Read about this month’s International Studies Alumni Spotlight. Alumni were asked to share how their International Studies major or minor has influenced their path after graduating from the University of Michigan.
January 2025 – Natalie Ricklefs
BA International Studies (Political Economy and Development) ‘18
Hometowns: Seattle, WA
University of Michigan Affiliations: optimize, Dance Marathon, Peace Volunteering, Kappa Alpha Theta
“As an International Studies major focusing on Political Economy and Development, I gained a deep understanding of how political and economic systems intersect and impact communities worldwide. This foundation guided me to a career in GovTech, where I worked for a startup in Belgium collaborating with governments across eight countries. In my marketing role, I helped promote a community engagement platform designed to improve how governments connect with their citizens and gather actionable feedback. My International Studies major not only solidified my passion for working with global organizations but also equipped me with the knowledge and perspective to help political systems operate more effectively in diverse contexts.”
