• 
• About Us
  • Overview, Mission, History, Lexington, Media, Gallery, Pecha Kucha
• Academics
  • Program, Dual Degree, Concentrations, Courses,
• Experiential Learning
  • Visits to Corporations, Government Outreach, Speakers, Ethics
• Internships
  • Approach, Experience, Support
• Admissions
  • Applying, Tuition, Financial Aid
• Careers
  • Success, Counseling, Links
• People
  • Faculty, Staff, Alumni,
    Alumni Profiles
• Resources
  • Calendar/Events, Newsletter, Summer Reading, Ad
• FAQs
  • Frequently Asked Questions
• Giving
  • Impact the World

Stephanie Boven ‘08
Foreign Service Officer, US Department of State

Hong Kong – my first post – is amazing and provides a remarkable sampling of what a Foreign Service career offers.  Larger than many embassies and a key stop for Americans visiting East Asia (from businessmen and tourists to Cabinet Secretaries and the US 7^th Fleet), there is always something happening here.  I’m assigned as a Vice Consul in the Economics Section, covering intellectual property rights, economic labor issues and neighboring Macau (Asia’s booming ‘Las Vegas’ … actually it has three times the revenue of Vegas).  IPR is particularly important in this city once known as a copyright pirate center with $20 Rolex “copy” watches and $30 knock-off Louis Vuitton bags.  Today, we are working closely with local government to improve protections and enforcement.

At the Patterson School, I focused on diplomacy and international economics.  My classes provided me with the knowledge and skills needed to work in international affairs, but listening to my professors' personal experiences in government really prepared me for a career in the Foreign Service.  My internship at the American Embassy in Peru helped too.  I also interned and later worked for Congressman Ben Chandler as a Constituent Services Representative.  In this capacity, I worked closely with liaisons at the Department of State and at US Citizenship and Immigration Services, developing an understanding of the interplay between the legislative and executive branches.  In Hong Kong I have put these experiences to good use serving as a control or site officer for CODELs (Congressional delegations) and key visiting officials such as Commerce Secretary Locke and Transportation Secretary Lahood.

I have enjoyed diplomatic life in this city, meeting local government interlocutors, socializing at Young Diplomats events with other Consulates, and learning about Asian economic and political trends.  Life inside ConGen Hong Kong is equally rewarding.  As the Entry Level Coordinator I work with the entire mission, arranging continued learning lunches, regular meetings with our Consul General and Deputy Principal Officer, and other activities to support all our junior officers.

When I received my official commission signed by President Obama and Secretary Clinton, I was struck by the sense of duty I had.  I am sincerely grateful for the grand opportunity I have been given. Most of all, I am proud to serve the United States of America.  It is truly an honor.