3707 Manchaca Rd. #283 Austin, TX 78704 M. 512.560.8324 E-mail; [email protected]Alexander Holder Objective Stratfor Internship Experience 09/05-01/11: Department of Veterans Affairs (AAC), FEMA, U.S. Treasury & Austin Federal Office Building (ICE, SS, IRS, Senator, & Congressmen: Austin, TX) Federal Security Officer, The Diamond Group • Level 4 Personal Protection Officer • American Red Cross Certified Instructor; regularly teaching federal contractors and civilians in First Aid, CPR, AED, Bloodborne Pathogens. • ASP Expandable Baton and Handcuff Certified Instructor; Certified at FLETC in Artesia, New Mexico. Conducted annual federal required training for all Austin contracts. • Instructed as part of FPS training in the Use of Force Continuum and Report writing procedures. • Last e-Qip completed in 2011. Have had FPS, GSA, and Department of the Treasury background screenings and security clearances. • Continuous training in firearms/shotgun, hand-to-hand, less than lethal, submission, and restraint tactics. • SPFPA Local 307 Union President 2009-2011; Secured benefits through creation of Bargaining Agreement such as health insurance, 401K, vacation, and yearly wage increases. 02/05-03/11 United States Marine Corp; IRR New Orleans, LA. Mobile Training Team Leader; Processing Chief, Mobilzation Command. • Traveled to reserve units throughout the U.S. instructing martial arts and facilitating annual gas mask qualifications. • Inactive Ready Reserve liason for Austin area. • Brown Belt MCMAP Instructor 02/01-02/05 United States Marine Corp Camp Pendleton, CA NBC Fox Reconnaissance, 1 st Light Armored Reconnaissance • Worked in the command operation center of 1 st Mar.Div.. meeting with and training marines from private to General both in field “hip-pocket” and
Experience 09/05-01/11: Department of Veterans Affairs (AAC), FEMA, U.S. Treasury & Austin Federal Office Building (ICE, SS, IRS, Senator, & Congressmen: Austin, TX) Federal Security Officer, The Diamond Group • Level 4 Personal Protection Officer
• American Red Cross Certified Instructor; regularly teaching federal contractors and civilians in First Aid, CPR, AED, Bloodborne Pathogens.
• ASP Expandable Baton and Handcuff Certified Instructor; Certified at FLETC in Artesia, New Mexico. Conducted annual federal required training for all Austin contracts.
• Instructed as part of FPS training in the Use of Force Continuum and Report writing procedures.
• Last e-Qip completed in 2011. Have had FPS, GSA, and Department of the Treasury background screenings and security clearances.
• Continuous training in firearms/shotgun, hand-to-hand, less than lethal, submission, and restraint tactics.
• SPFPA Local 307 Union President 2009-2011; Secured benefits through creation of Bargaining Agreement such as health insurance, 401K, vacation, and yearly wage increases.
02/05-03/11 United States Marine Corp; IRR New Orleans, LA.
Mobile Training Team Leader; Processing Chief, Mobilzation Command.
• Traveled to reserve units throughout the U.S. instructing martial arts and facilitating annual gas mask qualifications.
• Inactive Ready Reserve liason for Austin area.
• Brown Belt MCMAP Instructor
02/01-02/05 United States Marine Corp Camp Pendleton, CA NBC Fox Reconnaissance, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance • Worked in the command operation center of 1st Mar.Div.. meeting with and
training marines from private to General both in field “hip-pocket” and
Auditorium style settings on new tactical field procedures in Nuclear Biological and Chemical warfare.
• Primary duties included instructing Battalions size elements on NBC warfare, protection against NBC treats, practical application of NBC equipment, gas chamber qualification, HAZMAT and training of and certifying of Decontamination Teams throughout the 1st Marine Division.
• Held a Secret Security Clearance during entire enlistment.
• First Deployment: Front line of invasion force in Iraq along side 1st Tanks as part of NBC Fox Vehicle Reconnaissance crew for 9 months. Regularly directed to speak with and instruct reporters, joint forces, and many other individuals unfamiliar with the Fox vehicles capabilities as one of four deployed with 1st Mar Div.
• Awarded Honor Graduate in Fox Reconnaissance School
• Second Deployment: Corporal of the Guard of a Detention Facility near Syrian Border working closely with both Iraqi/US Special Forces and American government/Military Intelligence; continuously training rotating Marines in SORT operations, prisoner extraction and detention procedures, intake and interrogation procedures, weapons systems proficiency and daily operations of a detention facility housing 20-100+ prisoners at anytime.
• Held Special Operations Response Team Leader, Section Leader, and Officer in Charge Billets during both tours.
Personal
• Honorably Discharged E-5, USMC.
• Maintain a high level a physical and mental health through exercise and education leading to excellent performance in any tasks undertaken.
Education 01/10-current University of Texas Austin, TX
• Projected graduation Summer 2012. • Research assistant for clinical Post Traumatic Stress Disorders study. • 18 college credited hours in Arabic language. Intermediate level
proficiency. • Memeber of Student Veterans Assosiation 02/01-02-05 Military Education
• United States Marine Corp Basic Training • Nuclear, Chemical, Biological Specialist School • NBC Fox Reconnaissance School • MCI’s; Fundamentals of Leadership Course, Instructor Basics Course,
Terrorism Awareness Course, 8000 series. • NCO Academy • Brown Belt Instructor Marine Corp Martial Arts Program • IED Detection and Reduction Classes (25hrs)
Awards • Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Marine Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2nd Award), Global War on Terrorism Medal, National Defense Service Medal.
• One Meritorious Mast and multiple Certificates of Commendation and Lett of Appreciation as an instructor.
WORK EXPERIENCE Business Manager May 2011- KVRX 91.7FM (Austin, TX)
Overseeing all business department activities, event/benefit planning, outlining monthly and semester long departmental goals, keeping up to date budget, monitoring activity of business department staff, handling the purchasing of merchandise and promotional materials, working cooperatively with staff to ensure completion of set goals, assisting the department in any way. PR Director May 2010-May 2011 KVRX 91.7FM (Austin, TX)
Managing Twitter/Facebook and a multitude of social networking applications, concert promotion, event booking, copy editing, recording promotional material, tabling events and concerts, conducting artist interviews, producing internet video content. Independent IT Contractor May 2010-August 2010 The Wiz Kid (Austin, TX)
Craig’s list operated business, establishing a referral-based clientele, network security and support, hardware troubleshooting, software installation/maintenance, addressing individual customer’s needs based on their technological ability, patience. Nutritional Aid August 2008-August 2010 Stonebrook Manor Care Center (San Antonio, Texas)
Seasonal/Holiday, food preparation, cooking/serving for large groups of people in a cafeteria-style setting, treating people with a friendly disposition, addressing individual patient’s needs, proportioning meals, developing meal plans, working with others in team situations, maintaining presentation and cleanliness. Shipping Clerk Mar 2007-August 2008 Mail Boxes, etc. (San Antonio, Texas)
Customer service; responsible for the following duties, including but not limited to: answering phone calls, processing outgoing shipments, facilitating scheduled deliveries, taking inventory, accommodation of individual customer’s needs, and preparing orders and documents. EDUCATION University of Texas at Austin - Government Senior Austin Community College Transferred Fall 2010 Ronald Reagan High School (San Antonio, Texas) Graduated Spring 2007 REFERENCES Ken Kearney Mail Boxes, Etc. Owner 210.262.3645 Regina Simkins Stonebrook Manor Dietitian 210.824.5324 Travis Bubenik KVRX Station Manager 832.247.7244
Shanae Becker 12504 Mulberry Creek Court
Austin, TX 78732 (512) 775-4324
The anarchical international system that sovereign states exist in today leaves states as the highest authority in this system. Holistically the international system seems very simplistic but upon closer examination it is highly complex with multiple layers. In each state there are different forms of government dealing with internal and external dynamics. The international system of sovereign states is not unlike the law of physics where for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction; every action or reaction taken within a state whether by state or non-state actors is a product of political, historical, social and economic catalysts. As a recent graduate with a Master’s in International Studies I welcome this exciting opportunity to be a Research Intern at Stratfor. I wish to develop further knowledge about international relations and gain experience gathering and analyzing information to be able to predict future actions and reactions by actors in the state system. I am interested and eager to work for Stratfor as a Research Intern because I want to gain practical skills and experience in intelligence analysis. I hope to build a career as an intelligence analyst focused on political trends and I know working for Stratfor would help me develop the necessary skill set. Further, I would like to learn how Stratfor works and how the larger intelligence community functions. I hope to gain the capability to work as an intelligence analyst as I know it is critical for formulating foreign and domestic policies and I am enthusiastic to learn. My experiences overseas have been to countries where non-state actors have had a significant impact on internal dynamics and in turn affected external dynamics and relationships between states. In Belfast, Northern Ireland, and in Beirut, Lebanon, knowledge about the historical, cultural, social, economic and political factors and their interactions are integral to understanding possible motivations for actions and reactions. In both instances religion has been mobilized as a marker of identity but has often mistakenly been attributed as the cause of conflict. During my graduate studies I focused on the intersection of religion and political systems, with an emphasis on Islam. What is interesting and relevant to remember about Islam is that there is ongoing contestation and competition over the correct interpretation of Islam. Further, the ongoing debate often coincides with political issues. In Lebanon, for example, religion is a marker of identity upon which political power is based, thus, a political sectarian system. This sectarian system, however, is not proportional and continues to this day to supplant a Maronite Christian (and a secondary Sunni Muslim) hegemony. Even after the Ta’if Accords in 1990 ended the Lebanese civil war and implemented constitutional change to distribute political power more equitably along sectarian lines and eventually phase out political sectarianism, this system persistently fails to reflect demographic reality. The Shi’ite community compromises the largest minority in a state with no majority. The current Lebanese political climate therefore sheds light into the mobilization and politicization of the Shi’ite community in Lebanon. Thus, a view of the relationship between religion and politics based in Lebanon’s reality presents an alternative path to fundamentalism for understanding the dynamism of the Shi’ite community in Lebanon. It is important to
understand the interface of the social and political system in Lebanon because it adds another layer to understanding information that would inform policy such as increasing or decreasing assistance to Lebanon’s Armed Forces, a neutral institution in this instance. I believe I am a strong candidate for the intern position at Stratfor because not only am I eager to learn from this opportunity but I am able to provide Stratfor with research and writing skills as well as regional knowledge about the Middle East to help advance the mission of Stratfor. If given the opportunity to work as a Research Intern at Stratfor I would be able to start as soon as possible, as I live in Austin, and would be available between 20 and 30 hours a week until the middle of December or even possibly longer. Thank you for your time in reviewing my application.
SHANAE R. BECKER [email protected]•12504 Mulberry Creek Court, Austin, TX 78732• (512) 775-4324
Education
• Master of Arts in International Studies June 2011 Josef Korbel School of International Studies, University of Denver in Denver, CO
• Intensive Arabic Program Summer 2010 Lebanese American University (LAU) in Beirut, Lebanon
• Bachelor of Arts in Religion May 2008 Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, PA
o Awarded the Daria Cheremeteff Internship Award Summer 2007 o Theology Program in Belfast, Northern Ireland Fall 2006
Leadership & Volunteer Activities
Beirut Exchange - Student Liaison (Beirut, Lebanon) Winter 2011 • Engaged in dialogue with political, economic, and academic leaders and public intellectuals from all
sides of the political divide in Lebanon concerning key issues in Lebanon and the greater Middle East region. Topics included, but were not limited to: the role of the U.N. in Lebanon, human rights (including a visit to a Palestinian refugee camp near Tripoli), and the political system in Lebanon.
• Practiced and learned more spoken Arabic in a classroom setting, as well as informal situations. Texas Freedom Network (TFN) - Legislative Academy Intern (Austin, TX) January-July 2009 • Networked with various State Representatives and Senators concerning issues of church and state
relations, attended floor hearings and press conferences. Facilitated TFN’s Lobby Day which resulted in the cultivation of partnerships between state citizens and their representatives.
TFN – Intern (Austin, TX) Summer 2007 • Conducted and analyzed research related to the Texas State Board of Education for the Network’s
published report involving the members’ election campaign, voting patterns, and their influence on the highly contested Texas Science curriculum.
• Assisted in coordinating the Faith & Freedom Speaker Series’ events in Dallas and Houston for hundreds of attendees, with guest speakers Jim Wallis and Andrea Pelosi, respectively.
• Learned firsthand the challenges of local community organization by helping organize citizens engage in public policy, as well as the workings of a non-profit.
Interfaith Action of Central Texas - ESL Volunteer (Austin, TX) Summer 2011 • Taught English as a Second Language to Austin area refugees.
Work Experience
Nordstrom – Salesperson (Austin, TX & Denver, CO) June 2008-December 2010 • Provided customer service to a demanding customer base. • Managed and maintained customer relationships with Nordstrom customers.
