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[3man75]

So my friend is endorsing me to help me get into the state department as a intern. I won't get in because i have less than 60 credits BUT it's a great opportunity to make a good impression on a ambassador. So what better way to win said person over than to be curious right? Ask good questions?

Problem is i have nothing. Everything I've read is straight forward and i don't know what to really ask about except what he thinks about extracurricular activities. Anyone know anything i should know? This isn't a interview, more like a job fair also but yeah. Anyone have experiences with interviews that they'd like to share? This is my first one.

[Remuthra]

I'd suggest asking his opinions about the skills and techniques which make a good ambassador(?). Ask him what his trade secrets are. It simultaneously provides valuable information, shows interest, and implies that you consider him a good ambassador(?).

In addition, you could always ask for anecdotes.

[Truean]

This is an opportunity. Break it down.

What is it: A chance to talk to somebody on the inside who knows about organizational skills that can help you get again.
What is your goal(s):
a.) Get that knowledge
b.) Make a good impression for later hopefully.

You need to figure out beforehand what the state department does and how they go about doing it.
-Visas (the various types, F1, Student Etc)
-Foreign relations (Meetings and negotiations on various things from immigration to tarrifs to providing foreign aid and overseas citizen support).
-Research that the State department needs (How they familiarize themselves with foreign cultures etc, what tools they use, what computer programs "Lexis Nexis?" they use and who does that. Perhaps even ask to speak to that person or persons in other departments/job shadow)

-Employment requirements (It is a pain in the ass to get a government job like that. Express interest and ask how you as a diligent student can apply yourself to be considered for one).
-Skill requirements (Ask what skills he or she believes the department finds valuable and how you can build or already have built those skills).
-Laws and policies that guide and determine what the Department must do.

Here's the real trick: appearing confident and interested without looking like you're trying too hard on this one.
-It's got to be a pleasant enough experience for the person you're going to be around as much as it is for you. Easier said than done,but conversationally important.

[alamoes]

Yeah, personally, I'd have to meet the ambassador before I know whats up.  Pretty cool opportunity though. 

[3man75]

Met the guy and he seemed pretty relaxed. It seems though i may not be able to get the internship since mostly everyone seems to have like a 3.7 GPA and i have a 3.0 (struggling in math, who da thunk it right?) an the realists in my doubts if i'll be able to hold it or go up by the time i get 60 credits.

Thank you for your help.

[Truean]

Happy to help.

Listen, it's a good idea to send this man both a thank you email and a paper snail mail thank you note.

Don't bug the guy but tell him something like you appreciate the meeting and enjoyed talking to him. I don't know exactly what words you'd feel comfortable using but you get the drift.

It is important to keep a powerful person like that in your contacts. Send him a Christmas or holiday card every year. It might turn into something else, and it might not. That said, how many people can say they even met a freaking ambassador. (no question mark). This is that bullshit thing called networking that is surprisingly and sadly needed these days. If nothing else your parents will be impressed.

[3man75]

My mother never passed the third grade and cuba and my dad is...well meaning but simple minded.

I however, wish i had that guys email i've seen to have lost it...screw it.