Dear Eileen,
I would like to thank you for giving me this tremendous internship opportunity in the Office of Public Liaison. I've had nothing but fantastic experiences here that have spawned memories and invaluable work experience that I'll carry with me for the rest of my life.
Interning here was eye-opening to the way Federal Government operates, and getting to be a part of it was surreal. Something as simple as setting up informal briefings or coordinating special events brought me a great amount of satisfaction. I've found that this is the kind of "hands on" public sector work is something I really enjoy, and I owe part of that realization to this office and to you.
I would also like to thank you, and the entire office, for welcoming me in as one of your own. It goes a long way when someone can go to work and feel welcome and vital to the organization's mission. There was never a time where I felt like I was in others' way or slowing people down. Everyone was patient, accepting, and above all, friendly. This is something I will never forget and reminds me of just how great it is to work in a teamwork focused environment.
It's truly regrettable that my State Department internship has expired because I would love to continue working. Despite leaving soon, I take great pride in the work I've done and the experience you've provided me. I've enjoyed the experience so much that I would consider returning to Washington, D.C. after I graduate a very strong possibility.
I can't thank you enough for the incredible opportunity you've provided me with here at the State Department. I will keep in touch with you, and everyone else in the office. Keep up the great work!
Sincerely,
Travis Kester
12/09/2013
12/04/2013
The Ultimate Learning Experience
My time at the State Department has been exciting and extremely educational. I learned so much, so much so it's impossible to describe everything in just one blog post. My biggest goal coming in was to see what it was like working for a large federal agency like the State Department. As I went I saw how things work from the inside, and unsurprisingly communication and teamwork is key for success (much like my work at the Arizona State Senate). I view the State Department as a giant network of cogs, every part has to function properly for the rest to work. Seeing this from the inside was eye-opening and certainly helped prepare me for my future work in government, wherever that may be.
My other goal was to learn how we communicate the mission of foreign policy and prosperous international relations to domestic and foreign audiences. Fortunately for me I worked in the bureau that deals with this specific subject matter. I saw student engagement, speeches, special events, policy classrooms, press relations, and everything in between. All of this helps the State Department communicate with and educate those around us. It helped me reaffirm the belief that the work here is important at every level, and it was a thrill to be a part of it. I think sometime outreach can get lost in the grand scheme of things and it's always important to remember the importance of engaging with others.
The last, and possibly most important learning aspect of my internship, was to see if the State Department would be a place that I would be interested in pursuing a career with. After my 2 and a half months I can safely say that I would absolutely consider working here in the future. I will go a step further than "consider" and say that I would really love to pursue a career here after I graduate. The people, atmosphere, and the city itself make this an ideal place to pursue meaningful work. The are opportunities here are immense and the work being done is important and crucial for US interest.
I learned so much that I will take with me moving forward. This experience has been invaluable and provided me with wonderful "real world" job expertise. I have a long way to go, life is a constant learning experience after all, but I feel more confident in my direction than ever before. Experiencing DC government life and culture first hand was exactly what I needed. I'll be sad to go, but I've made a ton of good friends and professional connections since I moved here in October. I will round out my trip back in Seattle to spend the holidays with my family, and then it's back to Tempe for my "true" senior year as a Sun Devil.
Thanks to everyone who kept up with my blog, please feel free to add me on Facebook or Intstagram.
facebook.com/traviskester
instagram username:travykid
My other goal was to learn how we communicate the mission of foreign policy and prosperous international relations to domestic and foreign audiences. Fortunately for me I worked in the bureau that deals with this specific subject matter. I saw student engagement, speeches, special events, policy classrooms, press relations, and everything in between. All of this helps the State Department communicate with and educate those around us. It helped me reaffirm the belief that the work here is important at every level, and it was a thrill to be a part of it. I think sometime outreach can get lost in the grand scheme of things and it's always important to remember the importance of engaging with others.
The last, and possibly most important learning aspect of my internship, was to see if the State Department would be a place that I would be interested in pursuing a career with. After my 2 and a half months I can safely say that I would absolutely consider working here in the future. I will go a step further than "consider" and say that I would really love to pursue a career here after I graduate. The people, atmosphere, and the city itself make this an ideal place to pursue meaningful work. The are opportunities here are immense and the work being done is important and crucial for US interest.
I learned so much that I will take with me moving forward. This experience has been invaluable and provided me with wonderful "real world" job expertise. I have a long way to go, life is a constant learning experience after all, but I feel more confident in my direction than ever before. Experiencing DC government life and culture first hand was exactly what I needed. I'll be sad to go, but I've made a ton of good friends and professional connections since I moved here in October. I will round out my trip back in Seattle to spend the holidays with my family, and then it's back to Tempe for my "true" senior year as a Sun Devil.
Thanks to everyone who kept up with my blog, please feel free to add me on Facebook or Intstagram.
facebook.com/traviskester
instagram username:travykid
11/22/2013
Career Service Post 2
Anyone who lives or has lived in DC will tell you that there are constant events happening. These events range from special events, networking parties, meet and greets, or simple informational sessions. There is always something going on in this city and interning with the State Department helps in getting access to these events.
One of the most beneficial events I've attended thus far was the Swiss Embassy tour. I heard from four Swiss interns who told me about their process for getting hired and what they have to do as foreign service interns with the State Department. They gave me great advice if I ever wanted to be an intern overseas. Unsurprisingly, a second language is almost a must have if you want to do any kind of foreign service. Other bits of information included resume' building advice, grad school recommendations, and tools for success. Oh, and I also got Swiss scones and coffee.
Another great career event I attended involved the State Department Pathways program. The Pathways program is an advanced internship of sorts, where you work for a much lengthier amount of time, often full-time, while you're seeking a degree. Most pathways interns come here when they are in graduate school pursuing a professional degree. The Pathways Program is also seen as a way to potentially lead an intern into a career with the State Department. Unsurprisingly, these are highly sought out internships. This info session was extremely helpful because it provided valuable information that I will need if I wish to come back and intern here again (which I would love to do!). I got a look at their hiring process, what qualities they are looking for, and what kind of professional/academic experience is ideal. Luckily I will have already interned here once, so that will help!
If I had to choose one more event I've attended in DC thus far, it would be an informational briefing from the Historian's office. Similar to the Pathways event, this involved an official from the Historian's Office talking with students about how to be successful if looking into State Department careers, mostly with the Historian's Office. He listed qualities that his office is looking for and emphasized research and analytic skills. I never saw myself working in a field that was so specialized, but the talks peaked my interest none-the-less.
