Although Brittany Beyer ’15 is a Long Island native, she has more than just a New York state of mind. Studying in Paris one summer during high school, has ignited Beyer’s desire to return to Europe. Since then she has studied in London and done extensive traveling. Beyer might return again in the summer, after she graduates from Syracuse University with bachelor’s degrees in international relations and history. (Her minor is in political science.) We recently caught up with Beyer, also a University Scholar nominee, to find out how her liberal arts training is preparing her for the global marketplace. 

What do you like most about Syracuse University?

The endless opportunities to explore subjects outside of my academic discipline. As a student in The Renée Crown University Honors Program [an all-University program administered by the College of Arts and Sciences], I’ve been able to take classes that have enriched my education in ways not previously imagined. Of course, not all of the classes I’ve taken are directly related to my majors, but they’ve helped me cultivate new interests that have broadened my intellectual horizons.

Most of your coursework is offered through Arts and Sciences and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. What do you think of your professors?

The faculty is incredible. My professors have been so supportive of my academic endeavors and goals. They’ve continually pushed me and challenged me to produce the best work possible, while providing me with tremendous guidance. In the process, I’ve built great relationships with some of them—something that I hope persists after graduation.

Which ones stand out for you?  

Professor Osamah Khalil [history], A&S Dean Emerita Cathryn Newton [interdisciplinary sciences and Earth sciences], Professor Susan Wadley [anthropology and South Asian studies], Professor Azra Hromadzic [anthropology], and Maxwell Dean James Steinberg [international affairs and law] are some of my mentors. They’re providing me with invaluable assistance, as I take the next steps in my career.

What do you do outside of class?

I’m editor-in-chief of Chronos, Syracuse’s undergraduate history journal; vice chair of the College Republicans; founder and editor of The New Stand, a student-run news and discussion website; and a member of Sex-Esteem, a peer sexuality program in the Office of Health Promotion [a unit within the Division of Student Affairs]. I’ve also been inducted into Sigma Iota Rho, a national honor society for international relations; and Phi Alpha Theta, the national history honor society. 

What’s been your proudest moment at Syracuse?

Over the past four years, I’ve been selected as a Coronat Scholar and a Remembrance Scholar, as well as nominated as a University Scholar [Syracuse’s highest undergraduate honor]. Being named a Coronat Scholar was the catalyst that brought me here. But serving as a Remembrance Scholar—in which I’ve been entrusted with the legacy of Mark Lawrence Tobin and with educating students about the disaster of Pan Am Flight 103—has been one of the most meaningful and humbling experiences of my college career. 

I’m also proud of my initiatives to promote intellectual diversity on campus, which, in turn, has prompted an open dialogue about a variety of other issues. A big part of becoming a leader and an informed, responsible citizen is respecting different viewpoints.

What do you plan to do after graduation?

Next fall, I want to attend law school, where I hope to study international corporate law. Perhaps this will lead to a job with an internationally focused law firm or a multinational corporation. I would really love to live abroad, and I am hopeful that this career path can help me attain that.