Discovering a passion and gaining the confidence to fulfill your dreams  — that’s the Diplomat way. Emboldened by her research with F&M Global Barometers and a transformative study abroad experience in London, Kate McBride ’24 moved to the United Kingdom to pursue a master’s degree in political behavior at London School of Economics (LSE).

“Those opportunities allowed me to discover a calling within myself that I don't think I would have discovered otherwise, and it completely altered my course of action going forward,” she said. “I will never be able to put into words how well F&M prepared me to tackle postgraduate study in the U.K.”

McBride is a member of F&M’s Class of 2024. Within six months after graduation, 92% of the Class of 2024 were either employed or furthering their education. This is higher than the national average, which is typically in the mid-80% range.

Kate McBride ’24

Majors: Government and philosophy

Pursuing: Master’s in political science (Political behavior) at London School of Economics and Political Science

What did the first six months after graduating from F&M look like?

Following my graduation from F&M, I knew that I wanted to continue my studies — and move out of the country. I was accepted to the London School of Economics (LSE) to get a master’s degree in political behavior, so I spent the summer months getting all the logistics in line and mentally preparing myself to move abroad on my own for the long term. I saved as much money as I could, spent time with friends and family, and did as much research on the education system in the United Kingdom as possible. I moved to London in September and have lived here ever since — and I have no plans of leaving any time soon!

How did your F&M experience prepare you for where you are now?

I will never be able to put into words how well F&M prepared me to tackle postgraduate study in the U.K. I studied abroad in London during my junior year at F&M, and I absolutely fell in love with the city and all that the U.K. has to offer. Without the support of F&M's off-campus study team, I never would have had the opportunity to test the waters of life in London — let alone have the confidence to make the move all on my own! My education at F&M also helped me discover my passion within the realm of politics — the study of political behavior. Thanks to my experience in F&M's Government and Philosophy departments, I have approached my postgraduate studies at LSE with confidence. I couldn't be happier with what I have chosen to study!

How does your current path compare to what you envisioned in your first year at F&M?

When I first came to F&M, I was dead-set on moving to New York City for law school following my graduation. However, the summers that I spent doing research with the Government department and F&M Global Barometers revealed that my true passion lies more with political research. Those opportunities allowed me to discover a calling within myself that I don't think I would have discovered otherwise, and it completely altered my course of action going forward. I decided that the path of political science academia was a better fit — and I haven't regretted it for a second!

Looking back on your college search, why did you choose F&M?

There are countless reasons that I knew F&M was the right choice for me. I knew that I wanted the liberal arts experience, and F&M's reputation for stellar academics really stood out. I also loved the novelty of the College House system — and I really miss the weekly bagel breakfasts and s'mores nights (shoutout Bonchek)! Lancaster also struck a lovely balance between a walkable, bustling downtown and a peaceful, rural escape to the countryside. It presented an incredibly unique and special experience, and my time at F&M was nothing short of that.

Kate McBride ’24 moved to the United Kingdom to pursue a master’s degree in political behavior at London School of Economics (LSE).  “I will never be able to put into words how well F&M prepared me to tackle postgraduate study in the U.K.," she said.