3 Questions with Sarah Tralins, A14, Manager for Global Programs at U.S. Trade and Development Agency

Welcome to “3 Questions with …”, a new feature on the Career Center blog. We’re asking alumni of all graduation years and career interests to share a bit of their experiences and advice. 

Sarah Tralins, A14, Manager for Global Programs, Latin America and the Caribbean at the U.S. Trade and Development Agency

1. In just a few sentences, please tell us about your current job/graduate program/vocational endeavor.

I work for the US Trade and Development Agency – a small but mighty independent (not under the Department of State or Department of Commerce) federal (government) international development agency. We help other countries develop large-scale infrastructure projects, ranging from big renewable energy projects and modernizing rail and airports to supporting smart city solutions and healthcare infrastructure. I manage the Latin America and Caribbean portfolio for a program that helps other countries buy infrastructure in a smarter and more sustainable way.

2. How did your time at Tufts influence your career journey?

At Tufts, I learned that every impact makes a difference and that there are a lot of ways to do good in the world. My time at Tisch College as a Tisch Scholar helped me better understand how to be a better advocate and ally, as well as use my skills to help create solutions in the world. I walked away from Tufts feeling more confident that I could  merge my intersecting interests and be an active global citizen.

3. What advice would you offer to a student who wants to pursue a career path like yours?

Figure out what calls to you — what drives you to wake up and be excited for the day, and also on the opposite side of that — what kind of work would make you unhappy or dissatisfied. There are a lot of ways to go about figuring that out, and I think the beauty of life is that you can always learn more about yourself. I recommend internships/fellowships, coffee chats and networking sessions, and asking folks how they spend their workdays.

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By Susannah Krenn
Susannah Krenn Assistant Director, Communications & Marketing / Career Advisor