Of course the events I listed weren't the only ones I've attended, they were just the stand out "career" type of events. I've also attended ones involving Young Democrats, a meet and greet with U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, and a Washington Post sponsored live talk with the hosts of Morning Joe, Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski. This kind of first-hand exposure has been extremely helpful and the insight I've obtained thus far has been invaluable, especially if I wish to return to DC in the future.
One of the most beneficial events I've attended thus far was the Swiss Embassy tour. I heard from four Swiss interns who told me about their process for getting hired and what they have to do as foreign service interns with the State Department. They gave me great advice if I ever wanted to be an intern overseas. Unsurprisingly, a second language is almost a must have if you want to do any kind of foreign service. Other bits of information included resume' building advice, grad school recommendations, and tools for success. Oh, and I also got Swiss scones and coffee.
Another great career event I attended involved the State Department Pathways program. The Pathways program is an advanced internship of sorts, where you work for a much lengthier amount of time, often full-time, while you're seeking a degree. Most pathways interns come here when they are in graduate school pursuing a professional degree. The Pathways Program is also seen as a way to potentially lead an intern into a career with the State Department. Unsurprisingly, these are highly sought out internships. This info session was extremely helpful because it provided valuable information that I will need if I wish to come back and intern here again (which I would love to do!). I got a look at their hiring process, what qualities they are looking for, and what kind of professional/academic experience is ideal. Luckily I will have already interned here once, so that will help!
If I had to choose one more event I've attended in DC thus far, it would be an informational briefing from the Historian's office. Similar to the Pathways event, this involved an official from the Historian's Office talking with students about how to be successful if looking into State Department careers, mostly with the Historian's Office. He listed qualities that his office is looking for and emphasized research and analytic skills. I never saw myself working in a field that was so specialized, but the talks peaked my interest none-the-less.
Of course the events I listed weren't the only ones I've attended, they were just the stand out "career" type of events. I've also attended ones involving Young Democrats, a meet and greet with U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, and a Washington Post sponsored live talk with the hosts of Morning Joe, Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski. This kind of first-hand exposure has been extremely helpful and the insight I've obtained thus far has been invaluable, especially if I wish to return to DC in the future.
11/19/2013
Organization Strengths
After carefully evaluating all of the things that my department does within the State Department, I would say our largest and most apparent strengths comes in the forms of communication and teamwork. Everything my office deals with involves engaging with the public on various levels, some of which includes press events, university outreach, visitor tours, and informal briefings. In order to coordinate these kinds of events it requires that everyone be on the same page and communicate effectively. Our job is to make things as easy as possible to engage and coordinate with others, inside and outside the organization.
It's great to work for the State Department because it's awesome, for one, but also because my department makes things interesting and approachable. We act as a team to accomplish small and large goals, like setting up a Skype event or assisting the Press Relations office with anything they need. I couldn't imagine working somewhere that didn't embrace the idea of communication to achieve success. If I were a manager or supervisor at a similar organization, I would live by the ideals of strong communication, teamwork, and consistency, which are things my office fully embraces.
Honestly, I couldn't imagine working in an office that didn't promote this mentality, which is one that I take with me wherever I'm working. In my opinion these strengths, though not our only points of pride, are the most prominent and important aspects of my department.
It's great to work for the State Department because it's awesome, for one, but also because my department makes things interesting and approachable. We act as a team to accomplish small and large goals, like setting up a Skype event or assisting the Press Relations office with anything they need. I couldn't imagine working somewhere that didn't embrace the idea of communication to achieve success. If I were a manager or supervisor at a similar organization, I would live by the ideals of strong communication, teamwork, and consistency, which are things my office fully embraces.
Honestly, I couldn't imagine working in an office that didn't promote this mentality, which is one that I take with me wherever I'm working. In my opinion these strengths, though not our only points of pride, are the most prominent and important aspects of my department.
11/12/2013
Free Write 11 - Veteran's Day Weekend
This past Veteran's Day weekend was awesome. On Friday night I was able to walk down H Street after work and get some awesome happy hour food! If you're in DC, it's definitely important that you take full advantage of happy hour deals because everything is so expensive!
Friday was fairly laid back, but on Saturday me and a couple of my roommates took a lengthy trip to Alexandria, VA. For those who don't know, Alexandria is an old and historic city not far from George Washington's home, Mount Vernon. It's a quaint little city that attracts a lot of tourists but also houses plenty of DC employees who make the 25ish minute commute.
The city itself was a ton of fun and offered a great view of the Potomic River and some beautiful historic town homes. If money wasn't an object (which of course, it is) I would certainly consider living in Alexandria. The food was great and the people were very friendly, which made the city very inviting. After exploring for most of the day, the sun went down and King St. (the most popular street) began to bustle with activity.The nightlife ended up being the real highlight of our trip to Alexandria and I definitely plan on going back soon.
On Veteran's Day my roommates and I took a trip to the Arlington Cemetery, which was every bit as beautiful as you've heard and just as large. The endless rows of memorial headstones were truly something to behold and showcased one of our nation's finest points of pride. I couldn't think of a better way to spend Veteran's Day.
Friday was fairly laid back, but on Saturday me and a couple of my roommates took a lengthy trip to Alexandria, VA. For those who don't know, Alexandria is an old and historic city not far from George Washington's home, Mount Vernon. It's a quaint little city that attracts a lot of tourists but also houses plenty of DC employees who make the 25ish minute commute.
The city itself was a ton of fun and offered a great view of the Potomic River and some beautiful historic town homes. If money wasn't an object (which of course, it is) I would certainly consider living in Alexandria. The food was great and the people were very friendly, which made the city very inviting. After exploring for most of the day, the sun went down and King St. (the most popular street) began to bustle with activity.The nightlife ended up being the real highlight of our trip to Alexandria and I definitely plan on going back soon.
On Veteran's Day my roommates and I took a trip to the Arlington Cemetery, which was every bit as beautiful as you've heard and just as large. The endless rows of memorial headstones were truly something to behold and showcased one of our nation's finest points of pride. I couldn't think of a better way to spend Veteran's Day.
11/01/2013
Free Write 10 - Makin' Moves!
Yesterday I had my most busy day yet. For weeks now I've been setting up a briefing with the Illinois Farm Bureau, who was interested in visiting the State Department and learning about climate change and food security. I spent my preparation time creating speaker memos, doing background research, and searching for speakers. After all of my work it was nice to finally host a briefing, which marks the first "official" large project that I completed.
Shortly after my briefing (which lasted over two hours) I attended a foreign policy classroom that was extremely informative. My department sets up events designed to educate students about various State Department functions, so it was really cool to see that in action. In the coming weeks I hope to help set up a foreign policy classroom of my own.
