Foreign service

“My Lewis & Clark overseas study in China and domestic study in Washington, D.C, seduced me to a life of working abroad and being at the forefront of U.S. foreign policy,” says Steven Chan ’98. Combined with his liberal arts education and a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University in international relations and development economics, these two experiences prepared him well for his position as economic and trade officer with the World Trade Organization Unit at the U.S. embassy in Beijing.

“The ability to think independently, creatively, and critically is invaluable as a foreign service officer. I must quickly synthesize the information I collect and provide analysis to policy makers in Washington. There is no room for error. One must be able to read in between, underneath, and behind the words.”

From his time at Lewis & Clark, Steven credits his small classes, close contact with professors, opportunities to work with classmates on projects, and expertise from the staff of the Writing Center as ingredients to his success. “When I write reports and speeches for the ambassador, I still keep advice from the Writing Center fresh in my mind.”