Multiculturalism & European Policymaking
Deniz Houston
Master of Arts in European Public Policy
Beyond the dozens of research papers and my professors’ mentorship, SAIS prepared me by introducing me to an incredible group of international-minded (and equally friendly and ambitious) classmates. I spent a lot of time debating with American and European friends from Poland, Italy, and the United Kingdom – I felt like SAIS was a great opportunity to practice collaborating and communicating with people from other countries the same way that I do now at the Delegation of the European Union to the United States. It also gave me ample opportunity to advocate for the importance of technology and digital policy to classmates who were more drawn to international economics, military affairs, and traditional foreign policy issues.
Master of Arts in European Public Policy
What encouraged you to apply to Johns Hopkins SAIS and what were you doing before you came here?
As a Turkish-American who was born in Germany, learning, and understanding Europe became an important part of finding my identity. I joined the U.S. Department of State right after college and then worked for the U.S. Department of Defense in international mergers & acquisitions. I very much enjoyed my work in international affairs, but it became evident that I would need a master’s degree in order to further elevate my career prospects. I applied to Johns Hopkins SAIS because of the unparalleled specialization of the Master of Arts in European Public Policy (MEPP), the opportunity to live in Italy for a year, and study at SAIS Europe in Bologna.I spent a lot of time debating with American and European friends from Poland, Italy, and the United Kingdom – I felt like SAIS was a great opportunity to practice collaborating and communicating with people from other countries the same way that I do now at the Delegation of the European Union to the United States.
What did you hope to gain from Johns Hopkins SAIS?
Beyond learning how to make pasta from scratch, I applied to the SAIS MEPP program in order to learn more about European Union policy priorities and its impact on transatlantic relations specifically in the digital space. During my time at SAIS, I wrote a paper in my history of economic European integration class which allowed me to do a comparative study of the digital development between EU Member States. This research paper introduced me to several different digital priorities for individual Member States and layered the foundation which helped me understand EU better as a whole. Looking back, I am certain that SAIS definitely expanded my academic, personal, and professional horizons, and the MEPP led me to my current position at the Delegation of the European Union to the United States.Tell us about one of your favorite experiences, classes, or memories at Johns Hopkins SAIS?
My favorite memory of living in Bologna was going to my favorite restaurant – Trattoria Pizzeria Bella Arti at least once a week after class. It became my favorite spot for pizza (and Aperol Spritz) along with of course Giulio’s Bar at SAIS Europe. After moving into my apartment, my classmate Megan and I went to a restaurant across the street where we became friends with our server Dennis because of how similar our names were. Moving to a new country can be scary, but somehow the trattoria’s entire staff always made it feel like home. It was like one of those authentic living abroad experiences you only see in movies or read about in books. It didn’t matter if I was coming after class with one friend or 20 (SAISers travel in masses), I would always see the same faces, exchange greetings in my broken Italian, and taste the most incredible Italian food.Did you have a job lined up for after Johns Hopkins SAIS? What kind of projects or assignments will you be working on at your new job? How have your studies prepared you to take on these challenges?
After SAIS, I joined the international government affairs team at Intel in Washington where I had the opportunity to contribute to the development of the company’s strategy to address the geopolitics of the semiconductor industry. Since then, I have transitioned to my new role as the digital policy advisor at the Delegation of the European Union to the United States. Each day, I get to work and learn more about a range of transatlantic tech issues including semiconductors, the EU-U.S. Trade and Technology Council (TTC), digital privacy and artificial intelligence.Beyond the dozens of research papers and my professors’ mentorship, SAIS prepared me by introducing me to an incredible group of international-minded (and equally friendly and ambitious) classmates. I spent a lot of time debating with American and European friends from Poland, Italy, and the United Kingdom – I felt like SAIS was a great opportunity to practice collaborating and communicating with people from other countries the same way that I do now at the Delegation of the European Union to the United States. It also gave me ample opportunity to advocate for the importance of technology and digital policy to classmates who were more drawn to international economics, military affairs, and traditional foreign policy issues.
As a recent Johns Hopkins SAIS graduate, what is some advice you’d give to future students?
Ask the hard questions. A lot of people reference the same books and get their news from similar sources, but my advice is to read between the lines, ask hard questions and become comfortable playing the (intellectual) devil’s advocate– not just to each other but also to your professors. Be bold, find your passion, and follow it. You won’t get in trouble for introducing a new or a different idea, you may even be remembered for it. And know that your life at SAIS will not end after you graduate. I am pleasantly surprised by how often I run into SAIS alums at government briefings, happy hours, and corporate roundtables!What career pathways do you see for yourself following your studies at Johns Hopkins SAIS? How has your experience here changed you and your views for the future?
I am lucky to do the exact type of work in digital policy that I dreamed about while at SAIS Europe, so for now I am happy to say that I am looking forward to becoming an expert in the field. My current role at the Delegation of the European Union to the United States in Washington gives me the opportunity to work with both American and European experts, contribute to the strengthening of the transatlantic relationship, and help shape the future of the digital landscape.What did you learn from the Johns Hopkins SAIS MEPP program and how has it shaped your career path?
As a policy advisor for the European Union, I can say that the MEPP program played a big part in shaping my career path. On my first day of class with Professor Mark Gilbert, he asked us to define the European Union. My MEPP cohort and I were all confident that we could all answer this question, but it was in this moment when we learned how much we don’t know. The MEPP program helped me understand the history of European integration and how the European project was a combination of economic agreements, strong leadership (and some stronger egos), which created the layers of economic and political governmental integration which led to the creation of the European Union. This knowledge helped me build a foundational framework to apply to new and emerging policy issues which I work on in my current role.Do you have anything to add about your experience at SAIS Europe?
I’d like to give a special thanks to all the alumni who took the time to tell me about their life after SAIS. Being in a one year program can be intimidating, there’s a lot of pressure to have everything figured out in half the amount of time. Thankfully I was able to connect with several people in my target industry – from recent graduates to director level alumni, everyone I met with gave me valuable information to help me make the choices which lead me to the Delegation of the European Union to the United States. Since returning to DC I have been lucky enough to continue working with SAIS alumni in my office and across different organizations who continue to be helpful and offer guidance in my new role. Its true what people say about the SAIS alumni, not only are we the best, but we are everywhere.Enjoyed reading Deniz's experience? Learn more about our Master of Arts in European Public Policy.