The last thing I did this week was coordinate a Skype session with the University of Iowa, which was great. I enlisted a speaker to talk about U.S. efforts to promote democracy for a class of six U of I students who each had great questions, questions I definitely wouldn't have been able to think of.
Overall it has been a busy week in my office, but as I'm going along I'm getting even more satisfaction out of my work. Getting to work in an environment that's mission is to help others is very rewarding work. Next week I will be hosting another Skype session, and I will definitely discuss that in one of my posts.
Shortly after my briefing (which lasted over two hours) I attended a foreign policy classroom that was extremely informative. My department sets up events designed to educate students about various State Department functions, so it was really cool to see that in action. In the coming weeks I hope to help set up a foreign policy classroom of my own.
The last thing I did this week was coordinate a Skype session with the University of Iowa, which was great. I enlisted a speaker to talk about U.S. efforts to promote democracy for a class of six U of I students who each had great questions, questions I definitely wouldn't have been able to think of.
Overall it has been a busy week in my office, but as I'm going along I'm getting even more satisfaction out of my work. Getting to work in an environment that's mission is to help others is very rewarding work. Next week I will be hosting another Skype session, and I will definitely discuss that in one of my posts.
Demonstrating Public Service
The State Department is a perfect example of a federal agency devoted to public service. Although serving the interest of Americans is the entire department's objective, my office within the Bureau of Public Affairs engages with the public more than anywhere else in the State Department. Our mission is to engage audiences domestically and abroad, keeping everyone informed and up-to-date with what's happening in U.S. Foreign Policy as well as educating them. We do this in various ways that range from responding to letters, sending emails, general public outreach, social media, and setting up informational sessions.
This is an extremely important branch of the State Department because engaging and educating others helps the entire organization accomplish goals more efficiently, communicating with those from outside the State Department is a major public service that's vital. Besides the typical means of public outreach, my office likes to do something called "Foreign Policy Classroom" which essentially welcomes students into the State Department and an State Department official discusses a topic of interest. Just the other day I attended a classroom session discussing counter terrorism that students really enjoyed.
Similarly, my department will set up briefings for those who wish to come in and discuss current issues and how it may pertain to their organization. These simple, yet effective services are prime examples of how the State Department demonstrates public service on a regular basis. This kind of work is what I had in mind when I started my degree in 2011, it's engaging, rewarding, and above all, meaningful work.
This is an extremely important branch of the State Department because engaging and educating others helps the entire organization accomplish goals more efficiently, communicating with those from outside the State Department is a major public service that's vital. Besides the typical means of public outreach, my office likes to do something called "Foreign Policy Classroom" which essentially welcomes students into the State Department and an State Department official discusses a topic of interest. Just the other day I attended a classroom session discussing counter terrorism that students really enjoyed.
Similarly, my department will set up briefings for those who wish to come in and discuss current issues and how it may pertain to their organization. These simple, yet effective services are prime examples of how the State Department demonstrates public service on a regular basis. This kind of work is what I had in mind when I started my degree in 2011, it's engaging, rewarding, and above all, meaningful work.
10/25/2013
Free Write 9 - Never A Dull Moment
In previous posts I've touched on how DC always has stuff happening and it's no different at the State Department. Ever since the re-opening of the government things have been kicked into overdrive and the true nature of working for a large federal agency has come to life.
Everyone is busy and there is always something happening. What stands out to me is the constant influx of information that we receive before many other outlets get a chance to. Each morning is something different, like new meetings, briefings, or events. There is also constant monitoring of Secretary Kerry's schedule so we are aware of where he's traveling and what the press wants to do. This information helps us stay informed and also provides the office with a constantly changing agenda. One day it might be dealing with remarks to the media, the next involves monitoring a public info session, and sometimes our office will travel to meet with other offices to discuss a variety of things.
This go-go-go mentality is certainly different for me, but I must say I've embraced the chaos. It has made days memorable and consistently different. It also allows me to meet people and see familiar faces on a regular basis, which is an aspect of the job I really enjoy.
10/22/2013
Free Write 8 - Loving the City
Washington, DC truly is a remarkable place to visit. There is so much to do and see that it can be overwhelming. When I'm not working I'm always out with my roommates doing something, and that's one of the beauties of this place, the never ending sense of wonder.
Just up the street from my place is a nice sports place where I go to catch the Seahawks and the Sun Devils games. The nightlife is nothing short of thriving as well with just about every DC district having it's own distinct feel and personality. I can see why experts say that DC is the "youngest" city in the country. There are so many young professionals here at a similar point in their lives and you can see this extensively on any Friday and Saturday night. If you go to Georgetown be prepared for great food and an awesome college crowd. It reminded me a little of being back in the Tempe area, although Georgetown is nationally well known for it's nightlife, shopping, and food.
It should also be mentioned that I had one of the best haircuts of my life in the short time I've been here, that's a pretty huge deal. Moving on.
Sooner or later I want to take a trip and see the monuments and museums again, although since I've already done a majority of those things previously it doesn't feel like a pressing matter. It has been nice to just enjoy myself when I'm not working rather than feel pressured to fit something into my schedule. This is the best way to experience DC for sure.
Just up the street from my place is a nice sports place where I go to catch the Seahawks and the Sun Devils games. The nightlife is nothing short of thriving as well with just about every DC district having it's own distinct feel and personality. I can see why experts say that DC is the "youngest" city in the country. There are so many young professionals here at a similar point in their lives and you can see this extensively on any Friday and Saturday night. If you go to Georgetown be prepared for great food and an awesome college crowd. It reminded me a little of being back in the Tempe area, although Georgetown is nationally well known for it's nightlife, shopping, and food.
It should also be mentioned that I had one of the best haircuts of my life in the short time I've been here, that's a pretty huge deal. Moving on.
Sooner or later I want to take a trip and see the monuments and museums again, although since I've already done a majority of those things previously it doesn't feel like a pressing matter. It has been nice to just enjoy myself when I'm not working rather than feel pressured to fit something into my schedule. This is the best way to experience DC for sure.
10/15/2013
Supervisor Interview/Profile
Here at the State Department I have the great privilege to work for an enthusiastic and intelligent supervisor. Her main responsibilities include, but aren't limited to, contacting constituents, dealing with upper management, organizing hometown diplomat sessions, preparing informal briefings, and contacting various universities to schedule events.
These are functions that are extremely important to the State Department and it is through these methods that we connect and engage with the general public. This form of connection is a big part of how the Federal Government is able to leave its footprint at a domestic level. My supervisor is great at this job not only because she is motivated, but she loves connecting with people through casual conversation, informed speaking, or anything in between. When you work in the public sector let alone an office dedicated to engaging with the public, these are necessary attributes.
