Andrea Kirshenbaum, B.A. 1996
Chair, Employment & Labor Practice Group, Post & Schell, P.C. – Philadelphia, PA
1996 Major: History; minors in Political Science and Women's Studies
How has being a History graduate from Duke helped shape you personally and/or professionally?
"Majoring in history taught me how to critically evaluate information and then turn that information into a persuasive narrative. I did a thesis on the Wilmington, North Carolina Race Riot of 1898 and the ways in which race and gender were used to incite the violence. I now practice employment discrimination law where I used what I learned every day- to analyze evidence, determine case strategy and to advocate for my clients both in writing and orally."
What advice would you give students in Duke's History programs?
"Choose the classes that you are most interested in (even if they have a heavier workload). Professor Durden's 2 seminars created the foundation for what became my thesis topic. The classes were very challenging, but also extremely rewarding."
