Gabe Iglesia ’16, who majored in Political Economy at Antioch, has been working for the U.S. State Department for four and a half years (two of which were with the Foreign Service). He has had the opportunity to work for five U.S. Ambassadors, work in three U.S. embassies, support one Secretary of State visit, volunteer as an accredited election observer in two countries, and represent the United States abroad 24/7. Read our Q&A on the highs and lows of serving as a diplomat, including Gabe’s advice for students who are thinking of pursuing a path to diplomacy.
Was a career in Diplomacy always the dream?
With the goal of becoming a Diplomat in mind, was studying at Antioch an easy decision?
What are some of the difficulties that come with the job?
“The Foreign Service requires us to serve in very difficult hardship assignments – some of the toughest and most dangerous places in the world. Some have to serve in places where they can’t bring their families with them. And it is not at all uncommon for folks to miss key occasions back home because of service obligations that prevent them from traveling back to the United States, including weddings, graduations, funerals, and other events with loved ones. Remember that a majority of diplomats aren’t serving in Europe!”
How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted your work as a Diplomat?
“Like most industries and businesses, diplomats have had to adapt to the era of social distancing, teleworking, and virtual interactions. This is a particular challenge in a field that critically depends on face-to-face interactions. For most of my colleagues who interact on a regular basis with interlocutors outside the embassy, the pandemic makes these interactions more difficult. This forces us to come up with creative ways to continue maintaining our relationships while also protecting the health and safety of the local community.”
Was there a class at Antioch College, or perhaps a teacher, in retrospect, that helped shaped your career the most?
What advice would you give for current students pursuing your path?