This article is part of The Next Step series. While the four years at VMI are designed for cadets to push themselves academically, physically, and mentally to tackle the demands of life at a premiere military college, they also prepare cadets for life after graduation. Whether that life be one in the military or one in the private sector, VMI faculty and staff provide guidance to cadets along their journeys. One department specifically dedicated to that endeavor of post-Institute success is the Office of Career Services. In The Next Step series, we sat down with cadets preparing to enter the workforce after graduation, as well as those still in the midst of their cadetship preparing for internships over the summer. 

LEXINGTON, Va. July 27, 2023 — Andrew Weston ’24 said he was inspired to dive into the diplomatic world thanks to his father. He also credits his interest in history and international studies to him. It also wasn’t until he had participated in Model United Nations that he found an interest in learning, understanding, debating, and the compromising environment of diplomacy in general.  

“The diplomatic world really allowed me to apply my interests in a way that would allow me to live a fulfilling and open-minded lifestyle amongst other countries I wanted to continue into the future,” he said.  

The international studies major and national security minor from Staunton, Virginia, will be interning this summer at the Summer Diplomatic Academy through the Washington International Diplomatic Academy.

He researched several different internships involving think tanks and national security organizations, but none really caught his eye.  

“None of them were really what I was looking for and conflicted with other obligations I had during the summer,” he said. 

Col. Spencer D. Bakich, professor in the Department of International Studies and Political Science, recommended Weston to seek out the Summer Diplomatic Academy.  

“This caught my attention immediately since I had interests of joining the diplomatic community in the future, it was similar to clubs and organizations I had been a part of in the past, and due to living in a diplomatic environment through my father's career as a foreign area officer,” he said. “With the Summer Diplomatic Academy offering an insight into the inner workings of the diplomatic community, I was hooked immediately.” 

The top reason he applied for the internship was to gain valuable experience in a potential career path and learn more about his interests outside of the classrooms at VMI. He said enrolling in the national security minor provided the perfect opportunity for him to apply.  

During his internship, he will work alongside other students from around the globe. He will also be working with career diplomats, who will introduce him to the inner workings of the diplomatic community and how to best approach world issues and international relations. The internship will also allow Weston to take classes and work on projects with other students.  

“Career diplomats will be there to mold us into the next generation of American diplomats through passing down their experiences and expertise in international diplomacy,” he said.  

Weston credits VMI in developing and preparing him for life outside of the barracks walls.  

“Stress and time management have been critical to gaining an upper hand in situations outside of VMI, which in turn has developed my confidence in my abilities that I get to exhibit outside of VMI in my work or interactions with others,” he said. “The overall professionalism consistently pushed by VMI has not and will not fail to keep me prepared in the coming future, with many from high-ranking officers to company managers commenting on the professionalism I learned to exhibit here at VMI.” 

In 10 years, Weston hopes to have a career in the U.S. Army as an Army aviator, looking to transition to a career path related to diplomacy. 

“Whether through the military's FAO Program or through other government bodies such as the State Department, I see myself beginning a new chapter in my professional life in the diplomatic arena and working closely with American allies and Foreign governments to further the interests of peace and cooperation,” he said. 

Laura Peters Shapiro
Photos by Kelly Nye
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE