This summer I had the incredible opportunity to work with the U.S. Department of State in the Office of Iranian Affairs. The U.S Department of State leads U.S. foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy and assistance. Throughout the ten weeks, I rotated across offices to support the political, economic, consular and public diplomacy sections.

The GHD program was critical to the formation of my appreciation of the role of the public sector within the development context. The coursework also provided me with skills to effectively contribute to the economic and political work at my office. For example, the Political Economy of Development course and the Economics of Development courses enabled me to comprehensively understand the impacts of the government in trade relations, investment, and creating an inclusive economic environment. On several occasions, I was able to reference topics from class to offer informed opinions or effectively frame research for the office.