CSU East Bay students attended an information session on Oct. 5 hosted by Diplomat in Residence Brooks Robinson of the U.S. Department of State, where career hopefuls aimed to absorb and learn from an experienced professional in such a competitive field.
An estimated 50 students congregated the Biella Room in the Library to hear the diplomat discuss her extensive experience in Africa and the Middle East and learn about internship and job opportunities available through the U.S. Department of State.
Citing her main objective to recruit and help students get a job in either Civil or Foreign Services, Robinson elaborated on the importance of serving your country in a job that brings both professional and personal fulfillment.

“It’s a great career,” said Robinson. “The work is challenging but it’s a wonderful privilege and an honor to have this career.”
As a diplomat resident at UC Berkeley with experience in the services since 1985, Robinson captivated the attendees with her many thrilling stories and experiences over seas.
Robinson intrigued the room with stories of a career that at many times also seems dangerous, albeit with many tumultuous events that diplomats encounter.
Yet Robinson assured students they are still able to lead normal lives, saying 90 percent of the places diplomats are sent to, are safe and areas where they can bring their families.
The diplomat listed many of the qualifications desired for someone who would be representing the United States government overseas, but stressing the desire for people who above all else are loyal and proud of their country.
“It’s not for everybody,” said Robinson. “A career of this magnitude, while exhilarating at its best, is not for everyone. You have to be dedicated and you have to really love what you do.”
“But if you have the adventure bug, and you have that travel bug and you love your country, I truly can’t think of a better job for you,” she said.
Robinson stressed the importance for students to maintain their grades while in school and build up their experiences before applying for a career position.
She stated the median age that is hired by the U.S. Department of State for Civil and Foreign Services as 30, mainly because they believe it takes “a little living and work experience to get in.”
Despite this, Robinson’s main objective was to recruit students for their internship positions, which they highly recommend for the apparent valuable skills they will attain.
She was constantly encouraging students to contact her personally and ask her for as much guidance as possible, as she said she wants them to each have a chance.
Robinson said they want students from different academic fields, and that the services are in no way limited to political science or international studies majors, who are generally the majority of applicants.
From liberal art students, psychology majors, engineers and writers, according to Robinson, “our country will benefit from every field in all of our endeavors globally.”
She said they recruit over 2,000 students for their internships each year, with half serving overseas in over 80 countries, creating a great opportunity for students to take advantage of.
“I came because I want a job that is exciting yet challenging,” said International Studies major Kate Gleeson. “This is a great opportunity to meet someone who has the kind of experience and knowledge on a field that I would be extremely lucky to even get a look at my resume.
“This is a kind of session more students should attend,” said Gleeson. “It’s hard to get jobs out there, and here we have a person who is willing to help us individually. That’s awesome.”
Robinson answered all questions directed towards her and made herself constantly available to students.
Praising them for taking an active role in their education and future by attending such session, Robinson ended the session by telling the attendees they have made an investment in their future and they should be proud of themselves for coming during their lunch breaks.
“You are the ones who will shape and manage policy for Americans all over the world,” she said.
“There is an enormous breadth of subject matter in this field, and if you feel you are ready to take on the responsibility and represent your country in the best way you possibly can, then you are what we are looking for,” continued Robinson.
Professor of Political Science Norman Bowen, who coordinated the event, said Robinson contacted the university for the presentation.
In an effort to supply students with as many career opportunities and choices as possible, especially in this economic climate, the school said they felt it was important and necessary for students.
“This is just the kind of thing we need for our school more often,” said Speech Pathology and Audiology major Zachariah Haigger. “We need opportunities for us to market ourselves as well as make contacts that will benefit it for the rest of our lives.”