SAIS Was the Only School that Genuinely Felt Like Home
Full Name: Scott Bembenek
Degree: Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR) ’25
Current Campus: First year: SAIS Europe, Second year: D.C.
Scholarship: Paul Smyke Fellowship
Scott is a passionate advocate for global change, with a career rooted in public affairs and a drive to make a meaningful impact. His journey from Washington, D.C. to Johns Hopkins SAIS reflects his commitment to shaping a better world through international relations and the power of a strong, supportive community.
Before joining the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), what were you doing?
After graduating from the University of Wisconsin, I lived in Washington, D.C. for six years. I spent most of that time working with two different public affairs firms, where I had the opportunity to help clients advocate for policies in international trade, financial services, technology, election administration, healthcare, immigration, and just about any other issue area you could imagine. It was a constant learning experience, both because I was always getting up to speed on new policies which I wasn’t previously familiar with, and because it helped me realize I loved working on projects that could create real, tangible benefits for people in the U.S. and around the world.
What led you to Johns Hopkins SAIS?
The decision to apply to Johns Hopkins SAIS was influenced by my time in Washington. I moved to D.C. with the intention of eventually applying to graduate school. Through my work, I identified the types of projects I was passionate about, which led me to focus on international relations programs.
Being in D.C. also gave me insight into the strong reputation of SAIS and provided a firsthand look at how tight-knit the community of students, alumni, and faculty is. I’ll never forget attending a SAIS Europe alumni cocktail event the day after the admitted students' day and being amazed at how packed the room was and how close people still felt to the school long after they graduated.
What has been your favorite experience at SAIS and why?
The Vienna Ball stands out. It was the culmination of a week of traveling with close friends through the Czech Republic and Austria, and being at the ball was a type of experience I never had before.
However, some of my best memories are from the everyday routines—meeting other students at Giulio’s, wandering around Bologna, and exploring new places in Europe with my classmates.
Where do you see yourself 5-10 years after graduation?
It’s hard to say exactly what the future holds, but the most important lesson I’ve learned from my professional experiences is that you need to always be open to whatever may come your way. I know from past work that I want my future endeavors to be truly impactful. Meeting SAIS alumni both in Europe and D.C. has given me confidence that being part of this community will position me to achieve that goal.
What is one piece of advice you would give to students in the process of choosing graduate schools?
My advice is to follow your heart and trust your instincts. After applying to several programs, touring different schools, and consulting with friends, family, and mentors, I realized that SAIS was the only school that genuinely felt like home. It’s a decision I’ve never doubted since.
Whose support has made your journey at SAIS possible and why?
The support I’ve received throughout my SAIS journey has come from many people. My coworkers and mentors were instrumental in helping me decide on the best school for me. My friends back home in Wisconsin, here in D.C., and who I met in Bologna have been a constant source of support. Most important, though, has been my family. Nothing I’ve done – professionally, personally, or academically – would have happened without them being there for me every step of the way.
Who have you learned the most from during your time at SAIS and what have you learned?
I’ve learned the most from my fellow students. People here come from so many different places and have so many academic, professional, and personal backgrounds that I always feel like I’m learning something new.
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.
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