Announcement of 2024 Pickering Fellowship recipient
On December 18, 2023, Ryan St. Jean ’24, a Syracuse University student majoring in international relations, was announced as one of the 45 recipients of the prestigious 2024 Thomas R. Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship. St. Jean was chosen from hundreds of candidates across the United States for this esteemed honor. As a Pickering Fellow, St. Jean will receive financial support, mentoring, and professional development opportunities to prepare for a career in the U.S. Department of State Foreign Service.
Purpose of the Pickering Fellowship
The Fellowship program, named after a highly respected U.S. diplomat, aims to foster a diverse group of future Foreign Service leaders by offering invaluable resources and guidance for its recipients. The U.S. Department of State funds the Pickering Fellowship, which is managed by the Washington Center. The fellowship offers a two-year program that includes financial support, mentorship, and professional development for those aiming to build careers in the Foreign Service.
Benefits of the Pickering Fellowship
Through this prestigious program, fellows gain valuable hands-on experience, working closely with experienced professionals in the field of diplomacy. Upon successful completion of the fellowship, graduates will be better prepared to tackle global challenges and serve as global peace ambassadors representing the United States in foreign countries.
Internship opportunities during the Fellowship
During the course of the Fellowship, participants undertake a domestic internship at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., as well as an international internship at a U.S. embassy. In both domestic and international internships, fellows gain valuable firsthand experience in various aspects of diplomacy, foreign policy, and international relations. This enables them to develop a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity on a global scale.
Selection of Ryan St. Jean for the Pickering Fellowship
St. Jean’s academic and professional background, which includes internships at the White House’s Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and Freedom House in New York City, played a significant role in his selection for this highly respected Fellowship.
Professional development and achievements of St. Jean
St. Jean’s impressive experience not only showcases his dedication and commitment to leadership and public service, but also demonstrates his keen ability to navigate complex political and social environments. As a result, he is expected to make significant contributions during his time as a Fellow, further strengthening both his own expertise and the value of the Fellowship program as a whole.
Inspiration behind St. Jean’s pursuit of a diplomatic career
St. Jean was inspired to pursue a diplomatic career by the diverse community he grew up in, located in the Bronx, New York. Coming from an array of multicultural backgrounds, the residents of the Bronx instilled in St. Jean an appreciation for different customs, traditions, and beliefs. As a result, he aspired to become a diplomat in order to bridge the gaps between various cultures, fostering understanding and unity amongst people from all walks of life.
Cultivating communication skills and cultural understanding
Various internship opportunities, study abroad programs, and campus activities such as serving as a peer mentor for international students have allowed him to develop his communication abilities and gain insights into dealing with cultural challenges. Throughout these diverse experiences, he has learned to adapt his communication style to better understand and connect with individuals from different backgrounds and cultures. As a result, these enriching encounters have not only broadened his perspective on global issues but have also equipped him with valuable interpersonal skills that can be applied in any professional setting.
Impact of the Pickering Fellowship on St. Jean’s future career
With the support of the Pickering Fellowship, St. Jean is now well-positioned for a successful career in the Foreign Service. St. Jean’s experience, coupled with the invaluable training provided by the Fellowship, will enable him to excel in his diplomatic duties across the globe. Moreover, this opportunity will inspire more young professionals to consider pursuing a career in the Foreign Service, ultimately contributing to stronger international relations and problem-solving.
First Reported on: syr.edu
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the 2024 Pickering Fellowship recipient from Syracuse University?
Ryan St. Jean ’24, an international relations major, is the recipient of the prestigious 2024 Thomas R. Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship.
What is the purpose of the Pickering Fellowship?
The Fellowship aims to foster diverse future Foreign Service leaders by offering invaluable resources, guidance, and professional development opportunities.
What benefits do Pickering Fellows receive?
Fellows gain hands-on experience through internships, mentorship, financial support, and professional development opportunities in preparation for a career in the U.S. Department of State Foreign Service.
What kind of internships do Pickering Fellows undertake?
Participants undertake a domestic internship at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. and an international internship at a U.S. embassy to gain valuable experience in diplomacy, foreign policy, and international relations.
What factors contributed to Ryan St. Jean’s selection for the Pickering Fellowship?
St. Jean’s academic and professional background, including internships at the White House’s Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and Freedom House in New York City, played a significant role in his selection for the Fellowship.
What inspired St. Jean to pursue a diplomatic career?
Growing up in a diverse community in the Bronx, New York, St. Jean was inspired by various customs, traditions, and beliefs, which has led him to pursue a career as a diplomat to bridge cultural gaps and foster understanding.
How has St. Jean cultivated communication skills and cultural understanding?
Through various internships, study abroad programs, and campus activities, St. Jean has developed his communication abilities and gained insights into dealing with cultural challenges, ultimately broadening his perspective on global issues and equipping him with valuable interpersonal skills.
What impact will the Pickering Fellowship have on St. Jean’s future career?
The support and training provided by the Fellowship will position St. Jean for a successful career in the Foreign Service, enabling him to excel in his diplomatic duties and inspire more young professionals to consider a career in the Foreign Service.
