This post was written by Alina Wall, M.A. in Global Affairs and Human Security student.
This semester, I had the incredible opportunity to visit the World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank in Washington, D.C., as part of a class delegation from The University of Baltimore organized by Dr. Jennica Larrison. For someone passionate about global affairs, human security, and the fight against corruption, going to the World Bank felt like stepping into the future I have been working toward.
The visit was not a tour. It was an informal meeting with a Q&A section designed to give us both an overview of the World Bank and insights into what the World Bank staff works toward. We engaged with professionals tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from poverty reduction to anti-corruption initiatives to infrastructure reform to addressing climate change. Hearing firsthand how these experts use strategic partnerships and policy to create real change deepened my understanding of how international development functions globally.
My career goal is to work in the field of anti-corruption policy research and institutional reform. I want to be part of the solution, building systems that serve people more fairly and effectively. The exposure to the World Bank’s work showed me what this can look like in practice.
The University's slogan, “Knowledge that Works,” came to life during this visit. My Global Affairs and Human Security coursework has given me the academic foundation to understand global issues and the theories that help drive change, but this experience connected that knowledge to action. It was a reminder that what we are learning is not intangible; it is preparation for meaningful work in the real world.
