The Role of Public Service in Shaping Future Leaders: A Closer Look at the Robertson Fellows
On September 13, 2024, Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs welcomed two new Robertson Foundation Government Scholarship recipients, Julia Liebell-McLean and Mael-Sanh Perrier. Driven by a shared interest in international travel and public service, these graduate students are pursuing dual master’s degrees in Public Administration and International Relations. Liebell-McLean spent 18 months living in Saint-Louis, Senegal, as a Fulbright Scholar and English teacher, while Perrier interned in France, participated in humanitarian efforts in Haiti, and taught French and English in Vietnam. The Robertson Scholarship is one of the most generous and prestigious awards offered by the Maxwell School, covering two years of tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and assistance in securing summer internships. In return, recipients must work for the U.S. federal government for three years within seven years of graduation. Since its inception in 2010, the program has funded 39 students, including Liebell-McLean and Perrier.
Liebell-McLean hails from New Jersey and graduated in 2022 from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service with a Bachelor’s degree in Culture and Politics, along with minors in French and Francophone Studies and African Studies. During her studies, she interned remotely with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs, where she wrote activity reports and biographies for foreign dignitaries and assisted senior diplomats with travel arrangements. Her experience in Senegal further fueled her interest in international affairs, and she aspires to work for the U.S. State Department as a diplomat, focusing on diplomacy, security studies, and West and Central Africa.
Perrier, originally from the United Kingdom and raised in New York City, took a gap year after high school to travel through France, Vietnam, and China while studying martial arts. He later attended the Georgia Institute of Technology (2024 USNews Ranking: 33) and spent three years in the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). Perrier interned with the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations and served as a strategic partnerships intern for the City of Atlanta. In 2021, he joined AmeriCorps as a full-time teaching assistant, helping children develop healthy coping skills, and worked with the international humanitarian organization Team Rubicon to assist in emergency management efforts following the earthquake in Haiti. He graduated in December 2023 with a Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering, minoring in Middle Eastern and North African Studies, and hopes to work in homeland security to help vulnerable communities build emergency management capacity.
The experiences and backgrounds of these scholarship recipients showcase their passion for public service and their deep understanding of international affairs, reflecting Syracuse University’s commitment to cultivating future leaders in public service.
The Impact of the Robertson Foundation Government Scholarship
The Robertson Foundation Government Scholarship is not just a financial aid program; it is a transformative opportunity that shapes the careers of its recipients. By providing comprehensive support, including tuition, living expenses, and internship assistance, the scholarship enables students to focus on their studies and gain valuable real-world experience in public service. This model is essential in a time when the demand for skilled professionals in government and public administration is on the rise.
The scholarship’s requirement for recipients to work in the federal government for three years post-graduation ensures that the investment made by the Robertson Foundation yields tangible benefits for the public sector. This commitment to public service is crucial, especially as the U.S. faces complex challenges that require innovative solutions and dedicated leadership.
Moreover, the scholarship fosters a sense of community among its recipients, creating a network of like-minded individuals who share a commitment to public service. This network can be invaluable as graduates navigate their careers, providing mentorship, collaboration opportunities, and support in their endeavors.
The Role of International Experiences in Shaping Public Administration and International Relations Students
Liebell-McLean and Perrier’s international experiences are not just personal milestones; they are integral to their professional development in public administration and international relations. Exposure to different cultures, languages, and political systems equips students with a broader perspective and a deeper understanding of global issues.
For instance, Liebell-McLean’s time in Senegal allowed her to engage with local communities, understand their challenges, and appreciate the nuances of international diplomacy. Such experiences are essential for future diplomats and public servants, as they foster empathy and cultural competence—skills that are increasingly important in a globalized world.
Similarly, Perrier’s humanitarian work in Haiti and teaching experiences in Vietnam have provided him with firsthand knowledge of the complexities involved in emergency management and community resilience. These insights are invaluable for anyone looking to work in homeland security or disaster response, as they highlight the importance of understanding local contexts and building trust within communities.
The Significance of Public Service Internships in Graduate Education
Internships play a critical role in graduate education, particularly in fields like public administration and international relations. They provide students with the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings, develop professional skills, and build networks within their chosen fields.
The recent establishment of two $1 million endowments by the Public Service Education Institute at Virginia Tech to support student internships underscores the importance of these experiences. These funds will primarily benefit students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences but will also support students across various disciplines. By alleviating the financial burden associated with internships, these endowments enable more students to pursue valuable opportunities that can shape their careers.
Internships not only enhance students’ resumes but also allow them to gain insights into the workings of government agencies and non-profit organizations. This exposure is crucial for understanding the challenges and opportunities within the public sector, ultimately preparing students for successful careers in public service.
The Influence of Cultural and Political Studies on Diplomatic Careers
The intersection of cultural studies and international relations is increasingly relevant in today’s global landscape. As demonstrated by the work of Professor Brandon Valeriano at Seton Hall University, understanding the role of popular culture in shaping political discourse can provide valuable insights for aspiring diplomats.
Valeriano’s research on the influence of cultural icons, such as Taylor Swift, highlights the potential for popular figures to engage young voters and impact political outcomes. This understanding of soft power—how culture can influence international relations—can be a powerful tool for future diplomats as they navigate complex political environments.
By integrating cultural studies into their education, students can develop a more nuanced understanding of the factors that shape public opinion and political behavior. This knowledge is essential for effective diplomacy, as it allows diplomats to craft messages that resonate with diverse audiences and foster cross-cultural understanding.
The Importance of Emergency Management in Humanitarian Efforts and Community Resilience
As the world faces increasing natural and man-made disasters, the importance of emergency management in humanitarian efforts cannot be overstated. The recent report by the European Commission on disaster risk management emphasizes the need for effective policies and measures to address these challenges.
In the U.S., universities like Syracuse University and Virginia Tech are preparing the next generation of leaders to tackle these issues through their public administration and international relations programs. By emphasizing the importance of emergency management and community resilience, these programs equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to respond effectively to crises.
Moreover, the integration of emergency management into public service education reflects a growing recognition of the interconnectedness of global challenges. As students like Liebell-McLean and Perrier pursue careers in public service, their understanding of emergency management will be crucial in building resilient communities and addressing the root causes of humanitarian crises.
Conclusion
The experiences of Julia Liebell-McLean and Mael-Sanh Perrier as Robertson Foundation Government Scholarship recipients exemplify the transformative power of public service education. Through their international experiences, commitment to public service, and the support of programs like the Robertson Scholarship, these students are well-equipped to become future leaders in government and humanitarian efforts.
As U.S. colleges and universities continue to emphasize the importance of public service, internships, and cultural studies, they are fostering a new generation of professionals who are prepared to tackle the complex challenges facing our world. By investing in the education and development of these students, we are not only shaping their futures but also the future of public service in the United States.
References
- Syracuse University: “Robertson Fellows Bring Extensive Travel Experience, Shared Interest in Public Service” link
- Virginia Commonwealth University: “Celebrating the Legacy of Gov. L. Douglas Wilder” link
- James Madison University: “Political Currents: May 2024” link
- Virginia Tech: “Virginia Tech Receives $2 Million Endowment for Student Internships” link
- Seton Hall University: “Can Taylor Swift Sway the Presidential Election?” link
- European Commission: “European Disaster Risk Management” link