Daniel Buchman ’19, Foreign Service Officer, answers career related questions LGBTQ+ identifying students might have when seeking job opportunities
Peer Career Advisor (PCA) and Posse Scholar Zoey Ellis ’22 interviewed Daniel Buchman ’19 to answer common career related questions LGBTQ+ identifying students might have when seeking job opportunities.
The views expressed are the author’s and not necessarily those of the U.S. Government.
Zoey: What activities or student organizations were you involved in during college and how did they help you get to where you are today?
Daniel: I did a few different things. Three that stand out are debate, ResLife, and language tables. Debate was a stand-in for all the philosophy courses I still regret not taking. It helped me take apart arguments and speak persuasively. Those skills have served me in everything from job interviews to visa adjudications. ResLife taught me how to mediate conflicts and create spaces where people feel supported and willing to speak honesty — both skills I have used in my work already. As a language nerd, I loved serving at language tables, but when I became a manager, it was all logistics and not particularly fulfilling even though it felt like a promotion. I’d argue the same principle holds true for a lot of jobs. Sometimes the most gratifying work happens at lower levels, and a management role isn’t always a better deal.
Zoey: As a graduate who identifies as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Non-Binary, Gender Non-Conforming, Genderfluid, or Queer, what are some of the questions you suggest students should keep in mind when researching employers and applying to job opportunities?
Daniel: I’d say the most important thing is to ask the questions. Small red flags you notice early can easily become exhausting parts of your workday, so to the extent circumstances allow, try to avoid rushing into a job without doing your due diligence.
Beyond considering the mission of the organization you’re joining and its impact on other queer communities, I recommend asking folks inside the organization — apart from those interviewing you — about internal policies affecting queer employees. I’ve sent hundreds of LinkedIn messages to random strangers, and I’ve gotten the most responses when I mention from the get-go that I want to discuss being queer in their office. I ask all sorts of questions. Is there an employee affinity or resource group for queer employees? Does it have a track record of successfully advocating for its members, or is it just window dressing? Does the healthcare, if offered, cover gender-affirmation procedures? Are there many openly queer employees? Is parental leave offered for adoption or surrogacy? Even if you don’t see these questions applying to you directly, they can serve as a litmus test for the degree to which folks are comfortable with queerness within the organization.
Zoey: Would you suggest students consider to what extent they would like their career to incorporate their LGBTQ+ identity? Do you want your identity to have a major role, such as working for an LGBTQ+ advocacy group? Or expressed differently, like joining the LGBTQ+ affinity group for employees at an organization?
Daniel: Having my identity highlighted in my work wasn’t necessarily something I wanted, but it has become a big part of my job, and I’ve found that to be extremely rewarding.
Before this job, I was never really active in any queer orgs or queer advocacy. Now, I’m a diplomat, and I represent the United States. Being out and proud, wherever I am in the world, is integral to doing my job well. I show folks overseas from all walks of life that, in the United States, the gay son of Russian Jewish immigrants from South Brooklyn can go out and represent his country without hiding any part of who he is. At the same time, being queer means having a greater perspective on the more challenging aspects of U.S. society. Discussing those and our country’s other struggles honestly, empathetically, and with humility makes me a more credible interlocutor.
During her time as a national security advisor, Susan Rice said “think of the LGBT person in Bangladesh who knows that someone at the American embassy understands who she is… That is how we build bridges and deepen partnerships in an increasingly globalized world.” Reading that for the first time inspired me to become the Embassy’s representative of our LGBTQI+ employee affinity group. Today, my identity is absolutely central to my day-to-day professional life. It’s been one of the most rewarding parts of my time as a Foreign Service Officer and also the least expected.
Zoey: Could you recommend any career-related LGBTQ+ resources that helped you in the job search process?
Daniel: I think Facebook groups are an undervalued resource. There are groups for just about everything. Search or ask around for a Facebook group of queer professionals in whatever sector you want to join. It almost certainly exists and will give you access to an incredible network. Being queer has enabled me to build immediate connections with queer folks at even the highest levels of the State Department. It’s given me a network of mentors, friends, and supporters, which I would not have been able to access otherwise.
Zoey: Have you come out to your employer, and if so, when in the employment process and how?
Daniel: I started coming out on the first day of orientation. In the Foreign Service, your colleagues double as your second family away from home, so I wanted to build open and honest relationships with my colleagues right out of the gate.