Servergraph - Sales Administrator (Austin, TX) May 2006-June 2008 • Provided support in a niche software company to sales team as they delivered quality software
products to the Fortune 500 and Global 2000 businesses of the world. • Responsible for information management, sales administration, as well as coordinating and
S u m m a r y o f Q u a l i f i c a t i o n s A level headed, creative, and quick thinking individual; who has worked with diverse group of teams that include multiple military Special Operations Task Forces, fellow college students and military contracting firms. Produced and presented key briefing messages to senior military leaders on the integration of force multiplier assets. Strong commitment to seeing projects through to the end and is comfortable in working with not only key leaders within organizations, but colleagues and peers. Additional experienced from serving as a Military Transition Team advisor and Counter-Insurgency Instructor.
C a r e e r H i s t o r y University of Texas – Student 08/09 – 06/12 Currently pursuing a degree in International Relations with a focus on International Security and a regional focus of the Middle East. Accumulative G.P.A 3.5
United States Air Force Tactical Air Control Specialist 06/06-04/09
Performed and managed tactical air control party (TACP) operations. Provided key Air Force assistance and expertise in planning and controlling combat air resources throughout Iraq and Afghanistan. General Duties and Responsibilities were: Processed and requested combat air resources to support Army ground maneuver units. Managed and operated global positioning systems, and voice and digital TACP combat communications weapons systems. Supervised and conducted mission planning and coordination of combat air resources, inter-service liaison activities to ensure effective integration of combat air resources on the battlefield. Additional Duties Included: Self-Aid Buddy Care Instructor, Unit Physical Fitness Instructor/ Monitor, Team Training Leader and Foreign Relations Assistant.
United States Air Force Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape Helper 12/05 – 6/06 Developed, managed, and conducted Air Force survival, evasion, resistance, and escape (SERE) programs, SERE Code of Conduct Continuation training, and personnel recovery operational support programs. Conducted operational testing on and instructed the use of SERE related equipment.
T r a i n i n g / C e r t i f i c a t e s School: Pursuing a bachelor science degree majoring in International Relations. Expected graduation is May 2012. Currently on Honor Roll
Additional Skills: Fluent in German, Basic French language Skills, Type 70 words per min, Certified in Microsoft Office, Red Cross First Aid Certification.
Brandon A. Rech; continued Page 2
Military Related: Secret Security Clearance, Leadership Course, Joint Terminal Attack Controller Qualification Course, Lifesaver Training Course, HALO Course, Basic Airborne Course, Survival School, Tactical Air Command and Control Course, Air Force Basic Military Training.
Awards/Decorations: Army Commendation Medal with Valor, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Combat Action Medal, Leadership Course Honor Graduate, Airman of the Quarter March 08SV 80 Survival School Honor Graduate.
Courtney Siegle 6955 Sparrow Ct. Colorado Springs, CO 80919 719-360-8762 [email protected] Strategic Forecasting, Inc 221 W. 6th Street, Suite 400 Austin, TX 78701 I am submitting my resume to be considered for the Research Internship Program for Fall 2011 as posted on STRATFOR.com. I recently graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs and I have a strong interest in intelligence and geopolitics. I became fascinated in the work that STRATFOR does after seeing it cited in several news articles and the book Imperial Hubris by Michael Scheuer. I desire to purse a career in intelligence analysis and would like to start by working at a company that is as respected and widely used by professionals as STRATFOR. I am specifically interested in counterterrorism and looking into ways to prevent attacks by focusing on methods instead of personalities. At the University of Colorado, I gained research experience and have written papers on numerous issues of international significance. I specifically studied international security and took courses in strategy and the changing problems facing the United States. I researched and wrote a paper on the challenges facing South Sudan after it gains independence on July 9, 2011 and how those may affect its ability to maintain sovereignty. My goal was to provide a complete picture of the pressures the new government will feel, internally and externally, and how those factors will affect peace in the country and in the region. I gathered information from a variety of sources including news, academic, and personal stories to gain an understanding of the situation. In addition to studying international security, I did an area focus on the Middle East and North Africa. Since the end of the Cold War, this region has become extremely important in world affairs. This has become even more so in the past few months with the rise of the popular protests in the “Arab Spring.” STRATFOR has a need to understand the issues in the Middle East and my knowledge can be an asset. I also have studied Arabic, French, and Spanish and have a limited working proficiency in all three. Concerning Arabic, I have studied Modern Standard and am most confident in writing, followed by reading, then listening and speaking. I am very interested in working for STRATFOR as a Research Intern and I believe that my academic experience makes me a good candidate for this program. STRATFOR needs the most talented individuals and I believe that I can make a valuable contribution to the team. I am available to work starting August 1, 2011 and will be able to work 40 hours per week. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Courtney Siegle
COURTNEY SIEGLE 6955 Sparrow Ct. [email protected] Colorado Springs, CO 80919 719-360-8762 OBJECTIVE To obtain a research internship position to contribute knowledge of
international security and the Middle East to geopolitical intelligence analysis.
EDUCATION University of Colorado Boulder, CO International Affairs May 2011 Specialization in International Security GPA 3.5 Focus in Middle East and North Africa Capstone Research Project: Peace after Independence in South Sudan
RELEVANT Problems in Combating Terrorism Spring 2011
EXPERIENCE US Global Image Policy Paper
• Researched US counterinsurgency and counterterrorism policy in three countries
• Analyzed what works in different situations and what does not
• Synthesized results with a group and gave the class a PowerPoint presentation
The Breakup of Yugoslavia Spring 2010
International Behavior Research Project
• Collaborated with group members to divide work and construct a thesis
• Researched comprehensively the literature concerning the breakup of Yugoslavia and the war that followed
• Presented findings to a group of 40 peers
LEADERSHIP Head Usher Fall 2010-May 2011 Macky Auditorium Boulder, CO
• Promoted to Head Usher after working as an usher for two years
• Trained 20 new hires
• Problem solved issues arising with patrons
• Delegated responsibilities to other ushers Sigma Iota Rho Fall 2010-May 2011
• Coordinated with community members to collect items for the homeless in Boulder
• Tutored groups of 30-70 students in introduction classes before exams
LANGUAGE Arabic: Intermediate in reading, writing, and speaking
SKILLS Spanish: Intermediate in reading French: Intermediate in reading
June 23, 2011 To Whom This May Concern, Attached is my resume pertaining to the Research Internship with STRATFOR. I hold a Master of Arts degree in European Studies from the University of Amsterdam and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Homeland Security from Virginia Commonwealth University. All three degrees required research and analytical skills, self-motivation, intellectual curiosity and professionalism. As the Editor-in-Chief of Foreign Affairs Journal which focuses on international and domestic affairs, I have written approximately 100 articles on issues ranging from Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s political problems, the Greek debt crises, U.S./Pakistani relations, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, U.S. participation in the Libyan no-fly zone and the Department of Defense. My Master’s thesis was an examination of missile defense and its impact on U.S./Russian relations. The end product was a very fair and well balanced critique of the feasibilities of the missile shield plan. While studying for my second B.A. in Homeland Security I wrote an extensive policy paper on the F-22 Raptor and issues of Congressional funding for this very expensive fighter jet. I have political and policy knowledge that is mature and based upon a pragmatic set of beliefs about the international system. My professional and academic experiences, along with my research, writing and technological skills, have prepared me for this position. My educational background and current role as Editor-in-Chief of Foreign Affairs Journal would make me an ideal fit within your organization. In addition to my shared interest in these issues that STRATFOR addresses, I have studied these subject areas for a majority of my adult life and given the opportunity to contribute to your organization, I would be able to add to the quality of information that STRATFOR produces. Thank you for your consideration, Respectfully yours, John Lyman 434 Prince Street Tappahannock, VA 22560 [email protected] (804) 269-6748
Dear Sirs, Please accept this letter as an expression of my interest in working in your institution. I strongly believe that my experience and qualifications will be useful for you. I especially would like to point out that I am graduated in International Relations, by Instituto Superior de Ciências Sociais e Políticas in Lisbon, and have been working in several institutions to obtain different kind of experiences related with project's development and international management. You can expect from me a full commitment to apply my passion and talents, while making a positive impact in your institution, in the community and on myself as I pursuit the values of integrity, professionalism and respect for diversity and multiculturalism. I look forward to an opportunity to personally discuss the position with you. I'll be waiting for your call within the next days in order to arrange an interview. Sincerely, Joana Félix I have enclosed a copy of my resume for your review.
Dear Sir, I am writing to apply for a full-time research internship from September to December at Stratfor and enclose my CV for your consideration. Over the years, I have developed a great interest in policy studies, especially in the region of the Near East. My research on Stratfor leads me to believe that I could use the knowledge of the region and analytical skills I have gained during the three years of my degree studies and through personal experience, which offers a firm foundation that would benefit the company. I would like to draw your attention to my CV, which shows the range of roles that I have had, requiring high levels of communication, interpretive skills and commitment. I was able to develop analytical and research skills throughout my BA in International Relations with proficiency in Arabic which I obtained with First Class Honours. These skills were put to use in my final year dissertation entitled “The Role of the Army as a National Institution in divided societies: a Case Study of Lebanon”. In addition to classes of International Relations theory, I choose a regional specialisation more focused on the Middle-East with final year modules on ‘Armed Islamic Movements’ and ‘Nationalism in the Middle East’, providing me with a more in-depth approach of social, political and military issues in the region. I have been exposed to a wide range of approaches though my education and I feel that by working for Stratfor, I would gain proper experience, which would certainly help my future career. After taking Classical Arabic Language for the Baccalaureate in Paris, I decided, in parallel to my studies in International Relations, to further intensify the learning of Arabic at the Institute of Arabic and Islamic Studies at Exeter University, but also at the University of Damascus in the summer of 2010 by securing a grant from the HRH Prince Alwaleed Al Saud Scholarship. I am currently working as a research intern at the Lebanese Center for Policy Studies in Beirut during the summer months. Working in a small structure like the LCPS gives me the opportunity to do research on very specific regional topics such as the short-term impact of the Syrian unrest on the Lebanese economy. My recent experience in a think-tank, together with my keen interest in geo-political issues in the Middle East, has particularly attracted me to the opportunity of working for a leading think-tank, such as yours. After reviewing my CV, I hope that you will be convinced of my potential to perform well in this position and to make a real contribution as a member of your team. I would be available for phone interviews at any time and look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Maxime de Taisne.
• 2007 – 2011. Graduate in International Studies: Universidad Torcuato Di Tella
• 1995-2006. Asociación Escuelas Lincoln (Lincoln American School of Buenos Aires)
WORKING EXPERIENCE
• December 2009-March 2010: Yachting Head Coach- Head coach of various monotype yachting categories destined to high performance competition, Timaru Yacht Club, New Zealand.
OTHER ACTIVITIES AND EXPERIENCIES
Languages: English (advanced oral and written)
“A1 Native English International Baccalaureate (IB) Certificate” Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition Certificate
Spanish (native)
French (intermideate oral and written)
¨DELF A1
Informactics: Microsoft Office (intermediate level)
Programing (basic level)
SPSS -Statistical Package for the Social Sciences-, (intermediate level)
Yachting: I have been memeber of the Argentine National Sailing Team, and competed in
several international competitions including: World, Southamerican and Northamerican
Maxime de Taisne 218 rue de Vaugirard 75015 Paris, France
[email protected]; +33637696418 EDUCATION Exeter University (Exeter, UK) 2008-2011
• First Class Honors in BA International Relations with proficiency in Arabic. • Final Year Dissertation on “The Role of the Lebanese Army in the Reconstruction
of Post-Civil War Lebanon” (74) École Active Bilingue Jeannine Manuel, (Paris, France), 2000-2008
• French Baccalaureate OI obtained with ‘Mention Bien’ • “Very good” grades include History (15/20), English Literature (15/20),
• Intensive course in English, History and Philosophy Norman Court Boarding School, (Hampshire, UK) Spring 2004 WORK EXPERIENCE & ACTIVITIES Research Intern, Lebanese Center for Policy Studies, Beirut Summer 2011
• Working on analyzing the short-term impact of the current Syrian unrest on the Lebanese economy.
Welfare Officer, Exeter International Student Council, Exeter 2010-2011
• Member of Exeter University’s international students representative body • Sitting on the Race Equality Group and Democracy Committee
Operative, SCEV du Boys de Riocour Vineyard, France Sept. 2006-09
• Worked for four consecutive years as team leader for Champagne production.
