US State Dept Virtual Student Foreign Service Program

[OregonGal]

Hi fellow GradCafers,

I'm guessing more than a few of you were one of the 1245 besides myself who applied for e-internships with this year's VSFS program. I was wondering if anyone on the Cafe went through this process last year, and how that worked out with the application process, interview process, and how the remote communication/supervision went for you. Also, do you feel you benefited from the program in terms of career impact (foot in the door? Good LOR? the Holy Grail of an upon graduation job offer?).

In case anyone wants to scope out how relatively competitive their chosen positions are (I'm sure there were some positions more popular than others), I applied to DOS-6, DOS-1, and DOS-37.

[Authorization]

Did you end up being accepted to any positions? I'm applying for VSFS positions with DOS, FEMA and The Smithsonian this year. 

 

If you did end up with a position, what advice would you have for someone else who is applying? 

[Swedishcoffee]

I had a VSFS internship back in 2011. It was a good experience. I don't remember a lot of the specifics of the application experience, but I got the gig, and my role was to run social media for one of the embassies. I also facilitated a contest they were hosting and did some minor research stuff. The FSO with whom I worked was quick in communication with me, but not being there in the embassy with them meant that I didn't form good relationships with anyone outside of the FSO to whom I reported. Also, having never met her in person and coordinating almost solely via email meant that even my relationship with her was not half as close as the relationships I formed at other in-person internships.

That being said, I still think it was a good experience. I learned a lot more about how embassies and how the State Dept worked, I learned more about the country's culture, I further honed my communication and PR skills, etc. I also think "U.S. State Department" looks good on my resume.

I honestly don't remember much about the application process, but of the experience itself, I would say that an in-person State Dept internship would be better for building your network. If that's not possible, though, for time/money constraints (as was the case with me), the VSFS is still worth your time.

[Authorization]

Thank you, swedishcoffee! 

 

I've submitted my application and am hoping to be interviewed for a position. There are definitely time/money/travel constraints that would prevent me from realistically pursuing a non-virtual internship with any of the agencies I applied for projects with, but I'm hoping that I can gain some valuable experience and successfully network from the VSFS program. 

[jennalyn]

I'm wanting to apply too, but does it say anywhere when the e-internships actually start? 

[Authorization]

Just heard back about the Virtual Student Foreign Service position I applied for! Got an interview and an offer. I'm pretty happy about this.