I was in a relationship at the time, and I would drop it into casual conversation, e.g., “my boyfriend and I are planning a trip this weekend.” Outside of specific contexts, it’s always awkward to say “I’m queer!” I’ve always tried to have segues ready like “around the time I came out…”, “my ex-boyfriend introduced me to…”, “all my non-queer friends think…”, etc. Depending on the context, these can work at dinner parties, happy hours, job interviews, and water coolers.
I was really nervous during the hiring process and thought coming out would’ve added a layer of stress I wanted to avoid. In hindsight, I think having come out would’ve actually helped me. The State Department really values intercultural competence, and like a lot of queer folks, being queer taught me how to code-switch. Because my identity is perceived so differently depending on the places I go and the people I meet, I’ve become pretty good at knowing how to adjust my approach to interaction, depending on the cultural context. I didn’t say any of that in my interview and wish I did.
Zoey: What advice would you give your younger college self?
Daniel: Prepare to make mistakes — a lot of mistakes. At Midd, I was super high strung; perfection was the standard, and failure wasn’t an option. That was maybe sustainable, though definitely not healthy or helpful, when the bad grades that sent me on anxious spirals, thinking that I had ruined my future and would never amount to anything, came once every couple of months. Now, I mess up much more frequently. Not because I’ve become less competent, but because I have more responsibilities and thus more opportunities to drop the ball. I care about doing a good job. I’m a public servant, and how well I serve matters to me, but if I took every mistake as an indicator of my worth the way I did in college, I would be worse at my job—not better. So I’m working on being better at making mistakes, and I wish I had started learning that skill much earlier.
Zoey: Is there any other advice that you’d like to share with Middlebury students?
Daniel: Empathy and compassion are as much life skills as they are professional skills. Being kind to people, leveling with them, listening, working to understand others’ experiences, etc., aren’t just nice things to do, they will also make you better at your job. No one is perfect at them, and it takes a lifetime to get good. But college — during a pandemic that affects everyone differently — is as good a time as any to practice, so I’d recommend starting now.
If you would like to contact Daniel Buchman ’19, please reach out via Midd2Midd!
Chinese Language Interpretation/Translation Opportunities
Seniors: Are you Passionate About the Environment? Join ECO AmeriCorps in VT
I was sent contacted by recent Middlebury alum, Naomi Cutler ’20 who is finishing out her ECO AmeriCorps job at the Middlebury Area Land Trust (MALT). she wrote to tell me “I’m reaching out to let you know that the applications for next year ECO just opened up this past week: https://dec.vermont.gov/administration-innovation/eco. I don’t know how much you know about this program, but it has been a fantastic experience for me so far. Since I really didn’t have a clear picture of what I wanted to do in the environmental field, it has helped me refine both what I want to continue doing, and what I definitely don’t want to do any more. I just wanted to pass it along to you in case you have more seniors who are interested in the environment and are looking for a 1-year position to get their foot in the door.”
To learn more about the MALT position, feel free to reach out to Executive Director, Jamie Brookside Montegue, jamie@maltvt.org.
Virtual Public Policy Conference for Rising College Juniors & Seniors
Open to rising college juniors and seniors interested in public policy, public interest technology, policy analytics, and related fields, who are strongly considering graduate education and/or careers in these fields. Preference will be given to students representing underserved communities from across the United States and/or working towards equity issues. Deadline: June 20, 2021 APPLY HERE |
Food System Jobs in VT
Below are the latest Food System Jobs as posted in the Vermont Food System News, May 2021 newsletter. Recent grads and seniors, there are quite a few entry-level opportunities available: |
- Hunger Free Vermont, Food Security Advocacy Manager
- Hunger Free Vermont, AmeriCorps VISTA Community Engagement Coordinator
- Vermont Foodbank, AmeriCorps VISTA Positions
- Center for an Agricultural Economy, Local Food Production Manager
- Green Mountain Farm-to-School, AmeriCorps Farm-to-School Coordinator
- Feeding Chittenden, Communications & Development VISTA
- Vermont Youth Conservation Corps, Newport Crew Leader
- Food Connects, Food Hub Warehouse Specialist
- Caledonia Spirits, Spirited Apprentice
- Mixed Up Nut Butter, Specialty Food Production Assistant
- Vermont Way Foods, Director of Brand & Business Development
- Vermont Compost Company, Fulfillment and Operations Team Member
- Vermont Community Loan Fund, Investment & Grant Manager
- Sterling College, Assistant Dean of Student Life
- The Willowell Foundation, Wren’s Nest Forest Preschool Associate Licensed Teacher
- Elmer Farm, Vegetable Crop Manager
- Champlain Islands Farmers’ Market, Farmers’ Market Manager
- Skinny Pancake, Kitchen Manager
- Vermont Compost Company, Food Residuals Program Manager
Hunger Free VT is Hiring: Summer Intern & AmeriCorps VISTA Community Engagement Coordinator
Hunger Free Vermont is hiring two entry-level positions: a Summer Communications Intern and a 2021 AmeriCorps VISTA Community Engagement Coordinator.