Captain, RCP15 Rugby Team, Paris 2003-2008 Volunteer, St-Benoit School and Community, Senegal Summer 2006
• Full time volunteer Placement • Helped the community in agrarian labor, and recorded computerized data for
medical purpose in the dispensary Crew Member, Voyageur Adventure, Canada July 2005
• Selected as the youngest member in a team of eight in a one-month long survival canoe trip
LANGUAGE AND IT SKILLS Languages:
• French (Native speaker) • English (Fluent); First Certificate of English and IGCSE delivered from the
Cambridge University, 2005 and 2006. • Spanish (Conversational); Certificate B2 obtained at the ‘Instituto Cervantes de
Salamanca’, Spain. • Arabic –basic literacy and communication skills. Level 3 obtained at the Higher
Language Institute of the University of Damascus, Syria and recipient of the HRH Al-Waleed Scholarship.
IT Skills: Computer literate in MS Word, MS PowerPoint, Mac OS X
• Active Top Secret (TS/SCI) and Secret government clearance. • Earned Bachelor’s Degree in Intelligence, and currently enrolled in a graduate school program in Austin. • Certified Air Force Signals Intelligence Analyst with 10 years of technical and operational experience. • Excelled in Tactical SIGINT operations, and conducted multiple covert missions inside Iraq. • Experience working in joint operational intelligence centers and mission planning cells. • Acute understanding of the Intelligence Community members, resources, databases and web-based tools. • Successful in training personnel on new analytical systems and methods. • Proficient in designing, planning, and implementing intelligence research projects. • 10 years experience and training in Operational security, Computer security and Information security. • Effective writing skills for strategic, operational, and tactical intelligence reports; including adhoc RFIs. • Dedicated team player with the ability to effectively interact with executives, commanders, subordinates,
and peers. EMPLOYMENT HISTORY Radiance Technologies Inc.--National Air and Space Intelligence Center Dec 2009 – Mar 2011 Principle All-Source Fusion Analyst
• Provided all-source analytical support to Air Force Counterspace mission by analyzing and assessing the adversaries’ capabilities, strengths, weaknesses, orders of battle, doctrine and preferred tactics, techniques, and procedures for space command and control.
• Helped support NASIC Counterspace Operation Center—responded to critical events by providing assessments of the current situation, threat, and other technical foreign Counterspace topical areas.
• Conducted training on all-source space mission for new Squadron personnel, ensured intelligence reports were current and properly disseminated to USSTRATCOM and Joint Space Community.
• Advised Air Force leaders of intelligence gaps, more efficient methods of conducting analysis, and types of challenges as appropriate.
• Performed OSINT analytical support in collecting and collaborating analysis on satellite television distribution in and out of select areas of interest for use in Knowledge Prepositioning.
• Promoted new business activities in the area of Intelligence Systems Operations and provided technical support on business proposals. Contributed in four contract awards valued around $900K.
National Air and Space Intelligence Center, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH Dec 2007 – Dec 2009 Space Systems Applications Analyst-NCOIC Team Lead
• Squadron leader for Space Intelligence Preparation of the Battlespace (SIPB) analysis; ensured 100% accuracy of intelligence products—enables strategic battle planning by military decision-makers.
• Exploited data used for predictive battlespace analysis, order of battle databases, enemy evaluations, and enemy courses of action assessments.
• Supervised five junior Airmen within the Space Intelligence Support Flight; provided day-to-day direction, mentoring, counseling, and training.
• Co-led investigation to locate and exploit adversary’s satellite network; provided critical intelligence to Joint Force mission planners. (USPACOMJIOC)
• Produced analysis reports from foreign satellite ground stations—data crucial to clandestine counter-terrorist propaganda efforts.
• Managed global space programs, analyzed what space services/applications are used, and what level of dependency on space in those specific applications.
• Disseminated space intelligence in the form and format required to support the decision-making needs of the customers.
• Experience utilizing intelligence databases and producing fusion analysis projects with Google Earth, KMZ, Microsoft project, and Analyst Notebook.
732nd Expeditionary Intelligence Squadron, Baghdad, Iraq Jan 2009 – Sept.2009 TacSIGINT Operator with the 82nd Airborne Division-NCOIC Team Lead
• SIGINT team leader; directed task force teams on 24 combat missions with intent to engage enemy in capture/kill operations.
• Coordinated and facilitated operations involving Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (U.A.V.). • Battle tested; maintained composure in IED attack; continued SIGINT operations with no hesitation;
ensured mission success. • Directed mission to capture Brigades' #1 high value target; insurgent responsible for attacks on US
military installations. • Experienced in the collection of Digital Network Intelligence (DNI); responsible for data distribution. • Performed Site Sensitive Exploitation; investigated/obtained evidence necessary to prosecute insurgents. • Briefed three action arm battalions on SIGINT operations; enhanced utilization of teams and mitigated
OPSEC violations. • Conducted daily pre-combat inspections on highly sensitive equipment; maintained 24/7 team readiness.
Air Force Space Command, 1st Space Operations Squadron, Schriever AFB, CO Jan 2001-Dec 2007 Network Operations Verification Specialist-NCOIC Team Lead
• Supported Command and Control (C2) ground equipment and on-orbit satellites valued at $5.6 billion. • Maintained computer networks and databases for Global Positioning System (GPS), Defense Support
Program (DSP), research and development (R&D), and Air Force Satellite Control Network (AFSCN). • Organized monthly Modification Control Board meetings, which reviewed all database installations for
the squadron’s satellite vehicles. • Planned and directed operational support for Air Force’s Midcourse Space Experiment (MSX) satellite. • Planned and directed installation of the first Space-Based Space Surveillance (SBSS) satellite ground
system valued at $704 million. • Managed worldwide network freeze configurations in preparation of four GPS satellite launches.
FORMAL / MILITARY EDUCATION
• MISM, Master of Information Systems Management, Keller Graduate School (2012 graduation) • B.A. Degree, Intelligence Studies, American Military University • A.S. Degree, Communication Applications Technology Degree, Community College of the Air Force, 2009 • A.S. Degree, Information Systems Technology Degree, Community College of the Air Force, 2009 • Tactical SIGINT – Communication Signals Certification Course, 2009—Ft. Meade, Washington D.C. • Space and Missiles Orbital Analysis Course, AFSPC, 2008—Peterson AFB • (1N4X1) Network Signals Intelligence Analysis Apprentice Course, 2007—Goodfellow AFB • (3C0X1) Communications-Computer Systems Operations Apprentice Course, 2004—Keesler AFB • Airman Leadership School, 2004—Peterson AFB
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
• Army Commendation Medal (82nd Airborne, OIF), 2009 • Air Force Commendation Medal (Space Intelligence Group), 2009 • Air Force Commendation Medal (1st Space Operations Support Squadron), 2007 • Air Force Achievement Medal (Saudi Arabia OIF “Shock and Awe” Deployment), 2004 • NCO of the quarter, 2007, 2008, and 2009
To STRATFOR, As an accomplished Intelligence Analyst with ten years operational experience serving for the United States Air Force, I am eager to expand my knowledge and face new challenges in the Intelligence Community. The Air Force has challenged me with many rewarding experiences involving strategic, operational, and tactical analysis. Along with those experiences I have had the opportunity to lead, train, and mentor junior Airman so that they can progress in their professional development. The most challenging and most proud experience as an Intelligence Analyst has been my service tour in Iraq performing as a Tactical SIGINT operator for the 82nd Army Airborne Division. The tactical intelligence I created helped capture wanted terrorists, and reduced the threat against attacks on the U.S. Additional qualifications and skills can be found in the accompanying resume. Thank you for your time and I look forward to speaking with you about this research opportunity. Sincerely, Jason Evert
Objective Obtain an internship with Stratfor to gain experience in strategic and
tactical analysis in order to establish myself in a new career field. Education 2011- present 1991 1987-1988
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Enrolled in a graduate program for Masters of Science in Aeronautical Science with a specialization in space studies Current grade point average 4.0 Southern Illinois University Bachelor of Science Aviation Management Lincoln Land Community College Completed one year of undergraduate studies
Work Experience 2011 1998 1994-1997
I llinois Department of Natural Resources Position: Intern Summaries of Responsibilities:
• Learned and utilized Geographical Information Systems (GIS) including ArcGIS system and software
• Assisted department in Illinois waterway management and tracking
• Collaborated on development of flood emergency situation reports
Air Vegas Position: Co Pilot Summaries of Responsibilities: • Responsible for all pre flight operations and completion of
aircraft safety checklists • Executed safe and efficient air travel as a team member • Communicated effective strategies and checklists with
coworkers • Reviewed and analyzed weather reports to identify any
unusual trends or hazardous conditions • Complied with Federal Aviation Regulations Part 135
Northwest Flyers Position: Flight Instructor Summaries of Responsibilities:
• Developed individual lesson plans for flight and ground training • Certified pilots for flight reviews, high performance airplane
competency checks and instrument proficiency checks • Evaluated and reviewed training results to modify lesson plans
1990 1996-present 2000-2006
based on individual student needs • Certified students for private, commercial and instrument
Federal Aviation Administration check rides • Executed training program in accordance with Federal Aviation
Regulation Part 61 flight training rules I llinois Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics Position: Intern Summaries of Responsibilities:
• Conducted research, interviewed airport managers, took aerial photographs and wrote published articles for Illinois Aviation
• Performed on site airport studies throughout the state of Illinois and submitted results to be used to determine government funding
• Plotted longitude and latitude of objects within airport proximity to determine safe aircraft obstruction clearance
• Assisted Air Rendezvous Coordinator with event planning and working with vendors
The Corkscrew Wine Emporium Position: Assistant Manager/Sales Associate Summaries of Responsibilities:
• Consistently exceeded monthly sales quotas and achieved several yearly sales achievement awards
• Coordinated staff meetings to present and educate employees on policies, store procedures and product knowledge
• Trained new employees on customer service, computer system, wine knowledge & store presentation
• Represented the store at numerous tastings, special event dinners and public events
Schwarz Pharma Position: Senior Neurology Pharmaceutical Representative Summaries of Responsibilities:
• Analyzed data and sales reports to plan and implement a strategy for effective time and territory management
• Performed extensive computer work including e-mail, daily synchronizing with home office, maintaining inventory, tracking expenses, compiling reports and developing PowerPoint presentations
• Collaborated with management and peers to launch neurology sales division September 2005
• Promotion to Senior Neurology Sales Representative in August 2005
• National Silver Award Winner for overall sales achievements 2004
• District mentor to new hires in the primary care division
• Developed presentations and lectured at Parkinson patient education support groups
Other
Licenses & Professional Affil iations
• Commercial Pilot License with Instrument and Multi Engine Ratings
• Certified Flight Instructor Instrument • Total flight time approximately 1500 hours • Member of Women in Aviation • Member Aviation Management Society
Computer Skil ls
• Office Package: MicroSoft Office, MicroSoft Excel, MicroSoft PowerPoint and Seibel
• Operating Systems: Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows 2000 and Windows XP
Address: Estrada da Luz, 189, 7º esq 1600-155 Lisboa
Transform each experience in a growth and apprenticceship opportunity.
PRESENT Masters Degree student in International Relations @ ISCSP - UTL Creative Entrepreneur
PAST Human Resources Process Operator @ Solvay Group OBJECTIVE Passionate
EDUCATION Degree in International Relations @ ISCSP (School of Social and Political Sciences/Instituto Superior de Ciências Sociais e Políticas) School of Social and Political Sciences (2000-2005)
DIVERSITY Courageous
Team Work
A little about myself I was born in a small town called Benedita in Alcobaça. I came to Lisbon about ten years ago in order to have a Degree. My family comes from a middle class level, being that values as integrity; honesty; hard work were impressed in my whole education as an individual and citizen. I became responsible since early age, working in part-time and studying. I took the Degree in International Relations and I also made a traineeship in the Portuguese Navy. What can you expect from me? A commitment to apply my passion and talents, while making a positive impact on the environment where I am inserted, in the community and in myself. My core values are integrity, professionalism, respect for diversity and as an enthusiastic and talented professional I thrive to transform each experience in an opportunity of growth and apprenticeship.
Past & Present
WORK EXPERIENCE
3S Solvay Shared Services, Solvay Group - Human Resources Process Operator
October 2008 till August 2010 (1 year and 10 months)
Galiano Consulting - Training and Management Consultant
Sector - Training and Management Services, including Quality Certification and Management
March - August 2008 (6 months)
PROVENTUS.COMsulting - International Management and Consultancy company
Sector - International Management and Consultancy
From September 2006 till December 2007 (1 year and 3 months)
Mission: As an international consultancy firm, to provide the clients with professional services that enable them to successfully achieve their goals.
