Leah
Attending:
University of Illinois
Class Year:
5
About me
During my two internships at the Department of State, I have had a lot of experience writing concisely on complex political issues from chemical weapons to water pollution in south China. I wrote an article on the department’s work in Libya that will be published in State Magazine as the September feature article. I also drafted memos for the Ambassador to China, and the Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control. Especially during my time at the office of Strategic Communications and Outreach, I had many opportunities to practice pointed analytical writing.
In addition, the Department of State’s editorial process taught me a lot about giving and receiving writing critiques. Sometimes one memo I wrote would have to pass through as many as 5 to 10 reviewers before it was approved. I was also responsible for reviewing and editing material from other offices to clear it for publication. Unfortunately I can’t provide samples of the memos I wrote due to security concerns, and my article won’t be publicly available till September.