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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.

Andres

Former Intern; Today, Passport Specialist "Looking back I see that I was able to touch many lives, American and non-American, while working at the embassy in Madrid. Each day at work I was able to assist Americans abroad. I knew that these individuals would go home knowing that their government's presence abroad was not in vain and that the work I performed was for their benefit." Where are you from? Fresno, California What is your current assignment? Since graduation, I spent two years working in the private sector and have recently rejoined the State Department through the Career Entry Program in Consular Affairs at the Miami Passport Agency.

Where were your previous assignments?
I held an internship with the U.S. Department of State in Madrid, Spain where I had the opportunity to learn about the daily life of a Foreign Service Officer and was given various responsibilities that provided hands-on experience with the work the U.S. does overseas.

What languages do you speak?
Spanish and Portuguese

What attracted you to an the U.S. Department of State Internship Program?
I always knew I wanted a job that would allow me to utilize my foreign language skills and live abroad. During my junior year at Florida International University, I met the Diplomat-In-Residence, Sheldon Austin, who helped me apply for a summer internship at the embassy in Madrid. After my experience there, I knew that the State Department could provide me with not just a job, but a career.

Rina

Former Intern; Today, Program Analyst "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." Where are you from? Indianapolis, Indiana What is your current assignment? I currently work on "the Line" in the Department's Executive Secretariat, where we are collectively responsible for providing briefing materials for the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, and Under Secretary for Political Affairs; advancing the Secretary's travels; and staffing the Secretary's traveling office.

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.

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