Sergio Fontanez, MA International Affairs, #WeAreElliott Current Student
Sergio Fontanez graduated from Central Connecticut State University with bachelor’s degrees in History and Mathematics. After college, Sergio spent six years in the military, during which he spent one year deployed to Afghanistan helping create a self-sustaining Afghan Air Force. After separating from the Air Force, he decided to pursue a dual law (JD) and MA degree in International Affairs with a concentration in International Law and Organizations at the Elliott School. He has been a Pathways Intern with the U.S. Department of State since 2016 and hopes to become a Foreign Service Office after graduating. In his free time, you can find him at a movie theater!
Where do you currently work, intern or volunteer, and how does it fit in with your career goals?
Currently, I am a Pathways Intern in the Bureau of Intelligence and Research at the U.S. Department of State. It fits perfectly with my current career goal, becoming a Foreign Service Officer.
What classes/professional skills courses have you found most helpful in your work/intern/volunteer experiences and how have they been useful?
All of the courses I have taken have contributed to the overall skill of critical analysis. Critical Analysis is one of the most useful skills you can have at the Department of State. Courses at GW have taught me to read something and not only understand what they are saying, but what it means on a global stage. Applying your knowledge on a macro scale is something that the Elliott School does a great job teaching in all their classes.
What advice do you have for first year students who are starting their internship/work experience search?
Be bold. Talk to people. Seek information. A lot of Washington D.C. is talking to people and building relationships. If you take the time to cultivate relationships, they will lead to great opportunities.
Best hidden talent?
I am the best whistler you will ever meet. I’m still looking for three people to fill my whistling quartet.
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The #WeAreElliott profile series is managed by the Elliott School Office of Graduate Admissions and highlights current students to answer common questions posed by prospective, incoming, and current students. For more information on this series or to submit questions, e-mail the Office of Graduate Admissions at esiagrad@gwu.edu.
The views expressed by students profiled do not necessarily represent those of organizations they work for, are affiliated with, or the Elliott School of International Affairs.
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