When we talked about how she got to where she was, she assured me that for this kind of job you have to be good with people. Friendliness goes a long way wherever you go and working in this office has shown me just how important that is. I've always been polite, sociable, and easy-going but I was unclear of how or if working with others would change at the federal level. My supervisor has shown me that the ability to interact with others in an approachable and friendly manner are keys to success no matter where you go and those are big reasons why she has found success in her career.
If there were any new trends that have become increasingly crucial in the public sector these days, it's the obvious emergence of social media and the continuous influx of new technology. In the world we live in connecting with others comes in so many more forms than just talking. Now, our office emphasizes the importance of social media and other forms of communication such as Skype, hangout, and chat. These common conveniences help us reach out and connect with others in ways that just weren't possible seven years ago. Thanks in part to my supervisor, I've witnessed the importance of using new methods of communication.
The verdict is still out on what specifically I wish to do career-wise. However, working here thus far and having first hand exposure to people who work in the public sector reaffirm my belief that a position dealing with people or administrative type work is a good fit for my personality. I could definitely see myself doing more of this kind of work.
10/11/2013
Free Write 7 - Constant Learning
I'm about to finish up my first week with the State Department and every day has been a learning experience. Prior to starting my internship I was aware of what was happening in the global community, but I'm on an entirely new level here.
Getting first hand exposure to simple press conferences or routinely checking the news helps me stay up to date. Now I start my days by immediately going to the State Department homepage and viewing current or previous press briefings, something that people who don't work at with the Department even have access too. These little habits help me stay informed and up to date with foreign affairs news as well as the United States' various stances on international issues.
If you're interested in learning more in depth foreign relations news I strongly encourage visiting the State Department's website at state.gov or following the State Department on Twitter @StateDept.
Getting first hand exposure to simple press conferences or routinely checking the news helps me stay up to date. Now I start my days by immediately going to the State Department homepage and viewing current or previous press briefings, something that people who don't work at with the Department even have access too. These little habits help me stay informed and up to date with foreign affairs news as well as the United States' various stances on international issues.
If you're interested in learning more in depth foreign relations news I strongly encourage visiting the State Department's website at state.gov or following the State Department on Twitter @StateDept.
10/10/2013
Displaying Leadership
Here at the State Department leadership plays a crucial role in every office. One of the things I noticed right off the bat was the amount of organization and planning that goes into everything. Supervisors and senior officials are responsible for making sure things go smoothly, and without that leadership the whole system would crumble, and this system is gigantic.
Within my office my supervisor follows the same principle, emphasizing organization and planning. She is precise and demonstrates how a supervisor should act, but also makes an effort to keep the office's spirits up and ensures that everyone keeps a positive attitude. It is these little qualities that can get overlooked when analyzing great leadership, and I know from experience how effective this model is. It is very similar to the way my office does things back at the Arizona State Senate. We don't view each other as co-workers, rather, a team. This mindset goes a long way in the workplace.
So far, I haven't really assumed any "leadership" type roles. Since I'm just getting started I'm still getting the feel for things and with the government shutdown still effective there haven't been a ton of opportunities to lead. I imagine that as my internship continues I will find more opportunities to take the initiative and impress some people (hopefully)!
For now, observing the way my co workers and supervisor work together to accomplish goals is giving me valuable insight into what it takes to be successful at a place like the State Department.
Within my office my supervisor follows the same principle, emphasizing organization and planning. She is precise and demonstrates how a supervisor should act, but also makes an effort to keep the office's spirits up and ensures that everyone keeps a positive attitude. It is these little qualities that can get overlooked when analyzing great leadership, and I know from experience how effective this model is. It is very similar to the way my office does things back at the Arizona State Senate. We don't view each other as co-workers, rather, a team. This mindset goes a long way in the workplace.
So far, I haven't really assumed any "leadership" type roles. Since I'm just getting started I'm still getting the feel for things and with the government shutdown still effective there haven't been a ton of opportunities to lead. I imagine that as my internship continues I will find more opportunities to take the initiative and impress some people (hopefully)!
For now, observing the way my co workers and supervisor work together to accomplish goals is giving me valuable insight into what it takes to be successful at a place like the State Department.
10/05/2013
Free Write 6 - Finally in DC!
At long last I have arrived in Washington, DC. The past few days have been hectic but I'm finally beginning to get settled and experience the city a little bit. My apartment is literally two blocks from Union Station, which makes traveling unbelievably convenient. The Metro is by far the most popular form of transportation around here and is partially why a lot of DC citizens don't have cars.
I haven't done much in terms of sight seeing, but I have visited Dupont Circle and experienced the nightlife, which has certainly earned all of its reputation. It was everything I would have hoped it would be! Dupont Circle is beautiful and definitely worth seeing. Another place in DC that's been fun has been H Street right next to Union Station. I'm looking forward to seeing Foggy Bottom next week.
Fortunately I'm still scheduled to begin my internship with the State Department on Monday, which is great news considering this whole government shut down. Prior to getting here I was worried how much the shut down would impact my internship. For the time being, it looks like everything is still a go for my orientation.
I've only been here for 4 days now but I'm really enjoying it, and I can't wait to experience the city more and officially start my internship!
I haven't done much in terms of sight seeing, but I have visited Dupont Circle and experienced the nightlife, which has certainly earned all of its reputation. It was everything I would have hoped it would be! Dupont Circle is beautiful and definitely worth seeing. Another place in DC that's been fun has been H Street right next to Union Station. I'm looking forward to seeing Foggy Bottom next week.
Fortunately I'm still scheduled to begin my internship with the State Department on Monday, which is great news considering this whole government shut down. Prior to getting here I was worried how much the shut down would impact my internship. For the time being, it looks like everything is still a go for my orientation.
I've only been here for 4 days now but I'm really enjoying it, and I can't wait to experience the city more and officially start my internship!
9/30/2013
Free Write 5 - More Chicago
Today I spent my time differently compared to the previous days. I got up and walked over to the Field Museum and the Chicago Aquarium. The aquarium was fascinating and I saw a lot of cool things. However, Field Museum was the more memorable experience.
Right when you walk in you see the most complete skeleton in history. The ancient dinosaur (Sue) is the most complete skeletal figure of a t-rex in the world with an astounding 90% completion. I learned all about the history of this national treasure and proceeded to check out some of the other exhibits.
The most exciting area that I saw after the dinosaur was the fantastic wildlife section. This section of the museum contains hundreds of stuffed animals. I stood next to an Alaskan Brown Bear that was almost 4 times my height standing up! it was incredible. The museum itself contains over 2.4 million artifacts, just to give an idea of how big this place is.
