PA 509 Organizational Experience Profile: Toni Flitcraft

Toni Flitcraft
MPA 2009, Specialization in International Relations and Policy

MPA Classes:
International Relations (PS 530)
U.S. Foreign Policy (PS 505)
Global Leadership and Management
Public Relations and Public Affairs (PA 505)
National Policy Process
Public Contract Management
Operations Research

Toni completed her organizational experience project this past summer (2009) in Vienna, Austria at the U.S. Department of State's Office for Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

What did you do at the OSCE?
I worked on research for current issues, drafting interventions and briefings, and representing the U.S. as a short-term observer at Kyrgyzstan's 2009 Presidential Election.

What was your personal goal for choosing this project as the capstone to your MPA studies?
I've always been interested in the Foreign Service as a career. This was a great way to get a first-hand look at what life is like as a Foreign Service Officer.

How has participating in an internationally-focused organizational experience project helped you tie together your MPA experience?
I went into the MPA program with the goal of working for the State Department after graduation and I created a specialization which reflected that goal. So this was the perfect experience in which to end my educational program.

What do you see yourself doing in the next five to ten years?
Ideally I would like to be working for a public or non-profit organization with an international focus. I haven't given up on the idea of working as a Foreign Service Officer for the Department of State, but my experience at OSCE and my education at PSU have opened my eyes to the many different opportunities available.