PERSONAL SKILLS AND COMPETENCE Common European Framework of Reference (CEF) level English (C2); Francês (C1)
TECHNICAL COMPETENCES WTH COMPUTERS
software Primavera; MS Excel; Word; Powerpoint; Outlook SAP ERP HR e SAP ERP FI
ADDITIONAL Trainer Certification
PERSONAL PROFILE
CORPORATE HAPINNESS FORMULA
MY TALENT MY POWER MY IDEAL VALUES INSIDE NA ORGANIZATION
MY IDEAL VALUES OF THE PEOPLE INSIDE THE ORGANIZATION
Creative Inspirer Flexibility
Courageous
Achiever Creativity
Team work
Motivator Diversity
VARIABLES THAT DRIVE MY PERFORMANCE
PLUS
LESS
Environments where team work and mutual help are boosted Too much formal and hierarchical environments
Indirect and not fluid Corporate comunication
Culture where there is a constant feedback exchange
Lack of feedback and work recognition
To have well defined objectives and to be assured that my evaluation is done accordingly to the achievement of those objectives.
Doubtful or unknown evaluation criteria
Chance of having a good work/life balance
MY OTHER SIDE (B SIDE)
An inspiration
Best place to think
Adventurous spirit
Something I truly believe in
Keri Kreitling 10610 Morado Circle #3223 [email protected] Austin TX, 78759 210-722-3608 PROFILE__________________________________________________________________________________ Experienced in the protocol used in criminal and intelligence investigations Experienced in gathering, screening, and compiling information for investigations Knowledgeable of law enforcement and government databases, systems, and procedures Familiar with protocol used in command and critical incidents Experienced in creating training manuals and Standard Operating Procedures Honors affiliations: Alpha Chi Honor Society, Alpha Pi Sigma Honor Society, & Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society EDUCATION AND COURSEWORK__________________________________________________________ Bachelor of Arts in Criminology, St. Edward’s University, Austin, TX May 2011 Dual degree: Bachelor of Arts in English and History, University of Texas, Austin, TX May 2007 EXPERIENCE_____________________________________________________________________________ Texas Commission on Environmental Quality August 2011-Present Intern, Enforcement Division ♦Create Standard Operating Procedure Manual with online hyperlink capabilities for future training ♦Associate delinquent accounts with customer database ♦Edit, proof read, and archive Agreed Orders Texas Department of Public Safety August 2010 – April 2011 Intern, Counter Terrorism and Intelligence Unit ♦ Conduct extensive research on terrorism and intelligence topics, summarize findings in summary report, and forward to government officials ♦ Research included: possible terrorist threats against public officials and information on drug cartels and critical infrastructures ♦ Analyze open source for intelligence support within United States, Texas, and Mexico ♦ Cross-reference missing persons and unidentified bodies on database and forward to analyst Austin Police Department Fall 2009 Volunteer, Office of the Chief ♦ Provided clerical support: answer phones, sort mail, fax, archive, ♦ Answered “311” calls and referred callers to appropriate departments and units ♦ Connected citizens with law enforcement, advocacy, victim support and legal professionals PROFESSIONAL TRAINING________________________________________________________________ FEMA Incident Command System Course Spring 2011 ♦ ISC 100 Course completion ♦ ICS 100 LE Course completion Association of Forensic DNA Analysts and Administrators July 2009 ♦ Attended annual conference in Austin, Texas ♦ Attended workshops on DNA analysis and Ethics
Objective: To secure a position working as intern for STRATFOR My interest in working for STRATFOR My purpose in seeking internship with STRATFOR is to work in the field of geopolitical research and analysis, using and enhancing the skills I have acquired at University to make a positive contribution in the arena of strategic forecasting. The reading of George Friedman’s book, The Next 100 Years was a watershed moment in my academic life, when it became clear that an understanding of historical and current events and trends could be used to map potential future events. Once I subscribed to STRATFOR intelligence updates, I realized how valuable it was to have access to timely intelligence data that was more academic and less politically biased. I am particularly interested in STRATFOR because it is a rare opportunity to be involved in intelligence that exists outside government control and governmental bias. As I intend to pursue a career in intelligence analysis, I feel I would benefit from STRATFOR’s unique perspective in this endeavor. As a recent college graduate, I want to participate in a new intellectual challenge that will enhance and complement my knowledge of geopolitics and skills I have gained through my degree while also providing an equally valuable resource to STRATFOR. My suitability
I believe I am a strong candidate for internship at STRATFOR. I have extensive knowledge of world history, geography and current affairs and a passionate desire to become involved in intelligence analysis and geopolitical conceptualization. I also possess a comprehensive knowledge of Southeast Asian physical and political geography that could be used as a platform for specific research within the region.
My Environmental Studies degree has provided me with a working knowledge of how to conduct statistical analyses, understand and evaluate natural systems and trends, and comprehend their implications for human activity and policy. My fieldwork in Malaysia, New Zealand and Costa Rica has taught me to collect data effectively under adverse conditions over extended periods of time and work with others to present the results of such studies in a clearly understandable format.
As an American citizen brought up in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo who attended a British International School, I have acquired the qualities of a ‘Third Culture Kid’, as described in the book by Pollock and Van Reken. I have learned through experiences in this multicultural setting to adapt to varying ethnic, social and political circumstances and this has profoundly influenced my world view. BecauseI have grown up outside the United States, it has allowed me to view America from a position of heightened detachment. This positionality would be an asset to STRATFOR as I am open-minded and flexible in the face of differing value systems and political ideologies.
Experiences that make me a suitable fit for STRATFOR
University Experience
I recently completed an Environmental Studies degree which focused on the interface between human, abiotic and biotic components of the Earth system and how this impacts environmental policy in New Zealand. My University papers concentrated principally upon the environmental geopolitics in Borneo, where I grew up. The shift in understanding sparked by George Friedman was augmented by that of my geography Professor, Richard Willis who emphasized the way in which human settlement and development is governed by the physical landscape. As a result of these experiences I am able to apply my scientific methodology background to more completely understand and evaluate changes in international relations.
Self-Motivation
At a young age I became interested in geography, history, and mapping. Over the past 18 months, while attending University, I have been constructing computerized maps that have been used in publication by Quentin Phillipps, author of Birds of Borneo. I have also been involved in my own detailed map-making projects applying Colin McEvedy’s graphic methodology to map the ethno-historic evolution of the North American continent.
Debate
My knowledge of current affairs, history, and human and physical geography is very comprehensive, representing years of dedicated academic and individual study. This has
been an asset in my debate club involvement at both International School and University and has honed my effectiveness as a communicator. Student Volunteer Work My capacity for teamwork and leadership skills were developed over the course of my University experience, but were further sharpened during my International Student Volunteer work where our team focused on developing sustainable relationships and economic viability between leatherback and Olive Ridley turtles and the human population in Ostional, Costa Rica. Summary Statement
What makes me a strong candidate for internship at STRATFOR is my passionate desire to be involved in geopolitical research and conceptualization. I have worked diligently throughout my educational career to acquire the tools necessary to become involved in this field of study. I believe my internship at STRATFOR would be mutually beneficial, in that it would furnish me with a greater depth of understanding of the process of intelligence gathering and data analysis in the real world, while providing STRATFOR with an enthusiastic and capable intern.
As a closing statement, I want to reiterate how I have demonstrated through academia and outside activities my ability to see a task to completion. I love what STRATFOR does and I want to be a part of it. I’m a competent team player, I’ll enthusiastically do whatever needs to be done, I’ll do it well, and I will do my best to be an effective intern. In short, I’m very anxious to go to work!
Availability I ask that you please inform me of my appointment as early as possible so that I can manage the logistics of moving to Austin. I will be traveling to America on holiday from July 15- August 10, and if accepted for STRATFOR’s internship would need to adjust my air tickets back to Malaysia. I am free to participate in STRATFOR’s internship from August 1st -December 1st, 2011. I intend to begin my post-graduate studies at Victoria University, Wellington, New Zealand in March, 2012. Logan Hamilton: [email protected]
Post-Graduate applying for internship with STRATFOR
Logan Hamilton, DOB: 12/21/90 #41 Lorong Pelanduk, Taman Kinamount, Luyang
88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia home: +6088 239-622
Education •Victoria University, Wellington, New Zealand, BS Environmental Studies, (GPA: A-), 2007 - 2011 •Kinabalu International School, Sabah, Malaysia, 2000-2007 •Alice Smith International School, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 1996 - 2000 Achievements • Helen Lowry Hall Inter-Hall Debate Team, 2011 • Preparation of digital mapping for publication for Quentin Phillipps, author of Birds of Borneo • Student Class Representative, Geography 111, 2010 • Bronze Medalist, Fobissia, Kinabalu International School Swim Team, 2006 • Borneo Outward Bound Student Program participant, 2005-2006 • Debate Team, Borneo Global International Conference, (BGIC), Brunei, co-author of student political resolution read before the United Nations, 2005 – 2006 • Author of Kinabalu International School play/production, 2005 • Published poem, Great Minds Poetry Competition, 2005 • Published story, Young Writer’s Competition, 2003
Volunteer Experience • International Student Volunteer, Turtle Project, Costa Rica, Nov-Dec 2009 Duties: Building turtle hatchery, patrolling beach to prevent poaching, team-building and leadership responsibilities in sustainable turtle project. • Lok Kawi Zoo, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Dec 2008, Duties: general care of pygmy elephants, orang-utans and other endemic endangered species at the facility. • Camp Counselor, Smuggler’s Notch Resort, Vermont, summer 2008, Duties: leadership role with 4-8 year old mixed children’s group, hiking, swimming, and other activities.
Interests / Activities • Computerized map-making • Wellington Tramping Club Member, 2010-11 • Member of Kinabalu International School Swim Team • Equestrian, state medalist in jumping competition 2007 • Kinabalu Optimist sailing squadron • Member of the SCA, an international organization dedicated to researching and re-creating the arts and skills of pre-17th-century Europe
Computer Skills • Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Photo Shop, and Internet
PERSONAL DATA Date of Birth September 16th, 1976 Sex Male Marital Status Single Nationality Nigerian State of Origin Kogi Local Govt. Area Ihima, Okehi Religion Christianity EDUCATION / QUALIFICATIONS (WITH DATES) 2007 Business Education Examinations Council, Lagos
Professional Diploma (Public Relations) 2006 The College of Journalism, Lagos
National Diploma in Journalism
2005 Business Education Examinations Council, Lagos Professional Certificate (Public Relations)
2000 West African Senior School Certificate WORKING EXPERIENCE / JOB FUNCTIONS 2001 Till Date OSCAR FIBER NIG LTD – 15 Oshifila Street, Anifowoshe, Ikeja, Lagos
2004 – date: Job Functions: - - Facility Management Department Coordinator - HR Assistant/Admin Manager - Personal Assistant to the MD
COMPUTER/IT LITERACY 2003 IMS Computer Training School, Lagos
Diploma in Computing (General computing, Ms. Word, Ms. Excel, Ms. Power Point etc.)
Proficiency in email administration and general internet environment navigation management.
LANGUAGES English, Yoruba (Fluently) SPOKEN Hausa, Ebira (Semi-fluently) Spanish (Fairly) INTERESTS Reading, counseling, researching, community work SOME RELEVANT WORKS STUDIED/BEING STUDIED ON INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS/POLITICS/ INTERNATIONAL ECONOMY
Renegade: The Making of a President How to Change the World: Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New
Ideas, Updated Edition The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream
(Vintage) So You Want to be President? Revised and Updated Edition The Inspired Wisdom of Abraham Lincoln: How Faith Shaped an American
President -- and Changed the Course of a Nation Lincoln on Leadership: Executive Strategies for Tough Times Leaders: Strategies for Taking Charge Transforming Leadership: Jesus' Way of Creating Vision, Shaping
Values & Empowering Change Create A Life That Tickles Your Soul : Finding Peace, Passion, &
Purpose (Tickle Your Soul Series) Silent Warfare: Understanding the World of Intelligence – Abraham Schulsky In Pursuit of Shadows: A Career in Counterintelligence – Thomas Slawson Remaking Domestic Intelligence – Richard Posner The Craft of Intelligence – Allen Dulles Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA Executive Secrets: Covert Action and the Presidency – William Daugherty Human Intelligence, Counterterrorism and National Leadership: A Practical Guide
– Gary Berntsen Inside Al Qaeda Global Network of Terror – Rohan Gunaratna How to break a Terrorist: The US Interrogators Who Used Brains, Not Brutality,
to Take Down the Deadliest Man in Iraq – Matthew Alexander The Code Book: The Science of Secrecy from Ancient Egypt to Quantum
Cryptography – Simon Singh Anatomy of Motive – John Douglas (Pioneer of FBI Behavioural Science Unit)
REFEREES ENGR. ADEKOLA OMIKUNLE Chief Executive Oscar Fiber Nig. Ltd. 15 Oshifila Street, Anifowoshe, Ikeja, Lagos MR. PETER OGUDORO Managing Partner/Programme Coordinator Ogudoro Leadership Trainers and Management Consultants/Professional Exams Clinic 3 Tonade Street, Ikeja, Lagos MR. ADEGBOYEGA AROGBODO Governor’s Office (Press) Lagos State Government Secretariat, Alausa, Lagos.
