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Ingrid Ryan ’24 came to Rollins with her sights set on becoming a psychology major and eventually a therapist, but taking classes in the humanities and social sciences through Rollins’ Foundations for the Liberal Arts (RFLA) curriculum changed her path completely, leading her to the prestigious London School of Economics, where she’s pursuing a master’s in conflict studies and comparative politics.

At Rollins, Ryan majored in English and minored in political science and plugged into every learning opportunity she could—from interning for the Tennessee Democratic Party and Women’s Republic magazine to studying abroad in Paris, which helped shape her focus on political behavior and democratic functioning and boosted her confidence in living and studying in a foreign country.

She also served on the Student Government Association (SGA) and was selected for a highly competitive program through the Leadership Alliance Summer Research Early Identification Program, which helped her hone research and writing skills at Columbia University under the guidance of political science professor Robert Shapiro.

Ryan credits her mentors—vice president for academic affairs and provost Don Davison, political science professor Dan Chong, and English professor Bill Boles—not just for guiding her through coursework but for helping her navigate career paths and nudging her beyond her comfort zone. For someone with a Type A personality, that push didn’t come easily, but learning to embrace it became one of the most transformative skills she gained at Rollins.

“One piece of advice that stuck with me was to always stay open to new experiences,” says Ryan. “Through my thesis in the honors program and work with Dr. Shapiro, I initially thought my focus would be squarely on U.S. politics. But in my final semester, I took a course on international politics that completely shifted my perspective—I discovered a passion for exploring the democratic dynamics of the E.U. That openness to unexpected inspiration is one of the most valuable lessons I learned at Rollins. If there’s something that you’re passionate about that you can see yourself pursuing, try not to ignore it.”

After grad school, Ryan aims to pursue research analyst positions at think tanks that study populism, authoritarianism, or the European Union as a system and roles that focus on democratic development in nonprofits or NGOs.

The Rollins Difference

“A huge skill I learned at Rollins was the impact of networking. The experts in the Center for Career & Life Planning, for example, told me that the worst thing someone can say is no, and I’ve really applied this to my life. Negative responses are not indicative of my value, but they will always improve my situation. The faculty and staff at Rollins focus on the development of each student, and this personalized focus really helped build my confidence and understand my value. The impact of a small school, forming deep connections with people, is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”

Inspiring Guides

“Professors at Rollins are invested in you. Taking Dr. Davison’s Issues in Public Policy and Economic Support course really opened my eyes to studying the inner workings of political behavior, the idea of public goods and polarization within the U.S. and beyond. I would go to him throughout my college career for his research expertise but also when I was applying for internships and different opportunities at Rollins.”

Paving a Path

“With the help of the Office of External Fellowships & Scholarships at Rollins, I was selected for a research program at Columbia University the summer after my sophomore year. I conducted research on public opinion with professor Robert Shapiro, and this experience sparked a connection that ultimately led me to my advisor at the London School of Economics whose expertise lies in the European Union. When I trace the evolution of my research focus—from U.S. politics to the democratic dynamics of the E.U.—it all stems from the meaningful connections I forged at Rollins.”

Real-World Insights

“Through Rollins’ Career Champions alumni mentorship program, I was paired with Julia Clancy ’15—a senior producer for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and former writer for CNN’s Inside Politics with John King. She became such a role model to me as a woman who was actively working in D.C. and navigating the political landscape. She also looked over my resume, cover letters, and worked on elevator pitches with me.”

The Power of the Liberal Arts

“At Rollins, I learned how to see important connections and am so thankful that I studied English literature. The experience not only improved my writing, but also helped me approach life and my work from an empathetic and compassionate perspective. My English major is different from what I’m doing now, but the skills I learned in communicating my thoughts have been invaluable. I’m receiving positive feedback from my grad school professors—I’m one of two or three people in my 80-person program who studied humanities; everyone else studied political science, international politics, or similar subjects. My unique perspective truly sets me apart, and I credit Rollins for encouraging me to embrace a broad liberal arts education. By exploring beyond American politics and statistical research, I cultivated a well-rounded approach that distinguishes me from my peers.”

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