Rachael Lammers

• School of International Affairs

• M.S. INTA 2007

Rachael Lammers is currently a partner at McChrystal Group, a global advisory services and leadership development firm that specializes in transforming stagnant and siloed organizations into cohesive, adaptable Teams of Teams. Previously, she worked as the director of FMS And Defense for the largest privately-owned business solutions and security services company in the world. Rachael also has experience in the public sector, specifically the United States Department of Defense where she worked as a strategic investment team lead.

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

When I applied to graduate school, I knew what I cared about, but I did not know how to do something about it. The Nunn School helped me turn my passion for fair trade and sustainable investment in global markets into a career. I now have seven years of experience in international trade. During this time I have supported trade missions, conducted industry and market analysis, advised businesses on export/import controls, and developed international networks allowing me to tap into interagency and private sector resources, which has resulted in successful private sector matchmaking in frontier markets. I may not be saving the world, but I am making a meaningful contribution, thanks to the Sam Nunn School.

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

Internships, internships, internships. There is no better way to augment your education than through relevant professional experience. All the more important for International Affairs students who often struggle to translate their education into a career path. Plus, employers don’t want to hire “students”, they want to hire professionals. Internships will help you stand out when you apply/interview for that first job after graduation.

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

Practical problem solving skills. People who know how to break down complex information into manageable pieces, cut through the bull, ask the right questions, and deliver doable solutions are the folks who add real value at the end of the day. No one likes fancy talking naval gazers. Knowing theory gets you nowhere, applying it effectively does.