Rangel Fellowship Winner Sahil Jain Reflects on the Application Process

Sahil Jain, a 2013 Syracuse University graduate with a degree in international relations, was recently named a 2016 Rangel Fellow. The competitive Rangel Fellowship funds two years of graduate study, mentorship, and internships in an area of study relevant to the work of the Foreign Service. Successful graduates from the Rangel Program receive appointments as a Foreign Service Officer, and commit a minimum of five years to the Foreign Service. The program encourages members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service and those with financial need to apply.

Sahil is an alumnus who currently lives and works in Washington, DC.  Through Skype calls, phone calls, and email, CFSA was able to work closely with him to help him prepare for the Rangel Fellowship interview.

CFSA asked Sahil about the fellowship and the application process.

How did you learn about the Rangel Fellowship and why did you choose to apply?

At SU, I took an “Intro to IR” class during my first semester with Dr. D’Amico. After my first class, I was hooked and almost obsessed with international affairs. After studying abroad in England and India back-to-back during my junior year, I did the Maxwell in DC program interning with the U.S. Department of State. While I was there, I learned that the Foreign Service was my dream job. I also learned about different pathways to enter the Foreign Service and the Rangel Fellowship was the most attractive. Two of my biggest personal goals are to attend a top-ranked school of international affairs and to join the U.S. Diplomatic Corps. The Rangel Fellowship put both of those goals into a nice package.

Did you learn anything about yourself during the application process?

The application process reaffirmed how passionate I felt about international affairs and public service.  I visualized representing the United States in a capacity that promotes our values and engaging in dialogue that could change the world for the greater good.  I thought about sitting behind the flag of the United States in multilateral meetings and knowing that I would be representing democracy and prosperity for the international community. You really can’t get any better than that.

What do you think made you a competitive candidate?

I honestly could not pinpoint exactly what made me competitive. I’ve been pinching myself every day to make sure this isn’t a dream.  However, I can say that I am passionate about diplomacy, serving my country, and making positive change.  Moreover, my experience with USAID, Department of State, and volunteer work demonstrates that I am dedicated to being a public servant not only to the United States but to my local community. I think that may have showed in my application and in my interview.

How will you use this award?

My lifetime career goal is to increase mutual understanding and relationships between the U.S. and the world. I’d like to help sponsor peace and prosperity as well as to work toward a global common good. I think there’s only one way to do that and that’s to join the U.S. Diplomatic Corps.  The Rangel Fellowship will give me the tools through the Elliot School (George Washington University) to help me achieve that.

What advice do you have to future Rangel and other competitive scholarship applicants?

I think the statement of interest is important to show your motivations for applying for the fellowship and identifying experiences that will make you successful at the State Department. Make sure to work with whomever is writing your recommendation letters to make a cohesive and organized application. I started and finished my application early. Then I stepped away from the application for about a week and looked at the entire package with an admissions counselor to make final changes before submitting.

You’ve made SU proud! What did you do when you first found out?

Thank you!  My mom called me about 10 times throughout the day to ask if I had found out. I think she was more nervous than I was. When I got the e-mail, I honestly thought it was a prank and could not believe it.  After I called my mother, there may have been dancing involved.  No matter how much you prepare, it is still hard to process the “my entire life is about to change” aspect of winning.