Michael N. Nayebi-Oskoui 12215 Wallingstone Ln, Austin, TX 78750 • [email protected] • 512.577.4883
Experience: Central Market Austin, Texas October 2009 – Present
Apprentice Butcher/Department Lead Supervised production and sales for a multi-million dollar department Oversaw 20 employees’ productivity and department sales growth Integral member during which department posted highest profit levels in company history
Wrote schedules and orders, communicated with vendors checked in deliveries Ensured highest levels of customer satisfaction and future sales retention Dr Ting Chang, PhD Carnegie Mellon University August 2008 – May 2009
Teaching Assistant • Taught regular, weekly sessions for 25 students • Helped develop new curricula for future semesters, courses • Provided in-depth, special lectures on critical methodologies and cultural phenomena
Dr Suguru Ishizaki, PhD Carnegie Mellon University September 2008 – April 2009
Research Assistant • Designed a cataloguing system and recorded program information, descriptions in MS Excel • Utilized a computational corpus data program to analyze linguistic trends in describing and
discussing visual design programs at 300+ universities • Created a reusable search methodology to collect and catalogue future data sets
Education:
CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY Pittsburgh, PA August 2008 – May 2009 Master of Arts, Literary and Cultural Studies
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN Austin, TX August 2004 – May 2008 Bachelors of Arts, English and Linguistics, double major
Skills & Languages: PERSIAN- Advanced conversational skills, native level comprehension of broadcast media
FRENCH- Intermediate conversational skills, advanced reading comprehension LATIN, SPANISH, ITALIAN- Research competency SOFTWARE- Macintosh and PC proficient, MS Office (MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint), intermediate Adobe InDesign and Photoshop, Concordance programs (Conc, AntConc, etc) TYPING- 95 WPM, 10-key: Touch Papers Given:
Michael Nayebi-Oskoui STRATFOR Research Internship Program Fall 2011
I grew up in a mixed household—my father is a Persian Baha’i while my mother was a
Jew from Chicago. From an early age I had to navigate the predominantly Persian culture of our
household in Los Angeles, with its Persian language television, radio, and abundance of non-
English speaking family members. In fact, I did not begin to speak English as a full-time
language until we moved to Austin in the early 90s. More than giving me a firm grounding
within domestic Persian cultures and a strong grasp and comprehension of the Persian language,
I had to learn how to quickly switch between two modes of thinking. This early immersion
influenced my decision to spend my academic career studying points of cultural contact between
the Islamic and Western world, primarily through studying their respective literary cultures.
I am drawn to STRATFOR based on your company’s commitment to research- and fact-
based analysis, ranging across a spectrum of interests from geo-political security analysis to
business and technology. This wide-ranging viewpoint has not resulted in a disparate, muddled
perspective but rather a stronger, more in-depth understanding of the world’s events. My
academic career drew from a similarly diverse set of courses and disciplines, distilled into a more
complete, historical grounding of cultures and conflicts across the Middle East. I continued with
the bilingualism of my youth and studied languages and linguistics, and became familiar with a
variety of technological applications and tools. I am equally comfortable and experienced
conducting research with medieval manuscripts as I am with computers. I believe my cultural
and linguistic upbringing coupled with my educational background will mesh well with
STRATFOR’S wide-ranging group of experts in bringing the most in-depth, well rounded
research available to your clients.
Both my graduate and undergraduate coursework focused not only on literary
transmission but also historical modes on conflict between East and West and the development
of modern-day schisms within Islam. I have strong research and organizational skills, and am
able to quickly synthesize information collected from a variety of sources into a cohesive, easily
intelligible document. Although I have spent the past two years since my time at Carnegie
Mellon University working in a retail environment, I have maintained a tangible commitment to
my previous fields of study, presenting papers and lectures at large, international conferences on
Michael Nayebi-Oskoui STRATFOR Research Internship Program Fall 2011 a variety of topics concerning the interactions between Islam and the rest of the world. At my
current job, I have proven myself to be reliable, responsible and able to deliver strong results
quickly and with minimal supervision. In addition to working dependently and efficiently on my
own I am also adept at working and communicating with a team of people, both as a member and
in a supervisory role. Keeping track of deadlines, individual contributions and maintaining focus
of a large group is something that has come naturally to me. As I am in charge of scheduling in
department, I will be available to work eight hour shifts three to four days a week, for the full
duration of the internship.
My educational and work experiences have shown me to be a thorough, confident thinker
and a responsible, goal-driven worker. I love learning and problem solving, both within groups
and on my own. I believe I have what it takes to become a dependable, valued asset to the
diverse research team upon which STRATFOR has built its reputation.
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SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
Reconnaissance Marine formally trained to observe and report on enemy activity and other information of military significance. Security Clearance: Secret
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Liberal Arts (BA) Expected Graduation May 2012 University of Texas at Austin Duel Major: Middle Eastern Studies & History
WORK EXPERIENCE
Administrative Assistant/Work Study October 2008 – Present Austin Vet Center Austin, TX Compile intake form dockets for incoming patrons into the Veteran Affairs system. Handle sensitive information while ensuring operational security procedures are followed and
maintained. Compose multiple excel spreadsheets containing contact and enrollment information in for various
groups with in Vet Center. Conducts clerical work and manages traffic flow of the office by directing veterans to the proper office.
Recon Team Leader (E-5) May 2008 – February 2011 U.S. Marine Corps Reserve San Antonio, TX Provided quarterly performance evaluation subordinates, and development of corrective action plans. Maintained accountability of Marines, and ensured accountability of all weapons and equipment. Created employer duty notifications to inform employers of military service obligations. Successfully led a Recon team of 7 from Texas to Brunei to take part in Operation Commando Rajah
military exercise with 40th Commando Royal Marines and the Royal Gurkha Rifles. Participated in a pre-deployment DIA cultural training course (Afghanistan/Pakistan). Attended a FBI HRT Shooting package at the HRT compound in Quantico, VA. Lead the Recon team that won a Battalion information gathering competition during annual training at
Bridgeport, CA. Chief Scout/ Infantryman (E-5) June 2003 – December 2007 U.S. Marine Corps Active Camp Pendleton, CA / Iraq
Three combat deployments o OIF II 2004 Squad Automatic Weapon Gunner/Scout o OIF 4-6 2005/2006 Scout Team Leader/Sniper Team Leader o OIF 6-8 2007 Chief Scout/ Acting Platoon Sgt
Acted as a platoon translator on all three deployments. Participated in the Battle of Fallujah 2004. Participated in Operation Steel Curtain 2005. Attached to, and lead, an independently operating 9 man Iraqi Special Forces Squad during Operation
Western Shield 2006. Lead a Sniper Team that mitigated and stopped an insurgent team from continuing to kill and destroy
coalition forces with the use of IED’s along a major supply route. Commanded a small Patrol Base with a battle space inside a major city of Iraq 2007. Acted as a Platoon Sergeant on first enlistment 2007 Participated in over 1000 combat missions from raids to LPOP’s gathering local information for
commanders.
A P O L O N I O H E R N A N D E Z I I I 3 8 0 9 S C O N G R E S S • A U S T I N , T X 7 8 7 0 4 • H E R N A N D E Z 3 @ U T E X A S . E D U • ( 7 6 0 ) 8 2 8 - 5 5 2 2
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Software: MS Excel, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, Adobe Photoshop. Foreign Language: Basic Conversational Arabic (Iraqi Dialect) Formal Military Schools:
o Basic Rifleman 2003 o Forward Observe/Forward Air Controller 2004 o Combat Lifesaver 2005 o Infantry Squad Leaders Course 2006 o Basic Reconnaissance Course 2008 o Basic Airborne 2009 o Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape (SERE) 2009
Statement of PurposePhillip Orchard The need for clear-eyed intelligence became evident, irrevocably, when a tear gas grenade laced with RDX explosives landed at my wife's feet one night in Bangkok. The “Yellow Shirt” protests had locked down the seat of Thai power just a few blocks away from our Bangkok hotel, just a month after we arrived for a two-year stint with an anti-trafficking NGO in October 2008. We had spent the day at the edges of the sprawling demonstrations, exploring the problems of our new home. It felt like an endearing party — music, dancing, elderly protesters clad in yellow, waving flags and hoisting pictures of King Bhumibol, undeterred by multiple deadly clashes with police nearby at the gates of Parliament. But what we didn’t understand then—and what would later be confirmed by Wikileaks—was that protest leaders were hoping to spark enough of an overreaction from police to force a military coup, thus achieving their goals of regime change. When day turned to night without military action, the action shifted away from Parliament as protesters began pushing their way into police headquarters—on same the road we were taking back to our hotel. Teargas explosions soon punctured the crowd. Panicked mobs choked movement. My wife and I spent a month in the hospital, and the subsequent two years grappling for order in chaos and explanation in a deeply confusing world. Thailand is shaped by an enigmatic monarchy, an autonomous military, a growing middle class, enormous emerging market opportunities for those in position to saddle the galloping economy, and deep discontent from those left behind. There are endless Burmese civil wars along the western border, nationalist clashes with Cambodia over temples to the east, an Islamic insurgency in the deep south, DEA-funded drug wars in the Golden Triangle, and, of course, erupting internal chaos on the streets of Bangkok. It was an extraordinary region to begin developing a framework for understanding people, geopolitics, and the relentless realities of power. But it was also a deeply dismaying world, where the inanities of the violence screamed in a fire fueled by confusion, demonization, and frenzy-whipping rhetoric. Local media was cowed, corrupt, or chilled by tightening les majeste laws (and, of course, written in Thai). International media was obsessed with optics and eager to gloss over the shaping nuances of a complicated local culture. Inadvertently well-versed in the consequences of ignorance, it became easy for us to draw clear lines from this explosive blend to blood on the streets. I caught glimpses of this atmosphere in conflicts all over Asia. In the Burmese borderlands, part of the peacebuilding work of HOPE International (who I helped articulate a vision for rebuilding civil society beneath the shell of authoritarianism) was devoted to improving communication and quelling unfounded fears in an environment of multi-generational trauma. I saw it in Sri Lanka,
where I was the week the government killed Velupillai Prabhakaran and ended a 26-year-long war, indiscriminantly shelling thousands of civilians in the process. And I saw it in our work with international NGOs, which are uniquely prone to vague notions of “doing good” instead of clear-eyed strategies fit for enormously complicated problems. How, possibly, could reason, security, and empowering analysis prevail in this sort of chaos? I soon learned two important lessons: 1 — The first stemmed from basic security needs. Thailand erupted into mass violence three more times while we were there. Despite its overstated role in social movements, social media does, in fact, provide an unprecedented ability to gather information on the fly. Whenever tensions boiled over in Bangkok, tools like Twitter and Google Maps were especially useful. I soon figured out how to sift through the clutter of both traditional and social media in order to know where and when protesters or police were gathering, and why. Wary of navigating such an environment blindly, this newfound capability was liberating. From this, I also developed a diverse collection of respectable journalists, bloggers, academics, translating expats, and citizen “journalists” describing scenes outside their windows, from which it was easy to grasp both real-time developments and invaluable lessons about Thai culture, history, power structures, and politics. It was, of course, a trial and error process seasoned with appropriate skepticism. But this is the new necessity for gathering information in the digital age, where truth is at once everywhere and nowhere. Take a million bits of information, learn how to filter out the nonsense and read beyond the headlines, and start painting accurate pictures. 2 — To avoid drowning in this morass, however, a sound framework of understanding about geopolitics is key—and I had to redevelop mine. Thanks in part to STRATFOR's reports, I began to think in terms of common human incentives and behaviors and geopolitical realities, while trying to leave flexibility for unique cultures, histories, circumstances, and the unpredictability of individual human beings. Rationality is real and predictable, after all, if you know where to look for it. My relevant experience for a STRATFOR internship is, therefore, hardly tangible, but it is experience filled with perspectives, and marked by a thirst for clarity, a deep frustration with mindless media narratives, and an earnest desire to help create an environment where reason and communication can more easily prevail. As an intern, I’d hope to both contribute to this cause, and formalize my earlier methodology by adopting STRATFOR’s own approach to geopolitical research and analysis. I am currently a self-employed freelance writer and editor in Austin, and thus have the flexibility to work for STRATFOR for least 20 hours per week.