Another rather interesting section of the museum was the extremely well preserved Egyptian area. In the front there is an actual pyramid that you can walk through and see some of the artwork and culture. I was amazed by the size of some of the tombs, they were surprisingly small and it was interesting to read about their culture.
The last section that really stood out to me was the Native American and dinosaur exhibits which had more great artifacts and some truly great skeletal structures. If you are into history the Field Museum in Chicago is a must visit.
As for the rest of my stay, tonight I'm heading to a nice steakhouse and tomorrow is still up in the air. I leave for Washington, DC on Wednesday early in the morning. I'm definitely going to miss Chicago! This has been an unforgettable experience.
Right when you walk in you see the most complete skeleton in history. The ancient dinosaur (Sue) is the most complete skeletal figure of a t-rex in the world with an astounding 90% completion. I learned all about the history of this national treasure and proceeded to check out some of the other exhibits.
The most exciting area that I saw after the dinosaur was the fantastic wildlife section. This section of the museum contains hundreds of stuffed animals. I stood next to an Alaskan Brown Bear that was almost 4 times my height standing up! it was incredible. The museum itself contains over 2.4 million artifacts, just to give an idea of how big this place is.
Another rather interesting section of the museum was the extremely well preserved Egyptian area. In the front there is an actual pyramid that you can walk through and see some of the artwork and culture. I was amazed by the size of some of the tombs, they were surprisingly small and it was interesting to read about their culture.
The last section that really stood out to me was the Native American and dinosaur exhibits which had more great artifacts and some truly great skeletal structures. If you are into history the Field Museum in Chicago is a must visit.
As for the rest of my stay, tonight I'm heading to a nice steakhouse and tomorrow is still up in the air. I leave for Washington, DC on Wednesday early in the morning. I'm definitely going to miss Chicago! This has been an unforgettable experience.
9/29/2013
Free Write 4 - Chicago!
I arrived in Chicago yesterday afternoon, and have loved every minute of it. This city, is fantastic and every bit as beautiful as I've heard. It is also the largest city I have ever visited by far. The past 24 hours have been filled with site seeing, city walking, and great restaurants that live up to their reputation.
The hotel I'm staying at is conveniently located on Michigan Ave and is in great proximity to anywhere you wish to go. A block south was the infamous Buddy Guy's blues club, which was a ton of fun. The club also had fantastic food and drinks, I encourage anyone who is visiting Chicago to check it out!
After that I wandered even more, finding a few Irish pubs with friendly locals. The name of the first place I found was Kasey's, and the burgers were incredible. After a long night of socializing and absorbing the Chicago night life, I was ready to crash.
Today I spent pretty much the whole day in an infamous Chicago sports bar called Timothy O'Toole's. if you're a sports fan, then there is no better place to catch a game than O'Toole's. I got a first hand dose of some true Bear fans, and they are every bit as passionate and dedicated as people say. Also, Timothy O'Toole's had some of the best chicken wings I've ever had! The atmosphere, coupled with the food and the Seahawks winning made this a truly memorable experience.
In a little while I'll be going out (again) to dinner and tomorrow will be filled with museums and history, so I'll certainly do another free write to talk more about my days in Chicago.
I begin my internship one week from tomorrow.
The hotel I'm staying at is conveniently located on Michigan Ave and is in great proximity to anywhere you wish to go. A block south was the infamous Buddy Guy's blues club, which was a ton of fun. The club also had fantastic food and drinks, I encourage anyone who is visiting Chicago to check it out!
After that I wandered even more, finding a few Irish pubs with friendly locals. The name of the first place I found was Kasey's, and the burgers were incredible. After a long night of socializing and absorbing the Chicago night life, I was ready to crash.
Today I spent pretty much the whole day in an infamous Chicago sports bar called Timothy O'Toole's. if you're a sports fan, then there is no better place to catch a game than O'Toole's. I got a first hand dose of some true Bear fans, and they are every bit as passionate and dedicated as people say. Also, Timothy O'Toole's had some of the best chicken wings I've ever had! The atmosphere, coupled with the food and the Seahawks winning made this a truly memorable experience.
In a little while I'll be going out (again) to dinner and tomorrow will be filled with museums and history, so I'll certainly do another free write to talk more about my days in Chicago.
I begin my internship one week from tomorrow.
9/24/2013
Free Write 3 - Prepping to leave!
This Saturday morning, the 28th I will officially be leaving Arizona and beginning my journey to Washington, DC. However, I won't be flying directly to DC. Instead I will be spending 5 days in Chicago. I'm so excited to visit Chicago for the first time. Everything I've heard about the city has been great.
Despite my excitement to start my experience I'm at the unfortunate time where I have to do all of my last minute preparations. Anyone who has traveled before knows how this goes. I'm dealing with everything from packing, running errands, and cleaning, all in the course of about 4 days. I'll be gone for almost 3 months so naturally I am going to be completely overloaded on stuff. Just last night I started to arrange things in my suitcases and I'm still thinking I need more room. I don't even have a ton of clothes!
Traveling will also be crazy, my flight is at 6AM in the morning on Saturday. Once I've finished packing and everything and I'm finally on the plane I think it's gonna kick in that I'm officially on my way to start my internship. I can't wait! I'll definitely post more regarding my travel experiences and my trip to Chicago before I arrive in DC.
Despite my excitement to start my experience I'm at the unfortunate time where I have to do all of my last minute preparations. Anyone who has traveled before knows how this goes. I'm dealing with everything from packing, running errands, and cleaning, all in the course of about 4 days. I'll be gone for almost 3 months so naturally I am going to be completely overloaded on stuff. Just last night I started to arrange things in my suitcases and I'm still thinking I need more room. I don't even have a ton of clothes!
Traveling will also be crazy, my flight is at 6AM in the morning on Saturday. Once I've finished packing and everything and I'm finally on the plane I think it's gonna kick in that I'm officially on my way to start my internship. I can't wait! I'll definitely post more regarding my travel experiences and my trip to Chicago before I arrive in DC.
9/17/2013
A Typical Day (kind of)
I would love to write about my experience thus far with the State Department, however I haven't actually started yet. I won't be officially be starting until October 7th and will work for 10 consecutive weeks from that point.
Since I haven't officially started and therefore don't have any real experiences to talk about, I figure I'll discuss what the application, interview, and background check processes were like. After all, I have been dealing with rigorous pre-orientation details for pretty much all summer. Federal Government is very meticulous. Actually, Meticulous would be putting it lightly.
This isn't a bad thing by any means, it's actually a great thing that helps keep balance. When I first applied for the State Department Internship the actual application was extremely long. I must have spent upwards of two weeks completing it. When it comes to Federal jobs you want to answer everything to the best of your ability. I also had to go through a specific government job website called USA jobs, I'm sure many of you have heard of this site. After I completed that part of the application, I had to do almost an entirely new one on the State Department's official website, so in a way I filled out two lengthy applications with an intense statement of interest to accompany them. Speaking of which, it is crucial to write your statement of interest to the best of your ability. This is what employers such as the State Department view the most when reviewing applications.
