Seton Hall Grad as Director of Communications

From government and international affairs to global media, Courtney J. Boland, 17’, a Seton Hall School of Diplomacy graduate, has built a career by exploring different fields and turning each experience into an opportunity to learn.

Today, Boland serves as director of Communications, USA at The Economist, where she leads external communications across the United States and Canada. Her work involves collaborating with journalists, managing corporate communications and helping elevate and protect the 183-year-old global brand. Working with an international team across offices and time zones, Boland help ensure The Economist’s journalism and analysis stand out in the American media landscape.

Her career journey began early. After their freshman year at Seton Hall, she interned at the New Jersey State House, an experience that opened the door to opportunities at the British Consulate General in New York, USAID in Washington, D.C. and the Council on Foreign Relations. Each role helped her explore the intersection of government affairs, communications and media while gaining clarity about the career she wanted to pursue.

Looking back, Boland encourages current and future Diplos to take advantage of internships and remain open to trying new things.

“Try things out!” she advises. “Interning is so valuable because it gives you the opportunity to try on a career and ask yourself, ‘Is this for me?’”

She also emphasized the importance of building relationships along the way. Many of the mentors and colleagues she met through her internships remain part of her life today.

At Seton Hall, Father Brian Muzas left a lasting impression, particularly because of his wide range of expertise. “His wide range of expertise proved you don't have to be just one thing,” she said.

Boland credit Seton Hall with giving her the freedom to explore her interests and build an education around them. A semester spent in Washington, D.C., was particularly valuable and helped prepare her for their first job after graduation.

For current and prospective Diplos, her message is clear: explore, gain experience, build relationships and don't be afraid to try something new. Each opportunity can help reveal not only what you want to do, but also where you can go next.

Categories: Alumni, Nation and World