Faculty Notes /news/faculty/242 Mon, 21 Jul 2025 07:52:09 +0000 Joomla! 1.5 - Open Source Content Management en-gb Ambassador Parker Borg: 10 Lessons Learned From a Career in the US Foreign Service /news/faculty/242-emanuel-castellarin/1277-ambassador-parker-borg-10-lessons-learned-from-a-career-in-the-us-foreign-service /news/faculty/242-emanuel-castellarin/1277-ambassador-parker-borg-10-lessons-learned-from-a-career-in-the-us-foreign-service Ambassador Parker BorgOn the occasion of one of ÀÏ˾»úÊÓÆµIRD's traditional Wine and Cheese evenings where faculty, students, alumni and guests gather to discuss topics of international affairs in an informal atmosphere, Ambassador Parker Borg shared his experience as a diplomat in the US Foreign Service and the lessons he learned from it:

  • One can make a difference even in the largest and most impersonal bureaucracy.

  • It is unnecessary to sell one's soul to have a productive and successful career.

  • Changing jobs regularly keeps one's spirit younger and one's mind more alert.

  • When possible, go for the risk of the unknown over the known.

  • Advancement comes more quickly at headquarters than in the field.

  • While the expertise is important, success comes faster from knowing procedures and getting along with people.

  • Never forget there are three important audiences: your bosses, your colleagues/subordinates, and your clients.

  • Defining in advance what will be a good job is impossible.

  • The best jobs are not the ones at the top.

  • Every place you work can become a fantastic experience if you are open to the possibilities.

  • Bonus point: if you have a family sharing an overseas adventure, find the time to ensure they profit from the experience.

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corentine.chaillet@ags.edu (Corentine Chaillet) Emanuel Castellarin Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:07:17 +0000