After I had submitted everything it didn't take long to hear back, about 4 weeks to be exact. I went through two different interviews with two different departments, both within the Bureau of Public Affairs. Although it was nerve racking, the people I dealt with (one of whom will be my supervisor) were very friendly and relatable. Sometimes big government gets a reputation of being stiff and serious constantly, so it was nice to see that individuals seemed approachable and friendly. That was a huge relief.
Perhaps the most intense aspect of my hiring process was the comprehensive background check I had to go through. Some have probably heard of the thorough security checks potential Federal Government employees have to go through. This is no exaggeration, my background check packet took me literally 12 straight hours to fill out and that was just because I wanted to get it over with. I had to list all of my previous residences, close friends growing up, just about all my previous supervisors with specific contact information, and I had to physically send multiple documents for review. There was so much more, but let me assure you it IS time consuming. Despite the time to fill it out, I heard back fairly quickly and all that was left was to decide when I would actually start my internship and what I would be doing. This went on for a little while, and I am finally ready to begin. I'll be flying out to DC in only 11 days! I can't wait.
Since I haven't officially started and therefore don't have any real experiences to talk about, I figure I'll discuss what the application, interview, and background check processes were like. After all, I have been dealing with rigorous pre-orientation details for pretty much all summer. Federal Government is very meticulous. Actually, Meticulous would be putting it lightly.
This isn't a bad thing by any means, it's actually a great thing that helps keep balance. When I first applied for the State Department Internship the actual application was extremely long. I must have spent upwards of two weeks completing it. When it comes to Federal jobs you want to answer everything to the best of your ability. I also had to go through a specific government job website called USA jobs, I'm sure many of you have heard of this site. After I completed that part of the application, I had to do almost an entirely new one on the State Department's official website, so in a way I filled out two lengthy applications with an intense statement of interest to accompany them. Speaking of which, it is crucial to write your statement of interest to the best of your ability. This is what employers such as the State Department view the most when reviewing applications.
After I had submitted everything it didn't take long to hear back, about 4 weeks to be exact. I went through two different interviews with two different departments, both within the Bureau of Public Affairs. Although it was nerve racking, the people I dealt with (one of whom will be my supervisor) were very friendly and relatable. Sometimes big government gets a reputation of being stiff and serious constantly, so it was nice to see that individuals seemed approachable and friendly. That was a huge relief.
Perhaps the most intense aspect of my hiring process was the comprehensive background check I had to go through. Some have probably heard of the thorough security checks potential Federal Government employees have to go through. This is no exaggeration, my background check packet took me literally 12 straight hours to fill out and that was just because I wanted to get it over with. I had to list all of my previous residences, close friends growing up, just about all my previous supervisors with specific contact information, and I had to physically send multiple documents for review. There was so much more, but let me assure you it IS time consuming. Despite the time to fill it out, I heard back fairly quickly and all that was left was to decide when I would actually start my internship and what I would be doing. This went on for a little while, and I am finally ready to begin. I'll be flying out to DC in only 11 days! I can't wait.
9/16/2013
Career Service Event: Successful Interviewing
For my first career service event, I attended a seminar on how to successfully interview. Early on the seminar seemed like a re-run of information I've been taught for my entire life. Little things, such as dress code, attitude, and preparation were discussed.
At first it was a bit underwhelming, but as I pressed on Damian (the host) brought up some really good points that I wouldn't traditionally think about while interviewing. One of the interesting things was to Google yourself before you interview. It is known that employers may check your social media to see what you're like, but social media is only a small part of the internet. When you Google yourself you are seeing everything else that may be out there about you, which could be very positive but also very negative.
An obvious interview trait you should possess is confidence and doing your research. You should go into the interview with a pretty great idea of what the company you're applying for does. This will help in may aspects, especially in you're ability to answer questions intelligently.
Mock interviews are an important and useful tool in preparing for an interview as well. I had no idea that ASU offers mock interviews on campus, I think that's great. Mock interviews of any kind can help prepare you to answer open ended questions. In my experience, employers rarely ask yes or no questions, instead they focus on specifics. Tell me why you're qualified, what are you're best qualities, tell us a story... etc. When you go into an interview prepared to answer these questions it will go much smoother. This was something that Damian pointed out during the seminar that really hit home for me.
Another aspect that was interesting was the importance of a strong first impression. It's obvious that you should dress nice and wear clothes that fit, but equally as important is the way you present yourself when you first meet a potential employer. Smiling, showing good posture, and confidence are crucial.
The last, and potentially most important part of this seminar was the ending when Damian stressed how important asking your interviewers questions are. I always knew this was important, however I usually asked the same kinds of questions. Damian provided some great examples that will come in handy during the future such as, what's it like to work here on a typical day? and what has your experience been like since you've been here? Moving forward I will definitely keep what I learned here in mind for future interviews.
If you need to get a hold of Damian for any questions, feel free to email him and ask. He would be glad to help
dgudino1@asu.edu
At first it was a bit underwhelming, but as I pressed on Damian (the host) brought up some really good points that I wouldn't traditionally think about while interviewing. One of the interesting things was to Google yourself before you interview. It is known that employers may check your social media to see what you're like, but social media is only a small part of the internet. When you Google yourself you are seeing everything else that may be out there about you, which could be very positive but also very negative.
An obvious interview trait you should possess is confidence and doing your research. You should go into the interview with a pretty great idea of what the company you're applying for does. This will help in may aspects, especially in you're ability to answer questions intelligently.
Mock interviews are an important and useful tool in preparing for an interview as well. I had no idea that ASU offers mock interviews on campus, I think that's great. Mock interviews of any kind can help prepare you to answer open ended questions. In my experience, employers rarely ask yes or no questions, instead they focus on specifics. Tell me why you're qualified, what are you're best qualities, tell us a story... etc. When you go into an interview prepared to answer these questions it will go much smoother. This was something that Damian pointed out during the seminar that really hit home for me.
Another aspect that was interesting was the importance of a strong first impression. It's obvious that you should dress nice and wear clothes that fit, but equally as important is the way you present yourself when you first meet a potential employer. Smiling, showing good posture, and confidence are crucial.
The last, and potentially most important part of this seminar was the ending when Damian stressed how important asking your interviewers questions are. I always knew this was important, however I usually asked the same kinds of questions. Damian provided some great examples that will come in handy during the future such as, what's it like to work here on a typical day? and what has your experience been like since you've been here? Moving forward I will definitely keep what I learned here in mind for future interviews.