The summer communications intern will assist and support Hunger Free Vermont’s communications efforts, including a website redesign which is currently underway. This intern will support and assist our Program Communications Specialist in creation and dissemination of communications materials, to help connect Vermonters to important food assistance programs and to raise awareness of the solutions for ending hunger. Duties will primarily focus on supporting our website redesign, website maintenance, social media, and improving/creating communications systems. The intern will report directly to Hunger Free Vermont’s Program Communications Specialist but will have the opportunity to engage with other Hunger Free Vermont staff who have technical expertise in a wide range of anti-hunger programs. This will provide the opportunity to learn more about the anti-hunger system at the local, state, and federal levels. The intern will receive a monthly stipend of $500 and will work 10-15 hours per week.
The AmeriCorps VISTA Community Engagement Coordinator will support Hunger Free Vermont’s work to
develop and implement a robust community engagement and education program. This position will
support community engagement activities for enhancing food security in Vermont through the coordination
of the Hunger Councils of Vermont and other education activities. The VISTA will receive training and increase their experience and skills in project management, communication, public speaking, strategic planning, community organizing, facilitation, and public education on nutrition and hunger issues. Hunger Free Vermont organizes 10 regional Hunger Councils across Vermont. These groups of local, state, and federal leaders work together to end hunger in their communities and Vermont. The Community Engagement Coordinator will provide backbone support for the Hunger Councils and collaborate with staff and Hunger Council leaders to coordinate logistics, develop agendas, set goals, record minutes, and manage effective community meetings.
There is more information about the positions and the application process on our website. We will be conducting interviews remotely through Zoom, and are committed to modifying the process as we are able to while maintaining the health and safety of all involved if any aspect of it poses a barrier.
Decoding your Career Pathway to Federal Government
I watched this webinar and think you will learn something new if you watch it too. It was made possible by the Partnership for Public Service & AnitaB.org as partnering organizations of United States of Technologists.
The recording is available here:
Webinar Recording LINK Access Passcode: USOT2021!
To keep up with more civic tech, follow USofTech on Linkedin and sign up for our USofTech mailing list: https://www.usoftech.org/mailinglist
Alum in Philly seeking campaign interns
Would you like to work on the campaign of one of Philadelphia’s most dynamic elected Democratic officeholders?
Rebecca Rhynhart shook the Philadelphia political establishment in 2017 when she unseated the Democratic incumbent in a primary to become Philadelphia’s first female City Controller. This past year Rebecca was ranked #3 of Philadelphia Magazines list of the 76 Most Influential Philadelphians.
Last year Rebecca boldly presented an alternative to the Mayor’s budget that provides a more effective way to deal with our current health and financial crisis. Most recently, Rebecca released a report on what went wrong during the city’s response to civil unrest last summer and outlined recommendations to ensure it never happens again. Rebecca has an MPA from Columbia University and a BA from Middlebury College.
Learn more about her here and apply on Handshake here for the summer internship!
Insights from the Field: Graduate Student Perspectives on Starting a Career in Translation and Localization Management
Come learn from a panel of graduate students at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MIIS) about what it’s like to specifically study translation. Bring your questions, and be ready for the group to discuss topics like why they attended grad school, what skills are they developing and how they want to use their degree. Open to all students. Click HERE to register in Handshake and get the Zoom link.
Here are the panelists for Thursday, May 6 at 11 am EST:
Elizabeth Hawkes is an M.A. candidate in Translation and Localization Management with a specialization in Russian-English translation. During her studies, she completed a Localization Program Management internship at Facebook and is currently the chapter manager of the first student chapter of Women in Localization. As a translator, she has completed projects for Monterey-area start-ups and is currently working on sociological surveys for the Moscow-based Levada Center. Elizabeth holds a B.A. in International Studies and Russian from the University of Denver in Denver, CO. When she is not translating, she is likely pestering her two cats, Hodor and Meatball.
Caitlin Quiat (she/they) is a second year TLM (Localization specialization) student at MIIS. Their pair languages are Japanese and English. They have always been interested in cultural exchange and gaining knowledge about different communities around the world, which manifested in them majoring in East Asian Studies at Oberlin College, and participating in the JET Program for two years. In their spare time, you can find them embroidering, baking, singing to themself, or playing video games.