The life you live today should be a statement of the life you want for the future. I am happy to say everything I have done up to this point in my life is reflective of the future I want to have. When I was in the military all I wanted was to get out and go to school. When I finished active duty and moved to Austin, started school, obtained a job as a federal security guard working night shifts and used money I had saved from my deployments to buy eight apartment units before the housing market crashed in 2006. After the crash mortgage rates skyrocketed, rental prices were at an all time low and the reality of being a landlord hit hard. The apartments were only leasing for $700 and that was barely enough to cover mortgage payments. Each time a tenant would move out I would spend the next month renovating so that the next tenant would pay a dollar per square foot, $1100 a month. If it wasn't for the work ethics instilled in my by my family, the A/C mechanic who also happened to be my tenant, and the network of inspiring people who never stop believing in me I would have been foreclosed on like so many millions of other people. In each step of my life I've succeeded in following through with and accomplishing to the best of my ability all I have set out to do. My goal has always been to experience the world, to be in a career where my work ethics and abilities will be put to the best use, and to feel pride everyday in the service of my country, family, and most importantly myself.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC
Bachelor of Arts: double major in Peace, War and Defense; and Political Science Spring 2011
Concentration: National and International Security; Major GPA 3.7
Related Coursework
Ethics of Peace, War and Defense; History of Intelligence Operations; National and International Security; Business Writing
Study Abroad
Guizho University Cultural Exchange Summer Program Guizho, China, Summer 2010
Beijing Institute of Education Summer Program Beijing, China, Summer 2009
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
International Justice Mission Washington, DC
Education Intern: IJM Institute Summer 2011-Present
Initiate and conduct research enabling the organization to move forward with new and profitable partnerships,
including NGOs
Analyze interior statements and publications for opportunities to further evolve the organization
Produce ten briefings of varied length, including work commissioned by the Director of the IJM Institute and one piece
entrusted with the co-development of the direct work and writings of the CEO
Study on the Pedagogy of Academic Writing Duke University
Research Assistant Spring 2011
Performed publication analysis to incorporate specific research into expert’s pending publications with VDM
Publishing Group
Scheduled forward-moving meetings with advising scholar providing a robust environment for new ideas
Beijing Royal School Beijing, China
Lead Teacher Summer 2009
Engaged in Chinese culture to adapt to differing learning styles and world perspective
Innovated and created lesson plans on the fundamentals of English as a second language in both oral and writing skills
Immersed students, ages 12-18, into intermediate English and physical education classes daily
Kampgrounds of America (KOA) Varying locations, most recently Watkins Glen, NY
Program and Activities Director Summer 2008 & 2010
Liaised between management and staff to improve morale and professionalism of staff contributing to the attainment
of both the KOA President’s Award and the KOA Founder’s Award, the two highest awards earned in 2010
Coordinated and directed 15-20 events weekly for up to 150 campground guests
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Koinonia Burmese Refugee Ministry Chapel Hill, NC
Director of Tutoring 2009-2011 Interviewed students and conducted introductory meetings with tutors, refugee families and translators
Implemented social media marketing to recruit students, taking the total number of tutors from 15 to 100+
Co-led monthly meetings to brief leadership team on status of the students, program and presence in community Rainbow Soccer Chapel Hill, NC Head Coach 2008-2011
Instructed players ages 4-8 in the fundamentals of soccer and physical coordination
Reinforced a teamwork mentality through drills and group exercises (1st place finish 4/6 seasons)
SKILLS
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Final Cut Pro, Google Analytics, social media (Twitter, LinkedIn, Blogger, Wordpress),
Teach English as a Second Language (TESL) Certified (Elementary and Advanced), Elementary Chinese language skills
Wm Matthew Kennedy---Resume 2 February 2011
Résumé
Name: William Matthew Kennedy Current Address:
4510 Duval Apt 205 Austin, TX 78751
Phone : 512-917-6749 Email: [email protected] Specializations: British Imperialism, Global and Imperial History, Australian History, Asian/Pacific History, Decolonisation, International Labor History 1900-1925, African and Middle East History, 1800-2008. Languages: French (proficient), German (proficient), Arabic (basic), Russian (basic), Spanish (basic), Dutch (reading only), Afrikaans (reading only).
Education: -University of Oxford 2009-2010 (St. Cross College) MSt. Imperial and Commonwealth History (Distinction on Dissertation) -University of Texas at Austin 2005-2009 (156 hours, 3.7500 GPA) B.A. History (Spring 2009) B.A. European Studies (Spring 2009) Relevant Employment: -The Office of the Governor (Economic Development and Tourism Division) -Texas Military Preparedness/International Business/Department of Commerce Intern, Fall 2010-present
-The University of Texas at Austin -Daily Texan, Columnist, Summer 2007-Fall 2008
-British Studies Program, Administrative and Research Assistant, helped prepare material for courses, Fall 2007-present -Research Assistant, helped prepare material for courses, Dr. James Vaughn (History), Fall 2008-Spring 2009
-Web Design/Content Management -Webmaster, Lead Developer, Britain and the World Online Course Portal (www.britainandtheworld.org), Spring 2011. -Webmaster, British Scholar Society (www.britishscholar.org), designed and developed website, Fall 2006-Present -Webmaster, British Scholar Online Journal (www.britishscholarjournal.org), designed and developed website, Fall 2008-Present -Junior webmaster, St Cross College, Oxford University, maintained complex site and user accounts, as well as their Drupal CMS, Fall 2009- July 2010 -PHP/MySQL developer, St. Cross College, Oxford University, Fall 2009-July 2010.
Academic Achievements:
Relevant Scholarships, Fellowships, and Awards -Undergraduate Research Award, 2007-08 For assistance with book length project with Dr. L. J. Andrew Villalon on American representations of French 'Decimation' as a critique of French decolonization, project ongoing. -Hibbs History Scholarship, Fall 2007 For academic merit. -Liberal Arts Honors Study Abroad Stipend, Spring 2008 To help fund attendance of a conference in London, travel costs for the Oxford Summer Program in History, and for primary research in the national archives at Kew. -Liberal Arts Competitive Scholarship, Spring 2008 For exemplary undergraduate research and academic merit. -Raymond Starr History Scholarship, Spring 2008 Top undergraduate award in non US history.
-Undergraduate Research Fellowship, 2007-08 Awarded by University Regents, funded primary research trip to the national archives at Kew. -Churchill Fellowship, Fall 2007-Spring 2009 Nominated by British Studies Program director Wm Roger Louis for academic merit and outstanding service to the program. -Liberal Arts Honors Junior Fellowship Fall 2007-Spring 2009 Selected to represent department of history in college-wide undergraduate research forum, given numerous grants to pursue primary research, presented research to fellows and Liberal Arts Honors directors. -Runner-Up, Best Undergraduate Thesis, UT Austin, Spring 2009 For thesis on Australia and Imperial Defence, 1918-1923, supervised by Wm Roger Louis. -Churchill Fellowship, Fall 2010-Spring 2011 Nominated by British Studies Program director Wm Roger Louis for academic merit and outstanding service to the program. -British Studies Program Junior (Faculty) Fellowship, Fall 2010 Nominated by British Studies Program director and fellows to one of four graduate seats. -Graduate Scholarship, Australia and New Zealand Studies Association of North America, Spring 2011 Awarded for exemplary paper, to cover travel expenses to ANZSANA conference. Academic Endeavors:
Relevant Programs -Normandy Scholar Program, Spring 2006 -Liberal Arts Honors Program, Spring 2006-Spring 2009 -Junior Fellows Program, Fall 2007-Spring 2009
-History Honors Program, Spring 2008-Spring 2009 -Oxford Summer Programme in History Politics and Society (Exeter College), Summer 2008
Conferences -“Singapore to Suez: The Withdrawal from Empire East of Suez, 1956-1971” conference paper, World History Association of Texas Conference, St. Edward’s University, Spring 2008 -“A Pyramid Balanced on its Point: The Dissolution of the British Empire 1914- 1939” conference presentation, National Conference for Undergraduate Research, University of Salisbury, Spring 2008
-“Shoring up the Defences: The Singapore Naval Base, Imperial Defence, and the Myth of Impregnability, 1919- 1942” conference paper, World History Association Conference, University of London, Summer 2008
-“The 20 Year’s War: British Inter-service Rivalry and the Construction of the Singapore Naval Base, 1921-1941,” conference paper, British Scholar Annual Conference, Spring 2009
-“’Gentle Shepherd Tell Me Where’: The Grenville Ministry and the Genesis of the Second British Empire, 1763-66,” World History Association of Texas Conference, St. Edward’s University, Spring 2009.
-“The Scramble for the Pacific: Imperial Historiography in Asia and the Pacific,” World History Association of Texas Conference, St. Edward’s University, Spring 2011.
-“An Australian Revolution?: Industrial Unionism and Radical Loyalism, 1915-1922,” Australia and New Zealand Studies Association of North America (ANZSANA) Conference, Ft. Worth Tx, Spring 2011.
-“Colonial Underdevelopment and Decolonization in the British Mediterranean, 1952-1962,” Colonial Development Conference, University of York, UK, Spring 2011.
-”Points and Lines, Anglo-Japanese Railway Imperialism in China, 1911-1921,” British Scholar Annual Conference, University of Texas at Austin, Spring 2011
Publications, Theses, and Other Examined Papers
-“Churchill’s Crusade” book review, British Scholar, Spring 2007 -“British Scholar Journal” advertisement, Times Literary Supplement, Fall 2008
Wm Matthew Kennedy---Resume 2 February 2011
-“The Splendid Adventure: Australian Imperialism and British Strategy in the Pacific 1919-1923”, (Prof. Wm Roger
Louis), UT History Honors Thesis, May 2009. -“’Integral or Insular?’: Britain’s First Application to the European Economic Community, 1958-1963,” UT European
Studies Capstone Research Project, (Prof. A. G. Hopkins), May 2009. Published in Oxford University History Society Journal, Spring 2011.
- “Decolonizing the British Mediterranean, 1954-1964,” Examination Essay, University of Oxford, March 2010. - “Japan, Britain, and China, Imperial Cooperation and Rivalry, 1911-1922,” Examination Essay, University of
Oxford, March 2010. -“An Australian Revolution?: Industrial Unionism, Loyalism, and Government in Australia, 1916-1920,” University
of Oxford, MSt. Dissertation, (Prof. John Darwin), May 2010. -“A Pacific Scramble?: Imperial Readjustment in Asia and the Pacific, 1911-1922,” Chapter in Edited Volume on
Empire in the First World War, Forthcoming. Lectures, Lecture Series, and Seminars Given
-“The War: National and Individual During the Second World War,” Semester-Long Lecture Series, University of
Texas, Normandy Scholar Program, Spring 2006 -“ The War: National and Individual During the Second World War,” Half-Semester Lecture Series, University of
Texas, Normandy Scholar Program, Spring 2007 -“Tommy’s War: the British Experience, 1939-1945,” University of Texas, Normandy Scholar Program, Spring 2008
-“Americans over Europe: the US and the Airborne Campaigns, 1939-1945,” University of Texas, Normandy Scholar Program, Spring 2008
-“Australia, Singapore, and Imperial Defence Cooperation, 1919-1942,” Junior Fellows Program, University of Texas at Austin, Fall 2008
-“Mandatory Imperialism and the Origins of the Pacific War, 1919-1937,” University of Texas, Normandy Scholar Program, Spring 2009
-“A Little Splash of Red: Conceptualizing the Revolutionary Left in Australia 1915-1922,” Commonwealth History Seminar, University of Oxford, March 2010.
Organizations, Initiatives, and Community Involvement:
-British Scholar Society (www.britishscholar.org)
Editorial Assistant Fall 2008-present Graphic Designer/Webmaster Fall 2007-present Annual Conference committee, Fall 2007-present
-Vice-President, Design, and Content Management, Annual Conference 2009 -British Studies Program (University of Texas at Austin)
Assistant, Fall 2007-Spring 2009 -Foreign Policy Club (University of Texas at Austin) Member, Summer 2005-Spring 2008 -University History Society (University of Texas at Austin) Founder, President Spring 2008- Spring 2009 -American Historical Association
Member, Fall 2007-present -World History Association
Member, Spring 2008-present -Australia and New Zealand Studies Association of North America Member, Spring 2011-present
John Lyman
434 Prince Street • Tappahannock, VA 22560 • (804) 269 - 6748 • [email protected] Professional Experience Foreign Affairs Journal, Editor-in-Chief, Tappahannock, VA http://www.foreignaffairsjournal.org Work approximately 35 hours a week; February 2011 – Present • I began Foreign Affairs Journal as a forum to discuss international affairs, U.S. politics and global economics. • I have written approximately 100 articles and posted another 60 articles submitted by others.
Foreign Policy Digest, Administrative Editor, Washington, DC http://www.foreignpolicydigest.org Worked approximately 30 hours a week; May 2009 – February 2011 • I authored approximately 36 articles on topics ranging from international banking to Afghanistan. • Attended political events in Washington, DC, Congressional hearings and events at think tanks. • Coordinated with other regional editors on themes for upcoming editions. Virginia Commonwealth University, Supplemental Instructor, Richmond, Virginia Worked 30 hours per week; September 2009 – May 2010 • Tutored undergraduates in the areas of Political Science, Economics and International Relations. • Attended weekly classes and offered supplemental class sessions for upcoming exams.
