A Binghamton University student was selected Saturday to serve as a federal service student ambassador through the non-profit Partnership for Public Service. This would bestow on her the responsibility of promoting federal government job and internship opportunities to other BU students.
Diane Wong, a junior double-majoring in Asian and Asian American Studies and political science, was one of 47 candidates chosen for the distinction out of 150 applicants. The candidates will serve 40 campuses nationwide, including Harvard, Yale and Stanford. According to Wong, BU is the only SUNY school on the list.
‘Each year we select a group of very high caliber students at undergraduate and graduate levels who were interns with federal agencies over the summer,’ said Tim McManus, vice president of education and outreach for the Partnership for Public Service.
To be qualified to apply for the position, a student must have previously interned with a federal agency in Washington, D.C. This past summer, Wong interned with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Additionally, the student must ‘demonstrate a commitment to public service, strong interpersonal and communication skills and active involvement in leadership and extracurricular activities,’ Wong said.
‘I seek to eliminate some of this mystery, confusion and misconceptions and explain the importance and benefits of serving America,’ she said.
Throughout the year, Wong plans events, meets with key faculty and staff members and spreads the word about public service.
‘I work closely with Binghamton University’s Career Development Center to put on workshops and events that help students find and apply to these federal government internships and jobs,’ Wong said.
According to McManus, selected students typically represent a broad cross section of America, from ‘public to private, big to small.’
‘After providing the student with extensive training, they then go back to their campuses and use their internship experience and training to promote federal service to their fellow peers,’ he said.
Wong explained that college students are often unaware of the career opportunities in the federal government. A statement from the Partnership for Public Service noted that ‘federal agencies have trouble attracting students because of a lack of knowledge about job opportunities and how to apply for them.’
Having students speak about their experiences can be more effective at times than having officials talk about their positions, McManus said.
According to McManus, ‘Wong’s position as a student ambassador ultimately serves as a great way to begin to make government positions cool for students when they see one of their own peers who had a great experience.’