Autumn Smith is pursuing a Translation and Localization Management MA with a Localization specialization and her language of study is Japanese. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Autumn completed her undergraduate degree in Japanese and East Asian Studies. After graduation, she worked as an Assistant Language teacher for JET for 1 year and proceeded to work as a Community Manager for Japanese hospitality company, Cafe Company, for 2 years. While working at Cafe Company, she collaborated with a Japanese audio guide start-up, ON THE TRIP, where she currently works as a Freelance English Team Manager. She spent her summer working as a Localization Program Management intern at Facebook exploring product cross-functional localization workflow optimization and will be returning as a full-time LPM following graduation. During the school year, she is very involved in creating a new immersive learning experience initiative dubbed, CampLoc. This experience aims to give students of localization an opportunity to interact in a more hands-on way with key players and companies in the localization industry. In her leisure time, she enjoys cooking, cafe hopping, hiking, and binging her latest shows with friends.
Jamie Chu studies Translation and Localization Management with a specialization in Management at MIIS. She earned her BA in Economics with a minor in Asian Languages from UCLA, and went on to receive her MA in East Asian Languages and Civilizations from the University of Pennsylvania. Before attending MIIS, she lived and worked in Beijing and San Francisco managing a variety of international projects. Currently, she is an Associate Program Manager at Salesforce, and a co-founder/avid volunteer for many localization initiatives, including CampLoc, GlobalSaké, and Women in Localization. When she can, she sleeps, eats, and plays fetch with her high-maintenance Sheltie, Milo.
This is the final of four events this spring in a series of events about graduate school.
The series is a collaboration between the Center for Careers and Internships, the Rohatyn Center for Global Affairs’ Student Advisory Board, the Model UN club at Middlebury, and the Student Council at MIIS.
Ryan Tauriainen, Former White House Fellow serving in the US Department of Education, answers career related questions LGBTQ+ identifying students might have when seeking job opportunities
Peer Career Advisor (PCA) and Posse Scholar Zoey Ellis ’22 interviewed Ryan Tauriainen ’08 to answer common career related questions LGBTQ+ identifying students might have when seeking job opportunities.
Zoey: What activities or student organizations were you involved in during college and how did they help you get to where you are today?
Ryan: While a student, I was predominantly involved with Middlebury Open Queer Alliance (MOQA) and Feminist Action at Middlebury (FAM). I was co-president of MOQA in 2007-2008, which was an eventful period for queer activism at Middlebury. I was also part of a three-person team that successfully founded the Queer Studies House in 2008. Being the leader of a student organization helped me to develop communication and organization skills, which was useful in future leadership positions I held.
Zoey: As a graduate who identifies as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Non-Binary, Gender Non-Conforming, Genderfluid, or Queer, what are some of the questions you suggest students should keep in mind when researching employers and applying to job opportunities?
Ryan: Bostock v. Clayton County (2020) held that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects employees against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender expression. The landscape for queer people in employment is better than it has ever been. That being said, working in a supportive environment is key for one’s mental health. I’d suggest that students do their research before applying. Does the workplace have a history of supporting LGBT people or causes? Does the workplace have an LGBT affinity group? Are there already LGBT employees one can check-in with? Are there LGBT people in seats of leadership or influence? Does the place of work donate to organizations or politicians who are anti-LGBT?
It is also essential to remember when an employer is interviewing you, you are also interviewing your employer. If you feel comfortable, you could ask how the employer supports Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and specifically LGBT employees.
Zoey: Would you suggest students consider to what extent they would like their career to incorporate their LGBTQ+ identity? Do you want your identity to have a major role, such as working for an LGBTQ+ advocacy group? Or expressed differently, like joining the LGBTQ+ affinity group for employees at an organization?
Ryan: LGBT people, like everyone else, should pursue the career or field that they are passionate about. If that means pursuing a job that is directly related to LGBT rights or activism, that’s wonderful, but it isn’t the right fit for everyone. For some LGBT people, they may have a career that isn’t directly tied to their identity (lawyer, teacher, etc.) but allows their identity to be incorporated in a different way. For example, a queer professor who advises a queer student group on campus or a queer physician who does outreach to the LGBT community. Joining affinity groups can be a great way to find support or make friendships at work when they exist. That is not something that interests every queer person and it should never feel compulsory to be involved in such groups.
Personally, I have always been “out” wherever I worked in the sense that people I worked with always knew that I was gay and partnered (eventually married) to another man. When I was a teacher and a school leader, it was not necessarily something I discussed with students or parents unless it was applicable to the conversation, but that had more to do with keeping my personal life and professional life separate. For some people, that is a very important delineation. Essentially, people should express themselves at the level they choose.
