Alum Ali Mohamud: Working Towards a Diplomatic Dream

Institute of Global Studies alum Ali Mohamud (BA ‘23) has always been interested in diplomacy and international politics. After transfering to the University of Minnesota, he found the perfect academic environment to pursue these passions and develop a wide range of critical skills. Mohamud discusses how he became interested in global studies and shares his favorite class and future aspirations.

What brought you to the University of Minnesota and how did you end up studying what you did?

I came to the University of Minnesota as a transfer student from Normandale Community College. Growing up as a Somali Kenyan, issues concerning diplomacy and international relations have always been on my mind. I have always wanted to learn about issues such as global security, peacebuilding, and international mediation. I came to this school with the desire to learn about diplomacy and hopefully one day become a decision-maker in that area. Majoring in global studies was the obvious choice in order to achieve that dream. 

The major provided me an opportunity to learn more about global security, diplomacy, different government institutions, and how societies with different cultures function together as one global entity. Through the experiential learning experience that the major offers, I was able to intern and work with a non-governmental organization (NGO) working to end conflict through unarmed strategies. The NGO was called Nonviolent Peaceforce and I received world-class diplomacy experience right here in the Twin Cities.

What was a defining experience from your time as a CLA student?

I remember taking POL 4881W - International Law and Global Governance, which was my favorite class while I was in college. This course answered most of the questions that I had about international relations and covered topics such as the role power plays in international relations and how we can achieve justice in global politics. It also covered development in international politics and approaches made in security studies and international relations over the years. 

What are some ways your liberal arts education provided a foundation for what you do now?

My liberal arts education has provided me with skills such as critical thinking, innovation, creativity, teamwork, and leadership, which help me do my day-to-day work effectively. I currently work as an early career analyst for UnitedHealth Group, and [my education] has helped me succeed in my role. 

I look forward to getting more experience and honing my skills as I continue to learn more. I believe my liberal arts education will take me far and I hope to see myself working in diplomacy in the near future, making decisions that affect us positively all over the world.

If you could go back to your time in college, what advice would you give to yourself at that age?

I would advise my younger self to explore more, to be more curious—isn't that what college is all about, for us to learn and discover more about ourselves?

This story was edited by Max Pritchard, an undergraduate student in CLA.