Expert on Call: Alum Daniel Gonzalez Offers Key Career Insights to Pardee Students
In the latest Expert on Call session, alum Daniel Gonzalez (BA ‘19) shared his unique career journey and industry expertise with a small group of students in an intimate, interactive setting. These conversations are part of a broader initiative by Pardee Career Services to create a platform for networking conversations that help students explore career paths, connect with alumni, and strengthen their professional identity.
Daniel unpacked his unexpected career path – from interning at the State Department and aspiring to join the Foreign Service to launching his career in consulting at Deloitte, and now working at BlackBird.AI, a startup focused on narrative intelligence. His current role sits at the intersection of strategic communication, cybersecurity, and emerging information threats, providing students a glimpse into an evolving field where global awareness, communication skills, and interdisciplinary thinking are in high demand.
Students came prepared with thoughtful questions about translating their academic background into real-world value, breaking into competitive industries like consulting, and building in-demand skills. When asked by Charlotte Cheung (BA ‘27) how to create value from a Pardee degree, Daniel emphasized the importance of internships in shaping his career:
“Social science students don’t think about internships enough. I sought them at every opportunity—it was a process of elimination.”
Another student Matt Hurley (MA ‘25) asked Daniel about his experience transitioning from a large firm to a startup, and Daniel reflected on both experiences. At Deloitte, he described a culture of continuous networking and training. “You’re immediately networking and looking for your next project. It’s what you make of it.” While at BlackBird.AI, he found greater flexibility and ownership. “At a startup, there’s trust and freedom. Your impact is visible. I built a solution that was implemented within 3 weeks—and it’s still in use today,” he said.
The conversation also touched on communication as a career differentiator. Charlotte raised a common concern—how can writing stand out when “everyone can write”? Daniel responded candidly: “You’d be shocked at how rare good writing is. It becomes a differentiator, especially when combined with public speaking.”
He introduced the concept of intelligence writing, common in his line of work. “Bottom line up front. Be concise, objective, and inform decisions quickly. That’s what matters in most roles.”
Daniel also spoke about the value of communication tools in the consulting world, particularly PowerPoint as a storytelling device. “Slides are communication. Use visuals and concise text. Ask yourself – ‘Can this stand on its own without explanation?’”
In terms of technical skills, he shared that while certifications aren’t always necessary, basic familiarity with tools like Boolean search queries, SQL, and even some Python were helpful in his data-rich work environments. These skills, paired with strong communication, have enabled him to thrive in both large institutions and nimble startups.
Students left the conversation with actionable insights, clearer direction, and increased confidence in how their International Relations training can translate across industries. Daniel’s story exemplified how careers can evolve, and how skills in global affairs, communication, and problem-solving can open doors in both the public and private sectors.
This Expert on Call session emphasized the value of alumni engagement in helping students navigate the early stages of their careers. By hosting such high-impact events, Pardee Career Services continues to bridge academic learning with real-world insight and opportunity.