Episode Description
In this episode, Amanda Wetzel ’02 Liberal Arts, shares her remarkable journey from studying political science at Penn State to practicing law across continents. Her diverse experiences—from research in Belfast to legal work in Paris—highlight the importance of international exposure, mentorship, and strategic career moves. Whether you're a student or a professional, Amanda's story offers valuable insights on seizing opportunities, building expertise, and giving back to your community.
Main Insights
- Amanda's thesis on women in Northern Ireland's peace negotiations sparked her international career and research approach.
- The ethnographic research she conducted abroad foreshadowed her legal career in human rights and international law.
- Her dual law degrees in the U. and France equipped her with unique legal perspectives, emphasizing the value of international education.
- The Mitchell Scholarship, a highly competitive program, played a pivotal role in her academic and professional development.
- Amanda advises students to consider studying abroad and starting early on applications like personal statements for competitive scholarships.
- Her practical legal experiences include internships in Bosnia, clerkships in Miami and the 11th Circuit, and practicing law in Paris, illustrating the importance of diverse clerkship options.
- Moving between countries and legal systems requires resilience, cultural adaptability, and strategic planning.
- Her transition back to the U. involved leveraging her international experience to excel in international trade law and litigation.
- Amanda underscores the significance of mentorship, proactive engagement, and networking in advancing legal careers.
- Outside work, she remains committed to community service, music, and maintaining connections to her roots in Philadelphia and Penn State.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction and Amanda Wetzel's background overview
02:10 - The influence of Amanda’s college thesis on her career
05:00 - Research methodology: Ethnography in Northern Ireland
07:30 - Balancing academic research with real-world impact
09:20 - The role of study abroad in shaping Amanda’s legal perspective
11:00 - Pathways in international law: LLM and joint degrees
13:00 - Securing prestigious scholarships: Mitchell Scholarship insights
15:00 - Legal internship experiences in Bosnia and their impact on her career
17:00 - Clerkship experiences: U.S. and international opportunities
19:00 - Practicing law in Paris and navigating cultural differences
21:00 - Transitioning back to the U.S.: Strategy and career development
23:00 - Developing expertise in international trade law
25:00 - The importance of mentorship and networking in legal careers
27:00 - Amanda’s community engagement and service outside of work
29:00 - Community, music, and maintaining work-life balance
31:00 - Advice for students interested in international careers and law
33:00 - The significance of proactive mentorship and alumni involvement
35:00 - Reflections on the value of early international exposure
37:00 - Amanda’s perspective on volunteerism and giving back
39:00 - Common questions from students about law school preparation
41:00 - Transformational moments and lessons learned during her career
43:00 - An example of international legal strategy influencing a notable case
45:00 - Mentorship approach: proactive engagement and relationship building
47:00 - Recognizing influential professors and supporters from Penn State
49:00 - Final advice: maximizing opportunities in international law
50:00 - Closing remarks and how to stay connected with Amanda Wetzel
Resources & Links
- Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney
- Mitchell Scholarship
- Columbia Law School
- QUB Human Rights Law Program
- The European Court of Human Rights
- Penn State College of Liberal Arts
- Amanda’s LinkedIn
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Credits & Notes:
This show is hosted and produced by Sean Goheen '11 Lib (Schreyer), '23g Bus. It was edited by Brady Sanders. The artwork was created by Isabella Gasparraj '28. The sound effect is “Chinese Gong,” accessed via SoundBible used under Creative Commons License.