Robert (Bo) Carlson graduated from Duke in 2020 with a B.S. in Economics and a B.A. in Political Science. He graduated from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies with an MA in International Relations in 2024. He will be starting law school at Yale Law this fall, and will graduate in May 2029. He is currently a research fellow at Global Americans, a foreign policy think tank focused on Latin America. He was a Graduate Fellow at McLarty Associates, a political risk consulting firm. He was the AGS Program Coordinator in 2020.
What was the extent of your involvement with the Duke Program in American Grand Strategy as a student?
I was a member of the AGS undergrad council and led one of the Gettysburg Staff Rides, as well as the 2019 International Staff Ride to Morocco (Operation Torch). I also participated in the 2018 Belgium/France International Staff Ride (WWI).
How has AGS helped you in your professional life since graduating?
AGS gave me an excellent network that I’ve been able to leverage when I was looking for jobs. AGS faculty have frequently helped advise me on my career and grad school plans. My experience on staff rides also ended up being relevant since I got the chance to participate in a Cold War staff ride to Berlin and Prague during my MA program at Johns Hopkins SAIS.
What was the most memorable part of your AGS experience?
My most memorable and favorite experience was participating in the Morocco international staff ride and bonding with other students on the trip.
What is something you wish you had known when you were an undergrad participating in AGS?
I wish I’d realized earlier how many opportunities for leadership there are in AGS. You don’t always need a formal title to lead. If you have an interesting idea for a guest speaker or activity, then pitch it to the student leadership, staff, or faculty and see if you can take charge.
What advice would you give to AGS students interested in working in the policy world?
It’s not an all-or-nothing choice between a career in the private sector and a career in public service. We’re going through a period right now where it is very difficult to work in foreign policy given cuts to federal jobs and nonprofit grants. These challenges are likely to persist beyond the current administration. It’s ok if you decide to take a nontraditional route, such as working in consulting, finance, or obtaining a law degree, and then return to public service when the time is right. You’ll ultimately be a better advocate, diplomat, or policymaker if you can find job security and build a financial foundation early on. No matter what path you choose, make sure to speak to as many alumni as possible to see what’s out there.
Interview by Garrett Simons