first step students can take today to launch a career in global security.
Featured Guest:
- Dr. Renanah Miles Joyce — Assistant Professor of Security Studies at the Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University; Research Affiliate at the MIT Security Studies Program; Former Department of Defense Analyst.
About the Podcast:
Hosted by Mr. Jason alongside student co-hosts Lucy and Ceres, this podcast demystifies global affairs, foreign service, media literacy, and defense policy for the next generation of global leaders.
Subscribe & Leave a Review: Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to follow us on Spotify, rate the show 5 stars, and share this episode with anyone interested in foreign policy!