Student Profiles
Would you like to take a sneak peek and find out what you will really be doing when you work for the Department of State?
This section profiles students who all participated in the Department of State's Student Programs. Each of their experiences are as unique as the individuals themselves. The skills and lessons they learned at the Department of State have been memorable and invaluable.
Bryan
 |
Intern |
Where are you from?
Indianapolis
How do you plan on contributing to the Department's goals?
As a professional athlete in a team sport, I understand the importance of teamwork and unselfishness to obtaining goals. Here at the State Department, teamwork and unselfishness are more vital due to the goals having possible consequences not only for millions of US citizens but for countless foreign citizens as well. There is no contribution too great when the final goal is furthering U.S. foreign policy and protecting U.S. citizens abroad.
Please describe one valuable and memorable experience you would like to take away from working as an intern at the U.S. Department of State?
My aim with this internship is to gain as much knowledge from as many Department of State and embassy employees as possible to help me determine the right career track for me. Choosing the right track, one that I am intensely passionate about, will allow me to serve my country with the fervor necessary to leave it better off when I have finished serving my duties.
How do you feel your time with the Department will help you grow, both as a professional and as a citizen of the world?
The depth of knowledge will better allow me to appreciate and understand U.S. foreign policy and how the Department implements it. The experience, as stated earlier, will enable me to discover the manner in which I am best suited to serve my country.
Rina
 |
Former Intern; Today, Program Analyst Where are you from? What is your current assignment? |
Where were your previous assignments?
As an intern, I worked for the Director General of the Foreign Service and traveled to California, Florida, Colorado and other domestic locations representing the Department at a diverse array of events. Upon receiving my B.S. in Public Affairs in May 2005, I re-entered the Department through the Career Entry Program. I have since served in a number of exciting positions including the Department's Recruitment office; U.S. Embassy Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; the Secretary's office; and this summer I will begin working in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs.
What languages do you speak?
I speak Bengali and Spanish. I am also currently learning Arabic.
What attracted you to the U.S. Department of State?
During my junior year of college, I was introduced to a program called the Washington Leadership Program. The Program, upon acceptance, gives students the semester-long opportunity to live in the nation's capital and intern for either a federal government agency, non-profit, or other organization, depending on their particular interests. I chose the Department of State based on my interest in public service within the federal government as well as my interest in international issues. I felt that the Department of State would offer a wide range of exciting opportunities. My experience as an intern definitely proved this to be true, and afterwards, I knew I wanted to come back to the Department.
