The State Department has selected 15 college students for this year’s Foreign Affairs Information Technology fellowships, providing scholarships and eventual postings at the State Department. Astrid Tagne from the University of Maryland, a member of this year’s cohort, recently discussed the program with IT recruiter Orienta Huger on the Federal Drive with Tom Temin. The FAIT program aims to attract outstanding students to careers in diplomatic technology, with a focus on IT skills in support of diplomacy. Applicants must be US citizens enrolled in IT-related degree programs and commit to a five-year service abroad after completion of the fellowship. The program covers tuition, room and board, books, fees, travel expenses, and provides mentoring and professional development opportunities.
Astrid Tagne, a first-generation American originally from Cameroon, expressed her interest in diplomacy and technology, citing her passion for connecting with people from different cultures. As a member of the program, she looks forward to exploring how technology is implemented in other countries and hopes to work as a diplomatic Technology Officer overseas. Tagne, who speaks French and Spanish, also shared her hobbies of weightlifting and sewing, which she sees as ways to connect with others and maintain a sense of community.
Despite initially pursuing a career in medicine, Tagne discovered her interest in information technology through a summer program in 2021, where she learned coding and robotics. She emphasized the importance of exploring new challenges and opportunities in the field of information technology. Overall, the FAIT program provides students like Tagne with a unique opportunity to blend technology and diplomacy while fostering cultural connections on a global scale.
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