This webinar was recorded live on December 19, 2023 and is now available to watch on demand.

If you are thinking about applying for the Foreign Affairs Information Technology (FAIT) Fellowship program, this is a great opportunity to hear directly from four FAIT Fellows. At the time of this webinar recording, the position was Information Management Specialist (IMS). The newly announced career path of Diplomatic Technology Officer (DTO) reflects the evolving role of information technology professionals in the Foreign Service.

Three of the fellows on the panel are now in the Foreign Service working as Diplomatic Technology Officers (DTO) and one is a FAIT Fellow pursuing a master’s degree.

Hear these FAIT Fellows share their experiences and advice, and answer questions from the audience about the program. Watch this webinar to learn about:

  • Why they decided to pursue the FAIT Fellowship program
  • What was the most challenging part of the application process
  • What they did during their summer internships
  • What has been their most memorable experience so far
  • What single most important tip they have for students applying for the program
  • And much more!

Our panelists:

Jeremiah Azurin, FAIT Fellow alum from the 2018 cohort, is a Diplomatic Technology Officer. As a FAIT Fellow, he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science from Harvard University. He joined the Foreign Service as an Information Management Specialist in 2020, with his first post at the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. He is currently posted at the U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai, India.

Jacob Barr, FAIT Fellow alum from the 2020 cohort, is a Diplomatic Technology Officer. As a FAIT Fellow, Jacob earned his Master of Science in Data Science from Kent State University. He joined the Foreign Service as an Information Management Specialist in 2022, with his first post at the U.S. Embassy in Vienna, Austria.

Jacquetta Cook (2022 cohort) is a first-generation college student, holding a bachelor’s degree from Florida A&M University and an MBA from the University of Florida. She has traveled to the Dominican Republic and China, interned as a teacher at Ghana International School, and interned at the U.S. Embassy Windhoek in Namibia. As a FAIT Fellow, Jacquetta is pursuing a Master of Science in Information Technology at Florida State University.

Makenna Walsh, FAIT Fellow alum from the 2019 cohort, is a Diplomatic Technology Officer. As a FAIT Fellow, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at Loyola University Chicago. She joined the Foreign Service as an Information Management Specialist in 2021, with her first post at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.