Alumni Spotlight: Greenwald on Career at U.S. Treasury
Michael Greenwald (Pardee ’07) discussed his career in the United States Department of the Treasury with current students at the Fredrick S. Pardee School of Global Studies on April 22, 2016.
Greenwald credited his International Relations Master’s degree from BU, as instrumental in launching his career in public service. Greenwald now serves as the U.S. Treasury Attaché to Qatar and Kuwait, in which he serves as the Treasury Department’s diplomat to those countries.
In a wide-ranging lunch discussion, Greenwald talked passionately about his work at the Treasury Department and also gave advice to current students on how to get started in the International Relations field. For current students and recent graduates, Greenwald emphasized the importance of creating a narrative for yourself within your classroom and international community.
Greenwald has spent the past six years at the Treasury Department dedicating himself to tackling national security threats and protecting the U.S. financial system from the abuses of terrorist financing and money laundering. In his current post, Greenwald is leading the Treasury Department’s efforts in Qatar and Kuwait to ensure macroeconomic and financial stability and to combat illicit finance, including implementation of domestic and international sanctions programs.
Bryn Schweda (MAIA ’16) said Greenwald’s role with the Treasury Department provided an example of a career at the intersection of several different fields of International Relations.
“It was fascinating to hear how the role of Treasury Attaché combines foreign policy, political economy, and counter-terrorism financing,” Schweda said. “In particular I was surprised to learn how frequently he meets with both public and private sector officials in order to build relationships and achieve policy goals.”
Shanuki Tillekeratne (GDP ’17) said during his talk, Greenwald provided valuable insights on how to break into the field of International Relations.
“I really enjoyed hearing about Michael’s experiences working in the Middle East,” Tillekeratne said. “He is so accomplished and knowledgeable, and it is quite inspiring. He was also so personable, engaging and went out of his way to encourage and help us. I truly value the opportunity I had to meet and learn from Michael, and also to listen to his remarkable stories during his career.”