Nerman-Lockhart, Inc., Marketing Director, Tappahannock, Virginia Worked 40 hours per week; June 1996 – November 2008 • Marketing Director for a small to medium size family run environmental company. • Developed marketing division for successful environmental company. • Developed cost saving measures. • Increased overall sales with ventures into previously untapped markets. • Analyzed strategies to increase profitability. Academic Conferences
The New York State Political Science Association, 2010 Annual Conference, Empire State College, SUNY, Saratoga Springs, New York, April 16, 2010 • Paper presented, “(U.S.) Defense Budgets and the New Paradigm.” • Presentation addressed the politics of how defense dollars are apportioned. MAD-RUSH Undergraduate Research Conference, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia, March 27, 2010 • Paper presented, “(U.S.) Defense Budgets and the New Paradigm.” Education
B.A. Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, 2010 Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA M.A. European Studies, 2008 University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands B.A. Political Science, 2006 Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Proficient with Word, Excel and PowerPoint. • User of on-line research tools including Google Scholar and JSTOR.• Intimately familiar with HTML codes and the intricacies of web hosting. • Working knowledge of Content Management System’s (CMS), Joomla and WordPress. • Handle multiple tasks with a keen eye for detail • Possesses exceptional organizational skills • Consummate team player who can work to accommodate competing requests from colleagues • Strong knowledge of the legislative process • A results-oriented problem solver • A motivated self-starter • Excellent written and verbal communication skills • Proven proactive success • Have working knowledge of social media tools, including, but not limited to, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube • Other abilities include drafting weekly e-newsletters, press releases and targeted mailers, maintaining websites, managing social-networking websites, developing web videos and coordinating district press efforts.
Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey
Bachelor of Arts International Relations
Mexico City
May 2007
Obtained the academic distinction Mención Honorífica and the highest GPA of the
International Relations class of May 2007
University of British Columbia; Obtained Certificate in International Politics; Vancouver,
Canada (September – December 2006)
Institut d’Études Politiques de Paris, Sciences Po; Paris, France (February – June 2005)
Relevant coursework: International Law, International Organizations, Introduction to
Africa, The Arab World, Latin American History, US-Latin America Relations
EXPERIENCE
Embassy of Canada to Mexico
Trade Commissioner Assistant (Agri-food Unit) Mexico City
July 2007 – August 2009
Assisted Canadian Agri-food companies in expanding their business in Mexico by
organizing trade missions and providing market intelligence
Collaborated in the organization of promotional events aimed at increasing awareness
about the Canadian capabilities in the Mexican Agri-food market
Assisted in the organization of bilateral meetings between Mexican and Canadian
government officials at the Ministerial level
Responsible for the administration of budgets and contracts of the Agriculture section
Embassy of Canada to Mexico
Market Info Centre Assistant (Internship)
Mexico City
February – May 2006
Conducted key contact searches for Canadian companies interested in entering the
Mexican market and prepared outreach programs for the Embassy’s Trade Commissioners
Updated the Embassy’s Commercial section database of contacts
Managed and updated the Commercial section’s website for Mexican clients
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Languages:
Skills:
Leadership:
Spanish (native); English (fluent); French (fluent); Russian (advanced)
Proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, Word
Socially Responsible Leadership Program – SELIDER, COPARMEX
(Mexican Employers Federation); Mexico City, April – June 2006
Johns Hopkins University
School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS)
Master of Arts, International Relations
Washington, DC
May 2011
Concentrations: Conflict Management & International Economics
CONACYT Scholarship holder (Mexico’s National Council on Science and Technology)
Relevant coursework: Conflict Management Field Trip (Philippines), Post-Conflict
Reconstruction, Dispute Settlement Methods, Principles of Conflict Management
William R. Fuller 4335 Thomas Lane
Beaumont, TX, 77706 361-548-1157
E-mail: [email protected] Education Baylor University Bachelor of Arts August 2011, Overall GPA: 3.01/4.0 Major: Political Science/History Major GPA: Political Science 3.85/4.0 History 3.31/4.0 Languages: Four semesters of Spanish, two semesters of Mandarin Chinese Relevant Coursework
• Terrorism • Intelligence and Covert Operations • Power, Morality, and International Relations • Europe Since WWI
• European Union and Expansion • American Foreign Relations Since 1919 • Modern China • Traditional China
Employment Student Assistant, Moody Library, Baylor University, Waco, TX Server, Shorty’s Pizza Shack, Waco, TX January 2011-present Assistant Sexton, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Beaumont, TX May 2010-July 2010 Work Crew Leader, Camp Capers, Waring, TX May 2009-August 2009 Camp Counselor June 2007-August 2007 May 2008-August 2008 Student Assistant, Reservation Office, Student Union Building, Baylor University, Waco, TX January 2009-May 2009
Activities Student Government Senator, 7 Semesters
• Diversity Committee Chairman from January 2009-May 2009 • Waco Transportation Advisory Board, Baylor Student Government non-voting member
Baylor Ambassadors, 6 Semesters • Student Advocate for Government Aid for Baylor Students • Attended LBJ School of Public Affairs Student Leadership Conference on Ethical Leadership,
Spring 2009 Model United Nations, 5 Semesters
• Traveling team, Spring 2010, Won Distinguished Delegation Award Honors Program, 8 Semesters Studied Abroad in the Netherlands, Fall 2009
• Travelled to 16 different countries in Europe and North Africa Phi Alpha Theta, 2 Semesters
• National History Honors Society Research Assistant for Dr. David Clinton, Summer 2011
• Researching development of International Relations within the United States for a French volume dealing with the development of International Relations within the Francosphere as well as other leaders in International Relations
Reference Dr. W. David Clinton Professor of Political Science, Chair of the Department of Political Science, Baylor University Phone: (254) 710-1879 Email: [email protected]
Phillip D. Orchard1005 Harwood Place Austin, Texas 7804
512.574.6964 | [email protected] EducationThe University of Texas at Austin, Class of 2005Bachelors of Journalism Relevant ExperienceInternational
● Lived for two-and-a-half years in Northern Thailand. Researched the roots and effects of violent internal unrest, immigration issues fueled by regional destabilization, censored media, shadow economies and black markets, and the opportunities for both rapid growth and social tension in an emerging market country.
● Volunteered with HOPE International Myanmar. Learned about the dynamics of multiple multi-generational civil wars, and strategies for rebuilding civil society within the shell of authoritarianism in order to lay the foundation for more sustainable peace.
● Volunteered with anti-trafficking NGO Education for Life in Phayao, Thailand. Observed the complicated roots and realities of human trafficking, plus challenges in forging viable strategies in combating the problem.
● Explored systemic issues involving undocumented Haitian immigrants as intern with Makarios International in the Dominican Republic, plus developmental opportunities and risks presented to them by industries like sugar and tourism.
● Represented Liberian student emigrating to the U.S. in post-war Monrovia. Experienced both the visible and invisible systems that are shattered by war, a broken society plagued by distrust and suspicion, and the grassroots desire for and resistance to American intervention.
Writing and Editing
● Edited or rewrote more than 5,000 pages for travel website Trazzler.com. Developed a unique editorial voice for the site. Wrote more than 60 travel reviews. Ghostwrote reviews published on Salon.com and The Huffington Post, plus reviews for tourism bureaus in Bend, OR, Stowe, VT, and Louisville, KY.
● Ghostwrote three chapters for Leading with Care—published by Jossey-Bass with CARE International.
● Collaborated on website for HOPE International, Myanmar, outlining a vision for the grinding work of peacebuilding that would resonate with both foreign donors and local Burmese engaged in HOPE’s peacebuilding process across the country.
● Published creative non-fiction piece in the Green Hills Literary Lantern.● Built extensive copywriting, web content, corporate SEO blogging portfolio as an expat freelancer
in Thailand.● Produced more than 350 features, news stories and editorials for newspapers and magazines
around the nation as a sports reporter. Interactive Media
● Managed user-generated travel content and proprietary content management system for Trazzler.com — a company whose board includes the Twitter co-founders.
● Wrote search-engine friendly web content for a broad array of businesses via Masterlink
Interactive Marketing, and maintained detailed, topical SEO blogs. Recent WorkEditor | Trazzler.com — October 2008 to presentEditing. Rewriting. Editorial development. Restaurant, hotel, and destination reviews. Ghostwriting. Content management. Tweeting. Sales. Started as freelancer; worked up to editor. Freelance Writer — December 2007 to presentDeveloped web content and maintained company SEO blogs for U.S. businesses and universities, including Brand New Box, Masterlink Interactive Marketing, RMM Online Advertising, and UC-San Diego. Correspondent | Austin American-Statesman — January 2004 to September 2005Published more than 100 stories with the Austin American-Statesman, including game stories, player and executive profiles, and business features about Austin-area professional sports clubs. Also freelanced for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Wired Magazine, the San Antonio Express-News, the Tampa Tribune, the Round Rock Leader, Street and Smith’s Magazine, CSTV, Digital Exec Magazine, COED Magazine, and more. Other relevant skills:Language: Conversational Spanish. Limited Thai. Research: Journalism work required the ability to gather and verify information. Web content and corporate blogging work requires ability to quickly gain understanding of a broad variety of unfamiliar subjects. Life in a conflict zone demanded the ability to mine useful information from a mass of unreliable sources in both traditional and social media.
SHELLEY J. BURLESON Home: (512) 470-2296 [email protected] SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS: • Research, analyze, and evaluate information to present recommendations • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, ArcView/ArcGIS, ERDAS, and SPSS • Produce maps, enhanced digital images, spreadsheets, reports, and presentations • Construct clear, concise, audience-specific reports and presentations • Communicate with researchers to determine needs and recommend solutions
EDUCATION:
Ph.D. in Geography (Dissertation topic: GIScience and Genocide) Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666 ABD: December 2011; Current GPA: 3.85/4.00 Master of Applied Geography (Directed Research: GIScience and the Holocaust in Budapest, Hungary) Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666 Graduated 2009; GPA: 3.93/4.00 Master of Arts Degree in History (Thesis: U.S. and Jordanian diplomatic Relations since 1948) Fayetteville State University, UNC Constituent Institution, Fayetteville, NC 28301 Completed 2005; Graduated 2006; GPA: 4.0/4.0 Bachelor of Arts Degrees in History and Geography (magna cum laude) Fayetteville State University, UNC Constituent Institution, Fayetteville, NC 28301 Graduated 2003; GPA History: 4.0/4.0; GPA Geography: 4.0/4.0
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY: GRADUATE/RESEARCH ASSISTANT TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY, San Marcos, TX 78666 08/2008 to present • Conduct extensive research on specific topics including Genocide Studies, the Holocaust, Critical
Social Theory, and metadata. • Collect data, expand research to incorporate primary source material, create geodatabases from
primary source materials, and after analysis, prepare maps, presentations, and reports. ARCHIVES SPECIALIST Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library and Museum 10/2005 to present • Perform detailed archival duties involving research, reference, arrangement, description, appraisal,
and preservation of historical documents. • Conduct in-depth research to respond to written and oral inquiries. • Utilizes, interprets, and applies program policies, regulations, and directives from NARA to resolve
ARCHIVIST U.S. Army Special Operations Forces Archives 03/2004 to 10/2005 • Performed a variety of technical tasks covering the full gamut of archiving functions such as:
appraisal, accession, allocation, and disposal; identification, arrangement, and description; preservation and maintenance; and documentary publication and exhibit.
• Maintained SECRET clearance and functioned as the archives Security officer. • Used, interpreted and applied program policies, regulations, and directives from USASOC, TRADOC,
and USAJFKSWCS to resolve challenges encountered in the Archives. • Responded to requests for specific Special Operations Forces (SOF) documents from Army
organizations, divisions of the Army staff, Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other government agencies. GRADUATE/RESEARCH ASSISTANT FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY 01/2003 to 05/2005 • Compiled and analyzed data from a variety of sources to produce papers on specific historical
subjects • Managed historical projects under the guidance of the historian that required research and
preparation of reports • Conducted historical research on specific topics and assisted historian on major projects.
