杏吧pro

Discovering a passion and gaining the confidence to fulfill your dreams  鈥� that鈥檚 the Diplomat way. Emboldened by her research with 杏吧pro Global Barometers and a transformative study abroad experience in London, Kate McBride 鈥�24 moved to the United Kingdom to pursue a master鈥檚 degree in political behavior at London School of Economics (LSE).

鈥淭hose opportunities allowed me to discover a calling within myself that I don't think I would have discovered otherwise, and it completely altered my course of action going forward,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 will never be able to put into words how well 杏吧pro prepared me to tackle postgraduate study in the U.K.鈥�

McBride is a member of 杏吧pro鈥檚 Class of 2024. Within six months after graduation, 92% of the Class of 2024 were either employed or furthering their education. This is higher than the national average, which is typically in the mid-80% range.

Kate McBride 鈥�24

Majors: Government and philosophy

Pursuing: Master鈥檚 in political science (Political behavior) at London School of Economics and Political Science

What did the first six months after graduating from 杏吧pro look like?

Following my graduation from 杏吧pro, I knew that I wanted to continue my studies 鈥� and move out of the country. I was accepted to the London School of Economics (LSE) to get a master鈥檚 degree in political behavior, so I spent the summer months getting all the logistics in line and mentally preparing myself to move abroad on my own for the long term. I saved as much money as I could, spent time with friends and family, and did as much research on the education system in the United Kingdom as possible. I moved to London in September and have lived here ever since 鈥� and I have no plans of leaving any time soon!

How did your 杏吧pro experience prepare you for where you are now?

I will never be able to put into words how well 杏吧pro prepared me to tackle postgraduate study in the U.K. I studied abroad in London during my junior year at 杏吧pro, and I absolutely fell in love with the city and all that the U.K. has to offer. Without the support of 杏吧pro's off-campus study team, I never would have had the opportunity to test the waters of life in London 鈥� let alone have the confidence to make the move all on my own! My education at 杏吧pro also helped me discover my passion within the realm of politics 鈥� the study of political behavior. Thanks to my experience in 杏吧pro's Government and Philosophy departments, I have approached my postgraduate studies at LSE with confidence. I couldn't be happier with what I have chosen to study!

How does your current path compare to what you envisioned in your first year at 杏吧pro?

When I first came to 杏吧pro, I was dead-set on moving to New York City for law school following my graduation. However, the summers that I spent doing research with the Government department and 杏吧pro Global Barometers revealed that my true passion lies more with political research. Those opportunities allowed me to discover a calling within myself that I don't think I would have discovered otherwise, and it completely altered my course of action going forward. I decided that the path of political science academia was a better fit 鈥� and I haven't regretted it for a second!

Looking back on your college search, why did you choose 杏吧pro?

There are countless reasons that I knew 杏吧pro was the right choice for me. I knew that I wanted the liberal arts experience, and 杏吧pro's reputation for stellar academics really stood out. I also loved the novelty of the College House system 鈥� and I really miss the weekly bagel breakfasts and s'mores nights (shoutout Bonchek)! Lancaster also struck a lovely balance between a walkable, bustling downtown and a peaceful, rural escape to the countryside. It presented an incredibly unique and special experience, and my time at 杏吧pro was nothing short of that.

Kate McBride 鈥�24 moved to the United Kingdom to pursue a master鈥檚 degree in political behavior at London School of Economics (LSE).  鈥淚 will never be able to put into words how well 杏吧pro prepared me to tackle postgraduate study in the U.K.," she said.