Patrick Baker on global opportunities

Photo Credit: Patrick Baker
by Global Nebraska Thu, 03/04/2021 - 07:07

"I believe that taking part in international experiences and expanding your understanding of foreign cultures is vital in order to succeed in the increasing globalized world. Through global opportunities offered to me at Nebraska, I have developed a keen understanding and a passion for working and traveling internationally."

Meet Patrick, a junior political science and global studies double major with a minor in Arabic from Maryville, Missouri who has big plans for his future. Hoping to work for the legislative branch and international development, Patrick aims to work for the House Foreign Affairs Committee or the Senate Foreign Relations Committee after graduation.

Patrick is currently a Student Fellow at the Yeutter Institute for International Trade and Finance, which gave him the opportunity to research and write a briefing paper on Trade Promotion Authority. This policy is a tool utilized by the United States government to negotiate trade deals quickly and effectively. For his paper, Patrick interviewed former U.S. Chief Agriculture Negotiator Darci Vetter and discussed trade policy. 

"The Yeutter Institute has been instrumental in my intellectual and career development," said Patrick. "The opportunities I have received to interact with business, political, and government officials have broadened my understanding of how trade impacts Nebraska."

Beyond UNL, Patrick was also one of 10 students in the nation to be accepted into the 2019 Cargill Global Scholars Program — a two year cohort program and shcholarship that has given him the opportunity to network with global leaders in policy. As a Scholar, Patrick has connected with undergraduate students from Brazil, China, India, Russia and Indonesia for international summits, seminars with Cargill executives and mentoring.