Baruch College Alum Wins Rangel Fellowship to Become a U.S. Diplomat
January 28, 2021
The first step towards fulfilling his dream of a career in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State is coming true for Baruch College alum Hermanoschy Bernard, who was selected as a 2021 Charles B. Rangel Fellowship recipient.
Bernard (’19), a Haitian who immigrated to the United States with his family in 2007, received his Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs from Baruch College’s Marxe School of Public and International Affairs. This summer, he will embark on the rigorous two-year fellowship, which includes a master’s degree in an area of relevance to the Foreign Service, extensive professional development opportunities, internships, mentors, and skills training.
Upon successful completion of the program, Bernard will become a U.S. diplomat in summer 2023, embarking on one of the most challenging and rewarding careers of service to his country. He will work to advance U.S. interests, protect American citizens, and promote peace and prosperity around the world.
Bernard said “the most challenging part of the selection process was digging deep to uncover my ‘why’ for pursuing a career in the Foreign Service. However, after reflecting on my childhood experiences in Haiti, immigrating to the United States and travel abroad experience to Chiang Mai, Thailand, I came up to the realization that this was the career that I have dreamed of ever since I first interacted with a Diplomat at a U.S. Embassy in Haiti.”
The U.S. Department of State funds the highly competitive Rangel Graduate Fellowship, administered by Howard University.
Through the Rangel Fellowship Program, Bernard will intern with a Congress member on issues related to foreign affairs in summer 2021. A year later, the U.S. Department of State will send him overseas to intern in a U.S. Embassy or Consulate to get hands-on experience in foreign policy.
“While interning in Congress I most look forward to building connections with leaders in Foreign Policy and gaining political exposure that will provide invaluable skills and perspective,” Bernard said. “Interning abroad, I hope to develop skills in diplomacy and expand my foreign language skills while immersing myself into the local culture. The Rangel Fellowship will give me the exposure and opportunity to excel as a Foreign Officer by providing me with a mentor in the Foreign Service and guidance on how to navigate the process.”
Inspired by Baruch Professors, Mentors and Opportunities
Bernard has excelled in his academic studies and career opportunities despite the difficult challenges low-income immigrants face when coming to the United States.
While studying at Baruch College, he interned at several nonprofit organizations including Enterprise Community Partners and the Ford Foundation. He also was an intern for Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan in the New York State Legislature.
Bernard attributes his success at Baruch by participating as a UBS Sponsors for Educational Opportunity Scholar, part of the UBS NextGen Leaders Program. Bernard was also a New York City Urban Fellow for 2019-20, and worked at the New York City Economic Development Corporation’s Planning Department.
“Baruch College has given me opportunities to explore all aspects of public service, from nonprofit to government internship and full time experiences,” Bernard stated. “Baruch provided me with the tools and insight to succeed in these roles. Many of my professors and mentors at Baruch were distinguished public service leaders in New York City, and their experiences yielded unique insights in the classroom which have led me to my successful acceptance into these numerous great professional avenues.”
Advising Support for Students Awards
Baruch College’s Office of National & Prestigious Fellowships Advising helps students through the essential steps of applying for fellowships and scholarships, including writing proposals. In addition to the Rangel, Baruch students have received in recent years Fulbright Fellowships, Critical Language Scholarships, Jeannette K. Watson Fellowships, among others.
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