"This fellowship will allow me to realize my ultimate career goal of joining the State Department as a Foreign Service Officer. Additionally, it will allow me to pursue a master's degree in international affairs or public policy without incurring a large amount of debt," Ham said.
Ham, who is pursuing a B.A. in political science and Middle Eastern studies, matriculated at GS after an extensive career as a professional ballet dancer with Ballet Arizona, a prominent ballet company in Phoenix, Arizona. Most recently, she completed an internship within the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs.
As part of the terms of the fellowship, Ham will complete two more internships with the U.S. Department of State after her graduation from GS—one in Washington, D.C. and one at an embassy overseas.
"These two internships will allow me to experience different bureaus, regions, and areas of focus within the State Department that are of interest to me," Ham said.
Ham’s anticipated graduation is May 2015.
According to the Pickering Fellowship website, fellows receive mentoring, professional development, and financial support as they prepare to enter the Foreign Service. The program will fund tuition and other expenses during students’ senior undergraduate year and the first year of graduate study. Upon the completion of their master’s degree, they commit to five years of service as a Foreign Service Officer.
Related Content
Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellows for 2014 Named
