John Segebarth, Col ’27, Lexington, KY
Working as an administrative assistant for the Director of Genocide Prevention at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum was one of the most meaningful experiences of my academic and professional journey so far. This opportunity gave me a behind-the-scenes perspective on how institutions dedicated to history and memory also play an active role in shaping current policy conversations about human rights and the prevention of mass atrocities.
One of the highlights of my summer was supporting the planning & scheduling of high-level meetings with museum donors and NGO leaders. I was able to observe how the Director framed issues of genocide prevention in a way that was both historically grounded and responsive to current global crises. Watching those conversations unfold deepened my understanding of how policy work can bridge scholarship, advocacy, and government action.
A major project I contributed to was organizing and synthesizing materials for the Museum’s genocide prevention initiatives. This included preparing briefing documents, tracking legislative activity related to human rights, and helping manage communications between the Director’s office and external partners. These tasks sharpened my organizational and research skills while giving me a broader appreciation for the complexity of coordinating efforts across government, academia, and civil society.
Overall, my experience at the Holocaust Memorial Museum reaffirmed my interest in pursuing a career in international policy and human rights. The chance to contribute to work that honors the memory of the past while striving to prevent future atrocities was deeply rewarding. This internship not only strengthened my
confidence in professional environments but also underscored the importance of combining historical understanding with policy action. I came away with a stronger sense of direction and a commitment to continuing work that advances justice and human dignity on a global scale
This is part of a series of posts by recipients of the 2025 Career Services Summer Funding Grant. We’ve asked funding recipients to reflect on their summer experiences and talk about the industries in which they spent their summer. You can read the entire series here
