U.S. State Department Diplomat in Residence for the Midwest Melissa Martinez poses for portrait in the Pomerantz Career Center on Monday, Jan. 29, 2018. Martinez held office hours to meet informally with students for State Department opportunities, before giving a presentation from 7-8 p.m. in the Pappajohn Business Building. (Lily Smith/The Daily Iowan)
By Hannah Rakofsky, The Daily Iowan
The diplomat-in-residence for the Midwest visited the University of Iowa on Monday to talk to students who are interested in pursuing fields in the State Department.
Melissa Martinez, a media and communications professional, has worked in the Foreign Service as a public diplomacy officer for 15 years.
According to a UI International Programs press release, “In addition to her work as a diplomat-in-residence, Martinez served as the deputy press attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City. Martinez is also the director of the Media Hub of the Americas for Latin American and Caribbean media based in Florida.”
Angi McKie, the director of Career Center operations, emphasized the importance of Martinez’s visit.
“In general, I think that anytime that the university can provide a way for students to explore career paths and learn about employment opportunities without even leaving the campus — such is the case for Ms. Martinez — is a win for everyone,” McKie said.
McKie stressed the importance of learning from a professional.
“Students can learn from someone who has had diplomatic experience around the globe and learn how that can apply to their own career interests,” she said.