Ted Danowitz

• School of International Affairs

• B.S. IAML 2010

Ted Danowitz, an International Affairs and Modern Languages graduate is a foreign service officer with the U.S. Department of State. After a two-year posting at the U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou, China, Ted relocated as an environment, science, technology, and health (ESTH) Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Oslo, Norway. He currently serves as a political & economic officer at the U.S. Embassy in Auckland, New Zealand. Ted’s job as an ESTH officer embodies the philosophy of the Sam Nunn School, as he will work to further U.S. Foreign Policy as it relates to new and emerging technologies with NATO Allies.

How did Tech and the Nunn School help you get where you are?

The Sam Nunn School provided a greater understanding of world politics. Through the Nunn School and other International Affairs related organizations, like the GT Model United Nations Conference, I was able to gain a better understanding of geopolitical history and the growing role that science plays in shaping international relations.

Through involvement with campus organizations, such as Georgia Tech Model United Nations, Campus Tour Guides, and Ivan Allen College Student Advisory Board I gained valuable leadership experience which provided me with opportunities and experience in working with others both inside and outside of my organization.

I participated in several study abroad programs and internships in China, and saw firsthand the enactment of US-Sino policies taught in class—all while gaining proficiency in Chinese. This foundation enabled me to work more effectively as a U.S. diplomat in China.

What advice you would give current students at Tech as well as the Sam Nunn School specifically?

Get involved on campus-- both in academic and interest/hobby based organizations. Developing your leadership and interpersonal skills is equally as important as maintaining high academic standards. The rest of your life will involve working with people, and learning how to do that in the safety of mentoring staff is critical to avoid mistakes in a professional setting. 

What is something that you got from studying International Affairs and Modern Languages at Tech?

Wonderful mentors, whose wisdom I sought during and after college. The International Affairs professors and staff care about the development of their students, and were always willing to accept a visit from me when seeking academic or career advice. Many are experts in their respective fields, and their excitement to share their knowledge is contagious.