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.