Kurt Engelhardt (MPIA '26) knew what he wanted from graduate school. A Pittsburgh native who completed his undergraduate degree at Pitt before enrolling in SPIA's Master of Public and International Affairs program, he came with a clear goal: develop the skills and experiences that would prepare him for the career he wanted.
"I knew I wanted to build a career in public service," he said. "Graduate school provided an opportunity to deepen my understanding of complex policy issues, strengthen my analytical and research skills, and gain experience that would help prepare me for that path."
By the time he entered his second year at SPIA, Engelhardt had the credentials. He was deep in his security and intelligence studies coursework with minors in international political economy and policy research and analysis, had contributed to cybersecurity and AI research at the Matthew B. Ridgway Center for International Security Studies, participated in the Hesselbein Leadership Forum, and interned with the U.S. Government Accountability Office's Homeland Security and Justice team. What he was still working out was how to translate these experiences into a career.
That's where SPIA's Student-Alumni Mentorship Program came in.
"When I heard about the mentorship program it seemed like a great opportunity to build a relationship with a SPIA alumnus who had already navigated many of the professional decisions I would soon be facing," Engelhardt said.
That alumnus turned out to be Robert Brewer (MPPM '11), a recently retired U.S. Army Eurasian Foreign Area Officer with more than 26 years of service in Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East, and at the Pentagon. For Brewer, SPIA had offered something he couldn't find elsewhere — a program that paired rigorous policy analysis with practical application, and a graduate certificate in Russian studies that directly supported his work as a Eurasian Foreign Area Officer. Today Brewer serves as a lecturer at Defense Security Cooperation University, helping prepare military officers and civilians for security cooperation assignments around the world, and says his experience learning from mentors throughout his career had the biggest impact in his desire to participate in SPIA’s program.
"Whether in the military, graduate school, or professional life, mentors helped me navigate important decisions, identify opportunities, and think through challenges," Brewer said. "Participating in the program felt like a meaningful way to support the next generation of public service professionals while staying connected to the SPIA community."
The two were paired based on aligned academic and career interests, both drawn to the intersection of national security, international affairs, and public policy, and recall that they clicked immediately.
"From our first conversation, it was clear that he was highly motivated, intellectually curious, and deeply committed to public service," Brewer said. "He came to every discussion well prepared and asked thoughtful questions about careers and professional growth. That level of engagement made the mentorship relationship rewarding from the start."
Over the course of the academic year, the pair connected through emails, messages, and occasional phone calls. They also met in person during SPIA's annual Washington, D.C. Career Trip in the spring, a moment Engelhardt said made the relationship feel more grounded. Their conversations ranged widely: career exploration, how to build authentic professional networks, the realities of nonlinear career paths, and how to translate academic experience into professional opportunity. Brewer was direct about what he brought to those discussions and what he didn't.
"My goal was never to tell a student what career path to pursue," he said. "I hoped to serve as a sounding board — someone who could help a student better understand the range of opportunities available to them and provide practical advice on networking, professional development, and career planning."
That approach suited Engelhardt well. He appreciated the program's flexibility — the ability to set the agenda, reach out when he needed feedback on a job application or resume, and engage at a pace that worked for both of them. As graduation approached and the job search intensified, those conversations became especially valuable.
"Public service careers can be challenging to break into, particularly in the current environment, and Rob helped me think through different ways to approach that transition,” Engelhardt said. “From networking strategies to alternative career paths that can lead back into government service, he offered practical advice that helped me navigate an uncertain stage of my career with greater confidence."
The relationship made a real difference for Engelhardt as he prepared for life after graduation, but Brewer is the first to admit how much he got from the mentorship experience as well.
"Mentorship is often viewed as a one-way relationship, but I found it to be mutually beneficial," Brewer said. "Kurt's enthusiasm, fresh perspectives, and thoughtful questions encouraged me to reflect on my own career journey and the lessons I had learned along the way. It was a reminder that mentorship is as much about listening and learning as it is about advising. By the end of the program, I felt I had gained not only the satisfaction of helping a student navigate an important stage of life, but also a valuable professional connection of my own."
Both shared their gratitude for the experience and encouraged students and alumni who may be hesitant to participate in the program themselves.
"It doesn't have to be a high-stakes or high-commitment relationship," Engelhardt said. "At its core, it's an opportunity to connect with someone who has been in your shoes, understands the challenges you're facing, and genuinely wants to help. Even a few conversations can provide valuable perspective and guidance."
"As a mentor, you do not need to have all the answers," Brewer shared. "The most effective mentors are often those who are willing to share their experiences honestly, listen carefully, and help students think through opportunities and challenges. Advice that may seem routine to an experienced professional can make a meaningful difference for a student who is trying to chart their future."
As for what comes next, the mentorship program may be over, but the relationship isn't.
"While the formal program may be over, I look forward to remaining in contact with Kurt and following his professional journey throughout his career," Brewer said. "Building those lasting connections is one of the most rewarding aspects of the experience."
Interested in connecting with SPIA alumni through the mentorship program? Learn more about the career and professional development resources available to SPIA students.