Alumni Spotlight: Julia (Schuble) Raatz '06
Julie (Schuble) Raatz ’06 is a Foreign Affairs Officer with over ten years of experience working on international policy issues in three different Cabinet agencies. Currently, she serves as a Treaty Analyst in the Office of the Legal Adviser’s Office of Treaty Affairs with the U.S. Department of State, where she reviews international agreements covering portfolios such as nonproliferation and arms control, foreign assistance, and human rights. Prior to State, she worked at the Departments of Commerce and Agriculture on national security and agricultural capacity-building projects, respectively. Julie holds a Master of Public Policy degree from the University of Maryland with a specialization in International Security and Economic Policy and a B.S. in International Business from Fairfield University. She and her husband, Nicholas, live in the Washington, D.C. metro area.
What inspired you to pursue a career in international affairs?
I have always been fascinated by other cultures and languages. I also knew I wanted to give back and serve my community. As a public servant, I am able to give back to my country and interact with governments all over the world.
How do you think your time at Kellenberg Memorial helped to prepare you for your success in your academic and professional pursuits?
My strongest skills are writing and editing. Kellenberg helped me to hone these skills for my Master’s program and my career. After taking trimester and comprehensive exams, grad school and memo writing have been a breeze!
Do you have any advice for current students or young alumni who are interested in pursuing a career in international affairs?
Be flexible and open. Find opportunities to learn or work and apply to everything. You never know where opportunities can lead. I’ve gotten to where I am today by exploring different opportunities and not being afraid to make changes by trying new roles in different agencies.
Do you have any favorite teachers, coaches, or club moderators from your time at Kellenberg Memorial?
It’s so hard to choose. I’d say Brother David and Brother Nigel. I really enjoyed learning French from Brother David. I went on to pursue a minor in French in college and studied abroad at a business school in France. I even used my French skills when working at State Department’s Office of the Haiti Special Coordinator. Brother Nigel was my earth science teacher and sodality leader. He encouraged us to go to a gem show as freshmen, and I loved it so much I still go to them with my family to this day. There is not a member of my family who doesn’t know what malachite is. And a shoutout to Mr. Huggard for being so engaging!
