Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Lafayette Degree & Major(s): Bachelor of Arts, Government & Law and International Affairs; Mathematics minor
Graduate Degree: Ph.D., Political Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Location: Denver, CO
Title: Political Scientist
Employer: RAND Corporation
Describe what your employer/organization does: RAND conducts objective and rigorous research and develops actionable insights to advance policy and decision making.
Please provide a brief overview of your role: I conduct national and international security research for a wide-range of sponsors primarily within the Department of Defense.
What gets you excited to go to work each day? I love the opportunity for continued learning that my job affords and the ability to contribute to conversations surrounding wicked political and national security problems.
What keeps you up at night as you think about the opportunities (or challenges) related to your work? I am mindful of the evolving political environment and the possible impact it may have on my work. I want to be confident that I can continue to act in accordance with my values and professional ethics.
What key strengths are necessary to be successful in entering this career field? My position demands a high level of self‑motivation, attention to detail, critical thinking, creative problem‑solving, and the ability to communicate effectively with both expert and non‑expert audiences.
Is education beyond a Lafayette degree required to pursue this path? It is possible to begin work at RAND as a Research Assistant (straight out of undergrad). This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in exploring the possibility of attending graduate school while gaining insights into the profession and tangible real-world experience. In order to be hired at or promoted to my level, a Ph.D. is required.
How did your Lafayette experience equip you for success in your career field, especially as an early career professional? Lafayette provided me with the opportunity to conduct research as an undergraduate student, and this motivated me to apply to graduate school and, later, to become a professor and, now, a researcher.
What specific experiences during your time at Lafayette made the greatest impact on your professional path? The Excel Scholars Program and writing an undergraduate thesis made the greatest impact.
As it relates to career exploration and development, what is one thing that you know now that you wish you could go back in time and tell your student self? You don’t need to have every detail settled at graduation. Take time to gather information and make informed decisions, but remain open to adjusting your path as your interests and circumstances evolve.
What advice do you have for students interested in pursuing your career field? Take advantage of the Excel Scholars program to get “hands on” experience!
What strategies, tools, or other efforts do you utilize to find “balance” or reduce your career-related stress? Exercise (I ran on the track team at Lafayette and have both stayed connected to the sport and to the friends I made on the team!) and time with friends and family (including my husband, who also ran track at Lafayette, and daughter).
How do you enjoy spending your free time when not at work? I live in Colorado and love the access that I have to all kinds of outdoor activities! I especially love skiing, hiking, and running. These days, though, my toddler keeps me VERY busy!
What was your favorite spot on Lafayette’s campus when you were a student? I loved the Kirby Library and worked in there as much as possible! My favorite Lafayette track tradition is singing “Come On, Eileen!” with friends from the track team. We continue to regularly do this when we get together and especially at weddings, where whoever is getting married gets thrown up in the air for the entirety of the song!
Would you like to connect with Kelly to learn more about her career path?
Dr. Piazza is happy to connect with students via email or LinkedIn. If you’d like to connect with Kelly by email, please contact your Gateway Career Counselor for details.
