Education:
London School of Economics (MSc., Comparative Political Economy, 2020)
Monmouth University (B.A., Political Science – Concentration in IR, 2019)
Current Position:
Consultant at FTI Consulting in NYC
FTI specializes in corporate finance and restructuring, economic consulting, forensic and litigation consulting, strategic communications and technology. James works in the strategic communications segment as part of the financial communications team. FTI Consulting’s strategic communication services leverages industry expertise and interdisciplinary experience, as well as proprietary research, data insights, and a broad network of professional relationships with key influencers. FTI Consulting’s strategic communications goal is to help clarify positions, engage stakeholders, and ensure that the right message reaches the right audience at the right time.
Q&A With James
Looking back, what Political Science Department activities outside the classroom had the biggest impact on you and your future career success?
“Contingent upon what area I evaluate professionally, I could answer this question in numerous ways. Debate cultivated my ability to effectively condense intricate arguments into verifiable proof points. Model UN opened my eyes to methods of interpersonal/intercultural communications and to the necessary decorum that often facilitates feelings of shared reciprocity and trust amongst various stakeholders. Submitting budgets, with line-item justifications, on behalf of the Political Science Club provided formative experience in skills that directly translate to client and business proposals. A common thread that unites all of my Poli Sci Department experiences was a love for “my team” (now coworkers) that has followed me during my career.”
What advice would you offer current Political Science Majors?
“Measure your own effort by setting out to accomplish something of incremental value each day. With regards to what you value, it is entirely feasible to accomplish something each day. In your own unique fashion, always find ways to measure your successes as contingent upon your value to an organization or cause. With every experience, ask yourself, “in my absence will my presence/contributions be missed by those around me?”. If you are effective in all things aforementioned you will thrive in any healthy environment. Last but not least, never shy away from calculated risk, as we lose more from inaction/indecision at a young age than we do failure.”
James’ Monmouth Undergraduate Activities & Accomplishments in the Political Science Department
- Captain, Monmouth Debate Hawks
- Executive Board, Monmouth Model UN
- President, Political Science Club
- Senator & Student Affairs Chair, Student Government Association
- International Coursework & Research (Argentina & Guatemala)
- Internships with Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04), Fidelity Investments, Citigroup
James is happy to connect with current Monmouth PS Majors and offer advice on next steps.
Contact him at: jayhwk27@gmail.com