Liberal Arts Major(s): Political Science, Spanish
Minor: Economics
Hometown: West Chester, Pennsylvania
Experience Time: Summer 2021

Give us a brief summary of your experience?

This summer, I was a virtual intern for the U.S. Embassy in Juba, South Sudan. Throughout the course of the internship, I was able to gain an understanding of how the offices in Washington, DC support missions abroad, and how the missions promote U.S. policy abroad and practice diplomacy. In my work with the Embassy, I was given projects that allowed me to hone my research, writing, and analysis skills as well as familiarize myself with the history of South Sudan and the complex political, economic, and social conflicts that face the nascent nation today.

How did this experience impact you academically?

This experience improved skills I use as a Liberal Arts student every day: reading, writing, research, analysis of complex situations, and problem solving. It also opened my eyes to a country that I had very little previous knowledge of and allowed me to dive deeply into the study of the history and current events of South Sudan.

"This experience opened my eyes to what a career with the U.S. Department of State might look like..."

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This experience opened my eyes to what a career with the U.S. Department of State might look like and exposed me to the various different careers within the Department, spanning various bureaus and countries. It solidified for me that I want to pursue a career in which I am able to serve others.

How has the College of the Liberal Arts helped you to find and/or succeed in this experience (e.g., adviser, faculty, staff, enrichment funds, etc.)?

The College of Liberal Arts was integral in my ability to complete this internship, as it was unpaid. The enrichment funds I received allowed me to accept the internship and have the amazing experience that I did! Without this support, I might have chosen a different experience that was not unpaid.