Meet Our People
Ryan
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Regional Director Where did you attend school and what was your major? What is your current assignment? |
Where were your previous assignments?
I started as a Passport Specialist with the Washington Passport Agency in 1996. After completing several temporary consular assignments in Quito, Ecuador; Vancouver, Canada; and Managua, Nicaragua, I began a Foreign Service Excursion advancing visits for former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. From there, I joined the Customer Service Division of Passport Headquarters in 2000 as an Operations Officer. It was at this time that I completed my year-long leadership development program and long-term assignments as the Acting Political/Economic Chief at the U.S. Interest Section in Havana, Cuba. I've traveled to 30+ countries and worked with thousands of embassy and consulate employees all over the world.
Why did you pursue your first job at the Department of State as a Passport Specialist?
I have always admired consular work and being a Passport Specialist is an opportunity to serve on the front line for the American public. Consular Officers, whether overseas or across the country, all share a common goal: protect and serve American citizens. The skills gained in this position — negotiation, customer service, political awareness, crisis management and conflict management — are true cornerstones to career advancement.
Any advice for a Department of State newcomer?
Never stay in one organization or office for too long. Choose a position; do it exceptionally well. Learn, teach, make a mark and advance. The Department has more than 65 different bureaus and offices, and representation in approximately 150 countries. There is so much out there, and with hard work and determination, you can see a big portion of it. If you work hard and find good mentors, doors will open for you. You are in charge of your own career; with determination, excellent leadership skills, and tons of ambition, the opportunities at the Department of State are unlimited.
Barbara
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Post Management Officer Where are you from? What is your current assignment? Where were your previous assignments? |
What attracted you to the Civil Service?
I worked at the Home of the Surgeon General, which is called BUMED, the Bureau of Medicine. I would see different kinds of people walking into the office near by and I wondered what they do. They always seemed on the move! I found out that they worked for the State Department so I began to research career opportunities with State.
What is the most rewarding part of your Civil Service career?
I have traveled to Chad, Congo and Gabon. I have worked within my own sphere of influence and have seen the ripple effect. The work we do truly has a great effect on the world.
What do you enjoy most about your role in the Civil Service that you could not experience with
any other job?
In my job, I never know what's going to happen. When the phone rings, you don't know if it's overseas calling, somebody in the next office calling or whatever. I can say without any reservations it's the best job I ever had.
Sally
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Program Analyst Where are you from? What is your current assignment? |
Where were your previous assignments?
I started as an Intern at the U.S. Embassy in Berlin, Germany. I liked it so much and because I speak German, State offered me a translator position after the internship ended. I stayed in Germany for 5 years. Next, I was accepted into the Presidential Management Fellowship Program. I worked for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. I have since worked on a number of important issues from tackling organized crime to violence against women and human trafficking.
What languages do you speak?
German
What attracted you to the Civil Service?
I worked on a number of political, economic and intellectual property issues and I liked it — but I wanted something new. Once I was accepted into the Presidential Management Program, I wanted a new challenge. The Foreign Service was that challenge.
What is the most rewarding part of your Civil Service career?
Being a part of a rescue mission that saved hundreds of women from forced servitude in human trafficking. I am able to help countries all over the world — from finding resources to getting people the equipment they need — I feel that this is an extremely rewarding career.
What do you enjoy most about your role in the Civil Service that you could not experience with
any other job?
I love everything about my job! We work government to government, I meet with government officials, prosecutors, the ministry of justice, ministry of foreign affairs, ministry of interior folks and the list goes on. I would not have this opportunity in any other job.
