Scott Wingo graduated with his M.A. in Asian Studies in 2014 with a geographic focus on China. He currently studies at the University of Pennsylvania and is pursuing his Ph.D. in Political Science. When asked why he chose to study for a Ph.D., Scott says he wanted to advance his research career “and contribute to something broader.” Scott believes that “a Ph.D. can provide a natural platform to create a research program and become part of an important societal debate and a source of information for policymakers.”

In addition to advancing his Mandarin Chinese language skills at Georgetown, Scott cites the MASIA program’s “propensity to expose you to the ‘real world’ of government and diplomacy” among the factors that helped him embed into the new academic environment at the University of Pennsylvania. “At the doctoral level, broad social science theories tend to be emphasized more, but genuinely understanding important cases and speaking two or more languages will give you a leg up in the academic world,” he says.

Scott advises prospective Ph.D. candidates to begin researching the admissions process early and learn “the ins and outs of a doctoral student’s life. Read top journals in your discipline to get a sense of what it’s all about, and tailor your all-important personal statement accordingly.” Scott adds, “be sure to check out programs that fit your issue focus, and especially those with faculty with whom you would like to work.”