Fredrick Gaboton

Why FSU?

Florida State has been my dream school since high school. I've always had a passion for its image, values, and traditions.

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

The competition for international federal careers pushed me to further my education!

Importance and impact of research

It is evident that the world around us exhibits innumerable transnational policy issues that put trade, aid and development, peace, or security at stake, along with a landscape that is constantly changing. It is important and very fortunate that I had cultivated the skills that aligned with foreign policy during  my undergraduate education. The foundation of my bachelor’s degree is composed of social work, criminal justice, and economics. Additionally, a career in International Affairs demands at least one foreign language as a prerequisite. I could relate to this requirement, as the first eleven years of my life and education were developed in Haiti. French was spoken at home and at social events. Despite speaking French in the classroom, I was also taught on how to speak and write fluently in the Creole language. Therefore, I prioritize my past work, as it helped me become the prestigious candidate that I am today going forward into international relations careers.

Advice for prospective graduate students

My advice to anyone considering graduate school is that school life does not stop at bachelor degrees anymore. Workforces are becoming strict in hiring candidates and have upgraded their expectations as well. Therefore, it is beneficial for one to further their education as much as he or she can in order to be on the "safe side."

Accomplishments during graduate career

My faith is also important to me. I joined the Catholic Student Union here at FSU. And since my first day, I took multiple leadership roles within the organization, which helped me with academics and building an exemplary moral character of myself in real life.

Career aspirations

I grew an enormous interest in enforcing international laws, in international politics, and in analytical approaches for developing countries. Therefore, this focus is the reason why I have directed myself toward careers as either a foreign service officer or a diplomatic security officer. In the long run, my goal is to make progress within nonprofit groups or international companies so that I can attain high-ranking positions in international law, politics, and businesses.