Stories, Experiences, & Advice
Student Blog
Our blog posts are written by Penn students for Penn students, to share tips and strategies for success in Washington. This is a new project for us; scroll down for State Department, Networking, and FGLI advice, and remember to subscribe to our weekly newsletter for new blog series announcements.
STATE DEPARTMENT INTERNSHIP SERIES
4. State Department Help
When I reached out to Dr. Martinez for help with the statement of interest, I honestly did not expect for Dr. Martinez to then put me in touch with a senior foreign officer at the State Department. As these things tend to go, I waited until less than two weeks before...
5. State Department Callbacks
After submitting my application, all I could do was wait. According to the instructions, the State Department would notify applicants if a bureau was interested in interviewing you by July 19th, which happened to be a Friday. Coincidentally, I had scheduled my flight...
6. Choices and Decision Time
On Monday, the weekend after my interview with the Central Europe Office, I had the interview with the Policy Office. The same day, the Policy Officer offered me a position at the office and gave me a liberal singular day to decide. Now, I was in quite a predicament....
NETWORKING SERIES
Tip #3: What “About” Me?
Quick review from last week in case you missed it! You’ve got a unique story to tell. Your goal is to show you’re interesting and memorable. Others (alums, profs, Career Services) want to help you craft that story if you’re stuck. There are lots of reasons someone...
Tip #4: “Happy Holidays” Emails Aren’t Just for Granny: How to Write a Cold Email That’ll Warm Someone’s Heart
Here’s a quick recap from last week: Lots of people look at your LinkedIn “About.” Your “About” should include who you are, what you study, what you enjoy,and why you do what you do. Have a trusted person proofread your “About.” Cold emails, especially in the digital...
Tip #5: Zooming Through Digital Interviews
A quick summary of emailing tips: Answer Who, What, & When: Who are you? What are you interested in? When can you meet? In cold emails, be OVERT Original Very quick to respond Enthusiastic Respectful Thankful Now picture this: after emailing {dream alum},...
Navigating D.C. on a Budget Series
#4 – Suit & Tie
“Being dressed appropriately in the office shows that you are serious about the work your internship is doing. It also gives you a boost of confidence. There’s a reason why it’s called a power suit!” Melissa Cortes, S’ 2020 One of the bigger “Bills” in last week's...