Zoey: Could you recommend any career-related LGBTQ+ resources that helped you in the job search process?
Ryan: I have been very fortunate that in every role I’ve held, using career-related resources wasn’t necessary for me to find the job. I will give the recommendation of the Victory Fund as an LGBT resource if you would like to pursue political appointments for an administration. I know that they are working with the Biden administration to increase the number of LGBT appointees.
Zoey: Have you come out to your employer, and if so, when in the employment process and how?
Ryan: I’ve been fortunate to always work in environments or states in which being LGBT was protected, if not celebrated. In my adulthood, I’ve always felt comfortable being “out.” I’ve never had to “come out” to my employers in the sense that based on my appearance and mannerisms it is usually assumed. Sometimes people are visibly curious but feel uncomfortable asking, so in those cases, I will mention something about my husband to confirm suspicions. I also do this if I find out or suspect a coworker is LGBT, in order for them to find another ally. For example, as a principal, I had the occasion to interview (and hire) applicants who were gay and transgender and I always made a point to drop the hint that I was a member of the community so that they would be less nervous. It gave me great pleasure to hire other LGBT people (as long as they were also qualified and a good fit)!
Zoey: What advice would you give your younger college self?
Ryan: The advice that I would give my younger self would be to apply for everything and not fear rejection. When I was younger, I would talk myself out of applying for programs or jobs because I would convince myself I wasn’t qualified. At a certain point, I started to ask myself, “Why not me?” and pursued everything I was interested in. I wish I had that mindset sooner. I also do not get discouraged by rejection. There have been multiple programs I have applied for and been rejected on the first try. Persistence matters! I have been admitted to nearly every program I have pursued, eventually – sometimes after three tries. In 2019, I was the first Middlebury graduate to ever be admitted into the White House Fellowship, a program with an acceptance rate of less than 1%. However, after applying three years in a row, I eventually made it in. I was told my perseverance was one of the major factors in being offered one of the 15 spots that year.
Zoey: Is there any other advice that you’d like to share with Middlebury students?
Ryan: Middlebury students are incredibly fortunate – do not waste the opportunity you are being given at one of the most beautiful and enriching schools in the world. While a student at Middlebury, challenge yourself to take classes that will perfect your writing and speaking skills. I have found that those are the most important and universal skills in the professional world. You may be surprised to find out just how few people can do those two things well.
My second piece of advice is to be bold and to reach out. I think this should apply to anyone you want to reach out to, but Midd Kids should feel especially comfortable reaching out to other alums. I have found that Middlebury alumni tend to be extremely loyal to our alma mater. Do not be afraid to reach out (via email, LinkedIn, social media, etc) to Middlebury alums who can help you in your field. You would be surprised just how many will respond and actively want to assist you. The worst thing that could happen is being ignored – and that puts you in essentially the same situation had you not reached out at all. Put yourself out there confidently and respectfully and you will go far. On a related note, always be kind to “assistants” and “schedulers”! If you do it the correct way, you’ll always get a response.
My third piece of advice is to never underestimate the power of written thank-you letters. One of the best investments I ever made was having personalized stationery and envelopes made (with my name, address, and a monogram). I even bought a fountain pen, wax, and a wax-seal. Every prominent or potentially helpful person who gives me a moment of time receives a hand-written and mailed card from me. I cannot tell you how much that sticks out in people’s minds. They simply do not forget it! Something that takes just a few minutes could create a lifetime of opportunity.
——-
Ryan Tauriainen was most recently a White House Fellow serving in the US Department of Education where he helped to streamline operations, manage education grants, and direct the Department’s response to COVID-19. Ryan also helped to oversee the dissemination of over $30 billion of emergency educational funding. Prior to being a Fellow, Ryan had a long career in public K-12 education. Ryan started his career as a Hawaii Public Schools teacher through Teach For America, where he was among the highest performing teachers in the state. He moved to Washington, DC in 2010 where he would serve as a teacher, principal, and district leader. Ryan became a principal at age 26, making him the youngest in the country at the time. He has won several local awards for educational leadership, including being The Washington Post’s Principal of the Year in 2016, and has national awards from five different organizations. He is the author of five children’s books. Ryan received his bachelor’s degree from Middlebury College while on a National Merit Scholarship and a master of education from Chaminade University of Honolulu. He is currently pursuing doctoral studies at the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education.
If you would like to contact Ryan Tauriainen, please reach out via Midd2Midd!