Foreign Service Officer Perspectives (April 2021)

Foreign Service Officer Perspectives (April 2021)

Hear from three wonderful alumnae in different stages of their careers serving (or preparing to serve!) as Foreign Services Officers for the United States Department of State:

  • Sandra Chung '20 has been selected for the Rangel International Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program and will be heading to graduate school for international affairs in the fall. The Rangel will be funding Sandra's graduate degree, providing her with one summer internship on Capital Hill and one overseas at a U.S. embassy, and will give her a direct path to the Foreign Service after graduation.
  • Katie Judd '11 is a Foreign Service Officer who just days ago returned to the United States for home leave and language training after completing her first tour in Kingston, Jamaica. Her onward assignment is as a Public Affairs Officer in Pristina, Kosovo.
  • Claire Smolik '06 is a seasoned Foreign Service Officer who most recently headed the South Korea Unit at the Department of State. Claire’s overseas assignments included Berlin, Kabul, and Stockholm. She also served in the office covering NATO affairs and as a Watch Officer and Senior Watch Officer in the Department’s 24/7 Operations Center. Sandra, Katie, and Claire will each offer their unique perspective on why they chose this career path, the challenges and rewards of working in U.S. diplomacy, and their advice for undergraduates and recent alumnae who are considering Foreign Service careers. Our panelists are looking forward to engaging with the Wellesley community, so please bring any questions you have on this topic!