U.S. ambassador speaks to students about foreign service, working abroad

May 10, 2011

A U.S. ambassador to an African nation recently spoke to students at the University of Northern Iowa about working abroad. Cedar Falls, Iowa native and University of Iowa graduate Ronald McMullen is the ambassador to Eritrea, which is in the Horn of Africa and borders the Red Sea. He spoke with students about what foreign service means to him and what it could potentially mean to them, according to the Northern Iowan, a student newspaper.

McMullen mostly gave specific advice to those seeking to join the foreign service but much of it can be applied to everyone who is thinking about working abroad. According to McMullen, those interested in working around the world need “an exploring gene.”“You need to be excited at the prospect of living around the world and seeing the world,” he told people at the event, which was sponsored by the University of Northern Iowa’s Career Services.

McMullen also shared some of his experiences of working around the globe, which included touring South Africa’s Robben Island with Nelson Mandela, who was imprisoned there for more than two decades, reports the news source.

Robyn Odegard, a senior who is majoring in Spanish and global studies at the University of Iowa, said that he enjoyed listening to McMullen and thought that the event was informative. “I’m very interested in working in the foreign service. It was very informative to have someone come in to give us personal insight on how to be successful in that field,” he told the school newspaper.

Young people in America don’t have to become diplomats in order to work abroad, however. Working abroad can be made much simpler by applying with a cultural exchange organization, which can connect students and young people to a variety of work or volunteer placements around the world and assist with travel and visa arrangements.

International work opportunities expose young Americans to invaluable cultural exchange experiences and can also make them a more attractive on the job market. As globalization continues to pick up around the world, many businesses are looking for candidates that have the international experience that will help them when dealing with customers around the world. In addition, working abroad can show potential employers that applicants have the initiative and motivation to enhance their skills by gaining a better understanding of the world around them.