Home―NEWS & PRESS―STUDENT STORIES―SAIS Came Top of the List

SAIS Came Top of the List

Full Name: Enrique Reyes Dominguez
Degree: Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR)

Current Campus: Washington, D.C.

Before joining the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), what were you doing?

I was working as a political advisor and union organizer for Service Employees International Union in Minnesota. There, I was able to work with a labor union that represents mainly low-wage workers, immigrants, refugees, and people of color.

What led you to Johns Hopkins SAIS?

Working with migrants, refugees, and other international organizations in the US made me realize that I wanted to pursue a career in international relations. The question was where to start. One day I decided to google best IR masters programs in the US, and SAIS came top of the list. Then, I attended the information sessions, and the rest is history. SAIS got my interest from the very beginning. I was accepted also into other IR masters programs, but SAIS dragged me. Its resources, its alumni network, its campus in Italy was among the reasons why I chose SAIS.

What has been your favorite experience at SAIS and why?

I have countless experiences that are among my favorites. However, I think my favorite experience was during the graduation cocktail. There was a mariachi band to celebrate one of my fellow Mexican friends who was graduating. I am normally proud of my country and my culture. But that day, my heart was feeling so proud to see people from all over the world enjoying a bit of my culture in an American university in Italy! What are the odds!

What do you plan on pursuing after graduation? or where do you see yourself 5-10 years after graduation?

I am planning to take the U.S. foreign service exam. I see myself in 5-10 years working in Latin America as a foreign service officer.

What is one piece of advice you would give to students in the process of choosing graduate schools?

Go where you feel at home. As a person of color, it was important for me to attend a graduate school where different perspectives and backgrounds were present. If you do not feel comfortable at a school, it reflects in your performance. So, trust your guts and go where you can see yourself as part of that community.

Whose support has made your journey at SAIS possible and why?

Definitely my friends. Grad school can be hard at times. SAIS is a highly rigorous program, and as such it demands a big effort. Sometimes, what you need is some good laughs with friends more than anything else.

Who have you learned the most from during your time at SAIS and what have you learned?

I’ve learned a lot from my professors and my classmates. I’ve learned to think critically and to explore areas that are not exactly in my scope of knowledge. For example, I’ve learned about other regions of the world that I did not know much about, or topics that were not in my area of expertise.

If you are looking to learn more about what it's like to be a current student at Johns Hopkins SAIS, we encourage you to schedule a virtual appointment with one of our Admissions Fellows.

Enjoyed reading Enrique's experience? Learn more about our Master of Arts in International Relations.

Back to Student Stories