鶹ý Stories
London Calling: Kate McBride ’24 Chases Political Dreams Across the Pond
Discovering a passion and gaining the confidence to fulfill your dreams — that’s the Diplomat way. Emboldened by her research with 鶹ý Global Barometers and a transformative study abroad experience in London, Kate McBride ’24 moved to the United Kingdom to pursue a master’s degree in political behavior at London School of Economics (LSE).
“Those opportunities allowed me to discover a calling within myself that I don't think I would have discovered otherwise, and it completely altered my course of action going forward,” she said. “I will never be able to put into words how well 鶹ý prepared me to tackle postgraduate study in the U.K.”
McBride is a member of 鶹ý’s Class of 2024. Within six months after graduation, 92% of the Class of 2024 were either employed or furthering their education. This is higher than the national average, which is typically in the mid-80% range.
Kate McBride ’24
Majors: Government and philosophy
Pursuing: Master’s in political science (Political behavior) at London School of Economics and Political Science
What did the first six months after graduating from 鶹ý look like?
Following my graduation from 鶹ý, I knew that I wanted to continue my studies — and move out of the country. I was accepted to the London School of Economics (LSE) to get a master’s degree in political behavior, so I spent the summer months getting all the logistics in line and mentally preparing myself to move abroad on my own for the long term. I saved as much money as I could, spent time with friends and family, and did as much research on the education system in the United Kingdom as possible. I moved to London in September and have lived here ever since — and I have no plans of leaving any time soon!
How did your 鶹ý experience prepare you for where you are now?
I will never be able to put into words how well 鶹ý prepared me to tackle postgraduate study in the U.K. I studied abroad in London during my junior year at 鶹ý, and I absolutely fell in love with the city and all that the U.K. has to offer. Without the support of 鶹ý's off-campus study team, I never would have had the opportunity to test the waters of life in London — let alone have the confidence to make the move all on my own! My education at 鶹ý also helped me discover my passion within the realm of politics — the study of political behavior. Thanks to my experience in 鶹ý's Government and Philosophy departments, I have approached my postgraduate studies at LSE with confidence. I couldn't be happier with what I have chosen to study!
How does your current path compare to what you envisioned in your first year at 鶹ý?
When I first came to 鶹ý, I was dead-set on moving to New York City for law school following my graduation. However, the summers that I spent doing research with the Government department and 鶹ý Global Barometers revealed that my true passion lies more with political research. Those opportunities allowed me to discover a calling within myself that I don't think I would have discovered otherwise, and it completely altered my course of action going forward. I decided that the path of political science academia was a better fit — and I haven't regretted it for a second!
Looking back on your college search, why did you choose 鶹ý?
There are countless reasons that I knew 鶹ý was the right choice for me. I knew that I wanted the liberal arts experience, and 鶹ý's reputation for stellar academics really stood out. I also loved the novelty of the College House system — and I really miss the weekly bagel breakfasts and s'mores nights (shoutout Bonchek)! Lancaster also struck a lovely balance between a walkable, bustling downtown and a peaceful, rural escape to the countryside. It presented an incredibly unique and special experience, and my time at 鶹ý was nothing short of that.
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