If you need to get a hold of Damian for any questions, feel free to email him and ask. He would be glad to help
dgudino1@asu.edu
9/11/2013
Free Write 2 - A Little About Me
In this week's free write, I figured I would write about myself a bit. I was born and raised in Olympia, Washington. For those who don't know, Olympia is about 45 minutes to an hour outside of Seattle. I'll always have pride for my home state and where I grew up but by the time I was 18, the rain and generally miserable Western Washington weather got to me.
After a trip to Washington, DC I made a decision that a degree in public policy was a great fit for my personality! I made the move to Arizona State University for the awesome city life and constant sunshine and I haven't looked back since. I must say, it's great here. People are friendly and it's great to be around fellow students and like-minded people at similar points in their lives. Growing up I didn't have much of that, especially after high school.
I take a strong interest in politics and public administration, but my more "recreational" hobbies include sports, movies, and traveling. I am, and always will be, a die hard Seattle Seahawks fan! I can't tell you how happy I am that football season is back in full swing. Sundays have true meaning again. On a similar note, GO SUN DEVILS!
Along with sports, I'm probably one of the biggest movie nerds you will meet (no exaggeration). I love all kinds of movies in every genre, assuming they are good and worth watching. Some of my all time favorites include The Matrix, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Nolan's Batman Trilogy, The Shawshank Redemption, Forrest Gump, No Country for Old Men, The Big Lebowski, Schindler's List, and of course The Bourne Movies (The Matt Damon ones). Of course there are so many more films I love and I'm always on the lookout for the next big thing. Over the last few years I've really gotten into independent films as well.
Game of Thrones is also incredible. I am fully aware this is not a movie, but that does not change the fact that it's fantastic and if you're not watching it you are genuinely missing out.
Moving on.
I would say that my biggest ambition is to travel and see new places and to try new things. I've always enjoyed having new experiences even if it's something as simple as trying a new dinner spot during happy hour. On a more grand level, traveling to different places nationally and internationally is something I really like doing. After I return from Washington, DC I plan on scrounging enough cash together to take a short vacation in Dublin, Ireland. Maybe next summer perhaps?
While I'm on the travel note, I can't wait to finally head to DC and start my experience! Many of my future free writes will involve discussing some of my favorite DC experiences. I'm certain I will have a ton of stories to tell.
After a trip to Washington, DC I made a decision that a degree in public policy was a great fit for my personality! I made the move to Arizona State University for the awesome city life and constant sunshine and I haven't looked back since. I must say, it's great here. People are friendly and it's great to be around fellow students and like-minded people at similar points in their lives. Growing up I didn't have much of that, especially after high school.
I take a strong interest in politics and public administration, but my more "recreational" hobbies include sports, movies, and traveling. I am, and always will be, a die hard Seattle Seahawks fan! I can't tell you how happy I am that football season is back in full swing. Sundays have true meaning again. On a similar note, GO SUN DEVILS!
Along with sports, I'm probably one of the biggest movie nerds you will meet (no exaggeration). I love all kinds of movies in every genre, assuming they are good and worth watching. Some of my all time favorites include The Matrix, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Nolan's Batman Trilogy, The Shawshank Redemption, Forrest Gump, No Country for Old Men, The Big Lebowski, Schindler's List, and of course The Bourne Movies (The Matt Damon ones). Of course there are so many more films I love and I'm always on the lookout for the next big thing. Over the last few years I've really gotten into independent films as well.
Game of Thrones is also incredible. I am fully aware this is not a movie, but that does not change the fact that it's fantastic and if you're not watching it you are genuinely missing out.
Moving on.
I would say that my biggest ambition is to travel and see new places and to try new things. I've always enjoyed having new experiences even if it's something as simple as trying a new dinner spot during happy hour. On a more grand level, traveling to different places nationally and internationally is something I really like doing. After I return from Washington, DC I plan on scrounging enough cash together to take a short vacation in Dublin, Ireland. Maybe next summer perhaps?
While I'm on the travel note, I can't wait to finally head to DC and start my experience! Many of my future free writes will involve discussing some of my favorite DC experiences. I'm certain I will have a ton of stories to tell.
9/04/2013
Brief State Department Overview
Before I begin my internship in October it's probably a good idea to describe what specifically the State Department does.
The U.S. Department of State or the State Department as it's also known, is a large Federal Agency responsible for dealing with American Foreign Policy and International Relations. A great deal of Diplomacy is handled through the State Department who's chief executive officer is the Secretary of State. Currently that person is John Kerry.
Although the State Department's mission of sustaining peaceful international relations while enhancing U.S. interest is a collective, department wide mission, there are various departments and offices that handle different aspects such as international security, diplomacy, and intelligence. Since the comprehensive list is extensive I won't list every individual department, but the bureau I will be working with is the Bureau of Public Affairs. Specifically, I will be interning in the Office of Public Liaison.
One of the State Department's primary missions is to relay news and updates to the public, and the Bureau of Public Affairs deals with keeping domestic and international audiences informed through various forms of media. The Office of Public Liaison's specific mission is to engage domestic audiences in order to help enhance the department's work at home and abroad.
Of course, my summary is only a brief overview of what the State Department does. If you want more info, definitely check out the official Department of State website.
http://www.state.gov/
If you're really interested in getting involved be sure to follow the State Department on Twitter, @StateDept
Through twitter you can get all sorts of international news and updates.
The U.S. Department of State or the State Department as it's also known, is a large Federal Agency responsible for dealing with American Foreign Policy and International Relations. A great deal of Diplomacy is handled through the State Department who's chief executive officer is the Secretary of State. Currently that person is John Kerry.
Although the State Department's mission of sustaining peaceful international relations while enhancing U.S. interest is a collective, department wide mission, there are various departments and offices that handle different aspects such as international security, diplomacy, and intelligence. Since the comprehensive list is extensive I won't list every individual department, but the bureau I will be working with is the Bureau of Public Affairs. Specifically, I will be interning in the Office of Public Liaison.
One of the State Department's primary missions is to relay news and updates to the public, and the Bureau of Public Affairs deals with keeping domestic and international audiences informed through various forms of media. The Office of Public Liaison's specific mission is to engage domestic audiences in order to help enhance the department's work at home and abroad.
Of course, my summary is only a brief overview of what the State Department does. If you want more info, definitely check out the official Department of State website.
http://www.state.gov/
If you're really interested in getting involved be sure to follow the State Department on Twitter, @StateDept
Through twitter you can get all sorts of international news and updates.
