Kelly Kim

Kelly Kim is a fourth year International Relations major specializing in International Security and Comparative International Governance. She is also serves as a peer advisor for the IR Program. Kelly spoke with us about her favorite courses, her past work experiences, and advice she would give to prospective IR students!

What are your favorite classes in the IR program?

My two favorites are INTNLREL 140C with Professor Patenaude which gives you a great historical overview of past genocides and humanitarian wars, as well as INTNLREL 173 with Professor Rakove which not only provides you with a careful analysis of modern presidencies, but also teaches you how to analyze political events from the perspective of a historian. 

Can you tell us a bit about your past internship and work experiences?

This summer, I interned at the Brookings Institution where I worked on issues relevant to election fraud and the rule of law under President Obama's former ethics advisor, Ambassador Norm Eisen. Although I focused more on domestic policy issues (specifically the January 6th hearings and the Georgia grand jury investigation), this internship was an eye-opening experience— one that taught me that IR/knowledge of foreign policy can form the basis for research across all policy fields. I also continued my work with the Global Digital Policy Incubator under Stanford’s Cyber Policy Center, where I conduct research on the intersection of AI governance and human rights. 

This upcoming academic year, I will be pursuing a master’s degree in Communication, Media Studies, while interning with the Bureau of Development, Democracy, and Innovation at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). 

What advice would you give to future IR students?

Don’t be afraid to expand and push the boundaries of IR! I love IR because of its flexibility- there are endless ways in which you can develop and apply your IR knowledge. There is no singular academic path that defines the IR experience at Stanford. Take advantage of that (and ask us questions!)