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Working for the Department of Defense in Washington, D.C. was the highlight of Delanie Froystad’s degree in international relations. Through the Centre for International Students & Study Abroad, Froystad participated in a four-month work term at the Canadian Embassy, which culminated in an additional three-month contract as the assistant in media relations for the Military Affairs office.
“Internationalizing my degree is the most important thing I have done to ensure I get towork in the area of security and communications,” says Froystad, who recently completed her Bachelor’s degree in international relations.
During her work term, Froystad was able to speak candidly with members of the Canadian Security Intelligence Services, Naval Intelligence, National Geospatial Intelligence Agency and the Terrorism Research Center about the importance of information and communication in combating today’s strategic threats.
“Each of these contacts provided me with a different view about the most important aspects of security work, as well as insightful advice about how to proceed with my career goals,” says Froystad.
The work term provided Froystad with the opportunity to experience the complex layers of Canada/U.S. relations, study the NAFTA agreement, and learn how Washington functions politically and professionally. Through her work in public affairs, Froystad learned to do media relations, website management, event organization, and a wide range of practical communications skills.
“This real-world experience made me more employable,” says Froystad. “One of the best benefits was that it made me more adaptable. I now know how to work with strangers, how to conduct myself in an office, how to work with and amongst decision-makers each with different leadership styles. Not only does this look good on my resume, but it taught me how to function in a different way – the way I’ll have to, to get the job I really want.
“So much that we learn from textbooks is about how things have been done in the past,” says Froystad. “But until you get out there and actually experience how policies are implemented, see influencers in action, and participate in the discussions – you don’t really understand how it all works. I was very lucky to have had that opportunity. And I plan to use it going forward.”
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