8/30/2013
Free Write 1 - Reactions to Sec. Kerry's remarks on Syria
I just finished watching the Secretary of State's address regarding the issue in Syria, live on the State Department's website. In a short recap, days ago the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad (allegedly) launched poison missiles on Syrian rebel controlled areas killing thousands of innocent civilians in the process. This issue has been at the forefront of many arguments internationally, with many countries debating how to appropriately react.
Secretary Kerry outlined compelling evidence that showcased reason to believe that the missiles were, in fact, launched by the Syrian Regime. He also presented compelling case as to why the United States must get involved. Secretary Kerry emphasized that we, collectively, must take action against such heinous acts in the global community. It is the right thing to do and that how we respond matters deeply to the credibility and future interest of the United States.
Secretary Kerry make a strong point. As an international superpower we must be able to take a stand against moral atrocities such as this. We must be able to help our allies in the same way we would expect them to help us. Many of our allies are and could be impacted by the use of chemical warfare from Syria. Naturally, this is a morally and politically complex issue that deserves to be discussed and approached in the best possible manner.
This issue is also a prime example of the important work that the State Department deals with and although the issue itself is deeply disturbing from a moral standpoint, I'm excited to be interning with the State Department during such a crucial time period for the United States and the global community.
Secretary Kerry outlined compelling evidence that showcased reason to believe that the missiles were, in fact, launched by the Syrian Regime. He also presented compelling case as to why the United States must get involved. Secretary Kerry emphasized that we, collectively, must take action against such heinous acts in the global community. It is the right thing to do and that how we respond matters deeply to the credibility and future interest of the United States.
Secretary Kerry make a strong point. As an international superpower we must be able to take a stand against moral atrocities such as this. We must be able to help our allies in the same way we would expect them to help us. Many of our allies are and could be impacted by the use of chemical warfare from Syria. Naturally, this is a morally and politically complex issue that deserves to be discussed and approached in the best possible manner.
This issue is also a prime example of the important work that the State Department deals with and although the issue itself is deeply disturbing from a moral standpoint, I'm excited to be interning with the State Department during such a crucial time period for the United States and the global community.
8/21/2013
Introduction
"A great deal of world politics is a fundamental struggle, but it is also a struggle that has to be waged intelligently" - Zbigniew Brzezinski
Hi everyone, my name is Travis and this Fall I will be interning with the State Department in Washington DC. Growing up I always had a strong interest in politics and the way government functions. This stemmed from the always fascinating political culture to the drama and constant intrigue. Politics and government administration is complex and brutal, but also a necessary and important structure for maintaining balance.
While attending Arizona State University my love for government and public affairs grew as did my interest for global politics and international relations. I realized that foreign policy and the way we interact with other countries is just as important as the way we interact within our own domestic parameters. I could see myself pursuing a career working in international politics rather than purely domestic, perhaps a mix of both. About half a year ago I decided to apply for an internship with the U.S. Department of State.
I knew it was a long shot, after all the State Department is a massive and prestigious government agency with an extremely important mission of promoting U.S. interest in the global community, I figured I had to try though! Months later I received word that I had been accepted for a position in the State Department's Bureau of Public Affair's Public Liason Office... to say I was excited would be an understatement.
Flash forward and now I'm a little under a month away from beginning my internship and the feeling of excitement hasn't faded at all. This is a tremendous opportunity for me to learn about international relations and how a large federal agency functions. That, coupled with the fact that I'll be living in Washington DC for almost 12 weeks will make this an unforgettable experience. DC is a city with so much to offer in the ways of history, entertainment, and night life. It will be so much different than what I'm used to here in the Valley from a cultural perspective, so I'm really looking forward to experiencing DC life first hand.
My major goals for this internship all revolve around learning and gaining experience.
1. I want to see what it's like working for a large federal agency. it will be vastly different than what I'm used to at the state level.
2. I am really interested in learning more about the way we communicate foreign policy objectives and information to the American public. My department deals primarily with communicating with domestic audiences and in the future I see myself doing work in the field of public affairs or public relations. This is a great opportunity to see if this career path suits me.
3. Lastly, I wish to gain first hand experience working for the State Department. I see this line of work as a potential future career and getting my foot in the door will help exponentially. Getting to work and network with people around the agency will give valuable insight into what I need in order to be successful in Washington DC.
With that being said, I couldn't be more excited to get started in October and share my experiences with everyone!
Want to get to know me more? follow me on twitter @TravyKid or on Instagram with the same username
Feel free to add me on Facebook as well! www.facebook.com/kestertravis
Hi everyone, my name is Travis and this Fall I will be interning with the State Department in Washington DC. Growing up I always had a strong interest in politics and the way government functions. This stemmed from the always fascinating political culture to the drama and constant intrigue. Politics and government administration is complex and brutal, but also a necessary and important structure for maintaining balance.
While attending Arizona State University my love for government and public affairs grew as did my interest for global politics and international relations. I realized that foreign policy and the way we interact with other countries is just as important as the way we interact within our own domestic parameters. I could see myself pursuing a career working in international politics rather than purely domestic, perhaps a mix of both. About half a year ago I decided to apply for an internship with the U.S. Department of State.
I knew it was a long shot, after all the State Department is a massive and prestigious government agency with an extremely important mission of promoting U.S. interest in the global community, I figured I had to try though! Months later I received word that I had been accepted for a position in the State Department's Bureau of Public Affair's Public Liason Office... to say I was excited would be an understatement.
Flash forward and now I'm a little under a month away from beginning my internship and the feeling of excitement hasn't faded at all. This is a tremendous opportunity for me to learn about international relations and how a large federal agency functions. That, coupled with the fact that I'll be living in Washington DC for almost 12 weeks will make this an unforgettable experience. DC is a city with so much to offer in the ways of history, entertainment, and night life. It will be so much different than what I'm used to here in the Valley from a cultural perspective, so I'm really looking forward to experiencing DC life first hand.
My major goals for this internship all revolve around learning and gaining experience.
1. I want to see what it's like working for a large federal agency. it will be vastly different than what I'm used to at the state level.
2. I am really interested in learning more about the way we communicate foreign policy objectives and information to the American public. My department deals primarily with communicating with domestic audiences and in the future I see myself doing work in the field of public affairs or public relations. This is a great opportunity to see if this career path suits me.
3. Lastly, I wish to gain first hand experience working for the State Department. I see this line of work as a potential future career and getting my foot in the door will help exponentially. Getting to work and network with people around the agency will give valuable insight into what I need in order to be successful in Washington DC.
With that being said, I couldn't be more excited to get started in October and share my experiences with everyone!
Want to get to know me more? follow me on twitter @TravyKid or on Instagram with the same username
Feel free to add me on Facebook as well! www.facebook.com/kestertravis
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