Whitney Ryan
My name is Whitney Ryan and I’m from Washington, D.C. but growing up, my family moved around a lot so I got to live in Japan, Germany and the Middle East. I would describe myself as kind and passionate, and I love meeting new people from around the world and experiencing new things. I’m passionate about equality, social justice, sustainability, climate action and sports. While I’m not exactly sure what I want to do career-wise, I hope to work at the United Nations, helping to create real-world change from inside the system.
"I knew by completing this program I would have the tools to help develop a more just and equal world for everyone."
Pursuing a passion for making the world a better place
Before coming to IE University, Whitney was finishing up her bachelor’s degree in law in New York City. Thanks to her program and extracurriculars as a board member for her sorority, an internship at an immigration law firm and work with Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit working to provide affordable housing, Whitney discovered her love for politics and human rights.
Whitney took a gap year before coming to IE University for her Master in International Development. She knew she wanted to study for a master’s degree so she spent several months researching different programs, determined to find the right one for her. She had already visited Madrid and had fallen in love with the city, and it became clear to her that there was no better place than IE University to pursue her goals.
After conversations with IE University alumni and staff, where she heard how highly they spoke of the Master in International Development, Whitney decided that the program was unmatched. It had everything Whitney was looking for—from a diverse range of courses taught by a world-renowned faculty, to an international student body and stellar networking opportunities. She knew that the program would provide her with the necessary tools to help develop a more just and equal world for everyone.
However, what really drew Whitney to IE University was the sense of community. She hadn’t seen any other institution take such care over guiding their students’ careers, even after they graduate: “It’s not often you find a university that continues to care and help you professionally to the extent that IE University does before, during and after the program.”
It’s not often you find a university that continues to care and help you professionally to the extent that IE University does before, during and after the program.
Regarding Whitney’s choice to study the Master in International Development specifically, she loved that the program was developed in collaboration with the United Nations System Staff College and that it offered many networking opportunities with UN officials, as well as a one-week immersion trip to tour the headquarters. For someone with their sights set on a career at the UN, the choice to study our Master in International Development was obvious.
Looking back on her experience so far at IE University, Whitney describes it as “eye-opening and exciting.” Whether it be building a simulation refugee camp in the courtyard at María de Molina or attending class in the metaverse via VR headsets, every day is different and these unique experiences continue to feed Whitney’s passions for sustainability and global affairs.
Not only that but Whitney also highlights her cohort for making her experience so enjoyable. Whitney loves being surrounded by a network of people who share her passions and put their all into making sure the classroom isn’t just a learning environment, but also somewhere for students to make true connections and friendships.
To anyone considering the Master in International Development, Whitney tells them to “Just go for it! Experiences like this don’t come around often and you never know what is waiting for you on the other side unless you take the leap yourself!”
