The Office

Work Life

The beginning of the first few weeks at the Department of State have not only been rewarding, but eye opening. Along with my squad of interns, each of us here to learn valuable lessons and continue gaining ground in their careers and education. The experience provided has allowed each of us to explore our options in taking the next big step once we finish college. My particular office, and the responsibilities that are a part of it, show the necessity in the commitment to monitoring the effects of foreign crises. It is also particularly important to review such trends in the global community to combat particular issues that are beneficial to not only that country, but the US and others is a key priority in the growth of US international diplomacy and peace.

Though the job is 80% of the daily activities within the workweek, the other 20% is getting to know one another, getting into conversation with the people at the Department, and branch out into bigger things that make the experience worth it. On top of that, hanging out with our local intern group has allowed us to stay together as a couple of knuckleheads, bringing each of us closer to one another, and building bonds that will last for a very long time. For myself, my best friend is my Roomate, Beck. I never expected to get along with a stranger holed up in an apartment for 10 weeks, but the friendship we have formed is a very impeccable work of showmanship on both of our ends. Tall, intelligent and cunning, Beck has showed himself to be the pinnacle of a golden heart. Well versed in history, science, religion, politics, music, books; pretty much anything you can think of, Beck has some knowledge about it. A blonde-haired kid as bright as the sun in smack-dab middle of Utah- fluent in Chinese and persistent in his humor, I can’t appreciate more of a match-up, as we laugh about anything and everything.

The others are also incredibly astute, ranging from backgrounds all over the United States. It is a point of distinction in the selection of all of these absolutely incredible interns selected to be here at the State Department. It shows the careful selection and the affirmation of the Department’s ability to find direct talent among those within the American population with potential. Through every conversation, every interaction, every moment of direct knowledge opportunity, I have found myself at the forefront of witnessing the true future of America’s capabilities.

I am very lucky to be in the center of all of this. Each of us are learning important tasks about the in-depth actions of political diplomacy and the effects of foreign service. Furthermore, each bureau is different, offering a range of learning experiences that bring the individual parts of the Department’s needs into a show of fluidity in the well-oiled machine once all the parts move together. We may not see it directly, but each thing that we do has an affect on someone else’s work, and can influence positively or negatively the information that is shared and passed along. The amount of networking needed to perform this type of job is paramount to other examples that one may have found themselves previously doing. These networking events, seminars, talks, hostings, meetings, and other seemingly nonchalant get-togethers are all important in building a rapport, and an insight to those around you. You will never know in your career when you may need to rely on someone- so it is important to prioritize your image and ensure that your ability to connect to others and make conversation is honed and respected.

Night Life

Outside of work is when most of the delinquency happens. Obviously after a long work-week, some of us interns like to have some de-stressing opportunities. DC is full nightlife ranging all the way from simple sit-down bars, to clubs filled with hundreds of people. It is essential to know what you’re trying to get yourself into first before going out, as not only could you get yourself lost, but also racking up quite an extraordinary bill on the way there and back.

Preparing for this type of life is required before just expecting that these bars and clubs are going to be convenient for the purpose of partying. For reference, two Moscow mules brought me back $28.50, plus tip so I ended up with a very hefty realization that I was no longer in Florida, and you might possible bring yourself to near bankruptcy with a not-so-careful debit or credit card. That being said, it is still an incredible experience if you take the necessary monetary precautions to do a little pre-gaming before the club by getting some alcohol at a local liquor store; this will save you tons in the long run. Alternatively, you could do the classic “Happy Hour” at a local bar that you enjoy- typically between the hours of 3-7pm depending on where you’re at.

A couple nights now we, the internship squad, have found ourselves to be waiting in the line outside of Decades here in DC to enjoy the night. A bar with 4 stories worth of clubs is filled to the brim with people from all over the world, drinking and dancing to styles of music bringing all walks of life together- now that’s a DC dream. The bar has been great for the nights that we’ve gone out. The experiences so far have been fulfilling and enjoyable for so many reasons. 

I’m happy to be spending this time with the companions of my journey here at the State Department, and make my way around the city as I continue to learn and thrive. It has been a pleasure for me to be here, and an honor that through this medium, I am able to share my experiences one page at a time.