Olivia Lamb graduated with an M.A. in Asian Studies in 2016. While at Georgetown, she focused her research on China and international political economy, earning a certificate in International Business Diplomacy. Before joining MASIA, she attended Ohio State University and earned her B.S. in Business Administration. Currently, Olivia works at the Carnegie-Tsinghua Center in Beijing.
1. What led to your interests in Asian studies?
China has a rich and complex history that spans over five millennia. As much as it has fascinated me, I wanted to know more about how the past shapes China’s current situation. The Asian Studies Program offered me this opportunity.
2. How did the Asian Studies Program at Georgetown University prepare you for the challenges and opportunities you face today?
The Asian Studies program gave me the opportunity to interact with students from a variety of backgrounds and interests. It also helped me build a network that I still rely on, even though I am half way around the world. Additionally, it gave me a solid theoretic and intellectual foundation to process the various events that I am observing and experiencing while working in a foreign policy think tank.
3. What specific skills and knowledge did you gain from Asian Studies courses at Georgetown?
I gained project management skills during my time with the Asian Studies Program. Furthermore, I learned about international relations theory its applications in Asia as well as a more nuanced understanding of China’s 19th and 20th-century development.
4. What advice would you give to prospective/current students in the Asian Studies Program?
As much as you build your knowledge base, also build your network.