TRAINING AND AWARDS: • SECRET Clearance • United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) Security Managers Course • National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) – Modern Archives Institute • US Army Anti-Terrorism Level 1 Awareness Training • US Army Information Assurance Training • US Army Ethics Training • US Army Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Training • US Army Subversion and Espionage Directed Against the United States Army (SAEDA) Training • NARA Security Training • NARA No Fear Act Training • US Army Commander’s Award for Civilian Service (October 2006) • Academic Excellence in Geography Award (May 2003) • College of Arts and Sciences Leadership Award (May 2003)
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND LANGUAGE SKILLS: • Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Access) • Dbase, Lotus, WordPerfect, Crystal Reports, Adobe Professional • ArcGIS, CrimeStat, ERDAS, and IBM SPSS • Light working knowledge of French, Spanish, and Russian
Shelley J. Burleson 7 July 2011
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: I am writing to express interest in STRATFOR’s internship program. This learning position would allow me to apply my research and writing skills while expanding my critical and analytical abilities in predicting plausible outcomes to current global situations from a geopolitical perspective. My objective is in line with STRATFOR’s mission and I would appreciate your consideration for this internship. My education and experience should make me a perfect fit for the position. My education progression reflects my lifelong desire to work in an industry where history and geography are synthesized as a way to analyze information from a wide range of sources in order to inform the public and private sectors. I earned Bachelor’s degrees in both Geography and History, Master’s degrees in Geography and History, and am working towards a Doctoral degree in Geography. Through the combination of these two disciplines, I study temporal occurrences from a spatial perspective. I use Geographical Information Science (GIS, Remote Sensing, Cartography, spatial analysis, and spatial statistics) to analyze historical events in new and interesting ways. Currently, I serve as an Instructional Assistant for Field Methods in Geography at Texas State University-San Marcos, a course geared toward upper level undergraduate and graduate students. This course places emphasis on field work and requires gathering data from first-hand experience for each lab including, for example, mapping and terrain surveying, channel geometry and discharge calculations, population surveying and sampling, and environmental inventories. I lecture on the techniques of thorough and professional research, writing, and reporting skills and assign weekly assignments. I have completed all coursework in my doctoral program and am working on my dissertation, which considers how GIScience can be used to extend the current field of Genocide Studies. Through three genocide case studies, I explore the application of GIS, Cartography, and Remote Sensing to analyze the geopolitical and spatial aspects of mass killing events. As with all projects of this complexity, the bulk of the work involves formatting and sifting through information from a variety of resources in order to determine the value of the data. By working with large amounts of data and manipulating them into usable formats for GIS, I garnered an ability to recognize information worth further consideration. Additionally, I deal with other inherent issues with historical data such as ambiguity, uncertainty, reliability, and accuracy. As a Master’s research assistant at Texas State University, I had the opportunity to work on a collaborative historical GIS project funded by the National Science Foundation studying geographies of the Holocaust. I worked, specifically, on the Holocaust in Budapest, Hungary. This project involved creating geodatabases from archival documents gathered from multiple sources such as the Hungarian National Archives, the Budapest City Archives, Yad Vashem Archives, and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. Because these materials were collected
Shelley J. Burleson 7 July 2011
from a wide variety of locations, I had to accommodate documents in German, Hungarian, and English. This project encompassed a year of work and I produced a Directed Research Paper detailing the project, and the spatial and statistical analysis of the Holocaust in Budapest during the second half of 1944. My work as an archivist has provided me with a deeper appreciation of historical records and a better understanding of research principles. It has allowed me to practice patience, perseverance, and attention to details often overlooked by others. I take great pride in my organizational skills and the ability to undertake, plan, and implement projects from start to finish. It has been with enthusiasm that I have served the public in preserving and making available information, first, at the U.S. Army Special Operations Forces Archives at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and then at the Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library in Austin, Texas. As requested, my availability begins in August and runs through December 2011. Because of my teaching requirements, I am free to work at STRATFOR Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays for the requisite four to eight hour shifts. Thank you for your attention.
Shelley J. Burleson
SONALI V. BRAHMBHATT 2210 Pearl Street Apt. #202 Austin, Texas 78705 • (713) 447- 3189 • [email protected]
EDUCATION
The University of Texas at Austin May 2012 Bachelor of Arts: Economics, Asian Cultures & Languages (Hindi and Urdu) McComb’s Business Foundations Certification, Hindi Urdu Flagship Certification Overall GPA: 3.24/4.0 Hindi Urdu Flagship Study Abroad: Lucknow, India (August 2010- May 2011)
American Institute of Asian Studies: Upper-level Hindi/Urdu, Mughal Trade and Economy, Classical dance and music
Indian Institute of Management: Foundations of Information Technology Management, International Finance
EXPERIENCE
Prime Minister’s Advisory Committee on Medium Small and Micro Enterprises, Lucknow, India April 2011
Obtained information to compose a comprehensive report evaluating India’s current Social Security system, identifying suggestions for improvement which factor in governmental corruption
Contacted local government agencies to obtain operational statistics to develop spreadsheets and tables
Studied Social Security systems around the world to find more suitable options
Independent Media Analyst Contractor, Reston, VA June 2010-August 2010
Collected and analyzed publicly available information on topics of interest to U.S. policymakers
Used Hindi and Urdu languages skills, area knowledge, and cultural expertise to research and evaluate publicly available information (i.e. radio, TV, press, etc.) in the foreign arena to generate products such as media guides on current foreign policy issues
Office of Texas State Representative Ryan Guillen, Austin, TX January 2010-May 2010 Legislative Aide
Developed contacts and met with various state agencies for different legislative initiatives such as state budget and law enforcement
Assisted in casework for constituents by speaking to state agencies that offer services to its residents
Researched and developed the groundwork for legislation to be filled for the 2011 Legislative session
LEADERSHIP
The Hindi Urdu Society, Co-founder, President (Fall 2009-May 2010)
Developed constitution and fundraised over $1,200 for the organization
Contacted guest speakers for general body meetings, organized weekly movie nights through the Hindi Urdu Flagship
Indian Students Association, Vice President of Finance (Fall 2009-May 2010)
Budgeted all events, managed money from event fees, and wrote checks for expenses through the university bank
Oversaw collection of $7,550 in donations to the Red Cross and Texas 4000
ACHIEVEMENTS
Dean’s Honor List- Magna cum Laude, 2009-2010
University Honors: Fall 2009, Spring 2010
Halliburton Scholar, Halliburton Business Foundations Summer Institute, June 2011
Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Scholarship Recipient, Spring 2011
Asian Desi Pacific Islander American Collective’s Emerging Student Leader Award, 2009-2010
Liberal Arts Council Study Abroad scholarship recipient, May 2010
Texas University Interscholastic League (UIL) Foundation scholarship recipient, May 2008
SKILLS
Computer: Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Windows Movie Maker, Adobe Photoshop, InDesign Language: Fluent in English, Hindi, Urdu, and Gujarati; working knowledge of Spanish Work Status: U.S. Citizen
Sonali Brahmbhatt STRATFOR’s Research Internship Program- Statement of Purpose
Every morning at my internship with the Federal Government last summer, I was responsible for reading the Times of India, a leading newspaper in India. I was to find articles in the paper that suggested the newspaper’s stance on key political and geographical issues. I broadened my research by reading archived open source articles from the government’s databases which pertained to my focus. I found information regarding the paper’s positions on Indian foreign policy over time, their stance on Indian and American political parties, any hints of biases the paper had, and the geopolitical concerns between Indian and its neighboring countries. Using open source information, I developed a comprehensive media guide on the newspaper. Throughout the course of my internship, my objective was not to collect information, but rather to analyze the open source information and develop it into useful and pertinent intelligence for U.S. policy makers.
Historically, obtaining information was much harder. But due to the advancements in technology, the Internet has made it significantly easier to access newspapers, magazines, and news reports from every corner of the world. This has caused major changes in the intelligence cycle as the focus has shifted from obtaining information to processing it into intelligence via analytic tools. Approaching my final year as an Economics student at The University of Texas at Austin, my education has given me the analytic tools necessary for looking at information and deconstructing it into significant elements and vice versa. In addition, I am also majoring in Asian Cultures and Languages (focusing on Hindi and Urdu) for which I travelled to India to complete a year-long study abroad last year.
During my trip, I would read the various Indian newspapers and watch the 24-hour news channels as well. Through this first-hand exposure, I noticed many of the elements that I had researched for the Times of India during my internship. For example, when Osama bin Laden’s death was announced, I observed a major difference between what was reported in the Indian newspapers versus the American newspapers. One of the top stories on the front page of the Times of India reported that bin Laden’s body had been “dumped” in the sea, while the American press had been using the word “buried”. In India, where sentiments towards Pakistan are extremely negative, the choice of words that a newspaper uses in a story can send strong signals to its readers. Furthermore, while American newspapers were simply suggesting the Pakistani government’s possible role in the situation, Indian newspapers were taking the liberty to make assumptions and were discrediting the Pakistani government. I concluded that the Indian newspapers strove to report the general public’s feelings toward global situations. The public was very much against Pakistan because they believed the U.S. and other world leaders give Pakistan more aid and attention than India. Also, post-partition tension involving the disputed region of Kashmir continues to fuel the crisis between the two countries. Combined with the analytic skills I had developed from my Economics classes, and my cultural and geopolitical expertise of South Asia, I was able to take open source media and disassemble it into various elements to draw an analytic conclusion.
Through the experiences that I have had, I believe that I am a strong candidate for STRATFOR’s Research Internship Program. I have first-hand experience working with open source media and
disseminating it for further use. I am able to see problems through an analytic perspective to find multiple solutions. I have spent a significant amount of my life studying the geopolitical concerns of the South Asian region and can fluently speak, write, and read in Hindi, Urdu and Gujarati. Lastly, I aspire to obtain a graduate level degree in International Relations and strive to become an intelligence analyst.
I will be available to start from Monday, August 29th (earlier is possible) and will be taking 13 hours at UT Austin in the fall.
July 7, 2011
Hilary Forge: Statement of Interest
For as long as I can remember I have always had an extremely strong inquisitive nature. This has contributed to my insatiable desire for travel, adventure and learning new things. My first trip overseas to Europe at seventeen years of age launched my interest in foreign cultures and global affairs. Part of the reason I initially aspired to be a pilot for a commercial airline was for the opportunity to combine my interests in science and travel. I have a unique and well rounded background of personality traits and professional experience. As a self confessed internet research guru I am not satisfied with ambiguity and will vigorously pursue answers.
In high school I set my sights on becoming a commercial airline pilot as a career. A defining moment in my life occurred during this time when one of my high school teachers told me that I couldn’t be a pilot. This forever changed how I viewed others’ opinions. I was disappointed that a teacher and mentor of mine would try to discourage me from pursuing my dreams. Shortly after high school graduation I began taking flying lessons. I went on to earn my Bachelor of Science Degree from Southern Illinois University in Aviation Management and Flight. By the time I had graduated I was a Commercial Pilot with Instrument and Multi Engine Ratings. After college I continued my flight studies and earned my Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII). At the time I took my exams for my CFI the Federal Aviation Administration failure rate was 90% but after tireless preparation I passed on the first try. I have always been goal driven and self motivated. Once I set goals I am determined to successfully complete them. Soon after becoming an instructor I began working as a flight instructor teaching students ground school and flight training. My last flying position was as a copilot for a small commuter airline in Henderson, Nevada.
When I decided to make a career move for a more secure job with better pay, less travel and better benefits I was hired as a pharmaceutical sales representative. For six years I continually increased sales and market share. I was promoted multiple times and achieved numerous sales awards. My success was the result of several factors; highly effective organization, great time management, superior communication skills and the ability to easily build relationships. As a managed care liaison I demonstrated effective contract negotiation skills. Administrative duties were also a large part of the job including; managing sample allotments, rectifying any discrepancies, maintaining excel spreadsheets for expense reports, completing monthly sales reports and giving presentations at district and nationwide meetings. In 2005 was asked by upper management to join and assist in launching a neurology division. After joining the neurology division I continued all previous duties with a significantly larger territory while also attending Parkinson Support Group meetings and giving lectures.
Some of my future interests and goals include completing graduate school, learning a foreign language, traveling and establishing a career in global affairs and intelligence analysis. Through perseverance and determination I have proven my ability to succeed and overcome obstacles. Throughout my career I have demonstrated my capability of absorbing technical information along with excellent problem solving skills. Stratfor has a highly reputable reputation in the intelligence community. The company offers a plethora of opportunities for growth. I am looking for a company I can work with for the rest of my career. I’m seeking a position that I am passionate about; while challenging me and allowing me to continually grow and learn. As an intern I have many professional skills to offer along with my creative and analytical qualities. My extensive background and skill set would compliment this position. Please consider me for the fall 2011 Research Internship Program. My availability date is the end of August but can be negotiable. I look forward to speaking with someone about this opportunity soon.
July 8th 2011 Dear Stratfor, I am applying for the fall Research Internship Program. Having graduated this past May with a Bachelor’s degree in Peace, War and Defense from UNC Chapel Hill, I am able to greet the current issues with keen insight and thorough understanding. My concentration in National and International Security frequently led me to the publications of Stratfor. It is with confidence that I believe a deep and formidable understanding of foreign affairs is of the most essential characteristics a person can have today. Without such awareness, one is left near-sighted and baffled with the relevance at home of decisions being made many borders away. On the contrary, with such understanding, one is able to drive society forward and attenuate the invasive fears that can stem from global-neglect and ignorance. Stratfor is at the center of this driving force, providing top quality research speaking fluently over the ever-complex nature of today’s international affairs. My research skills have been honed not only through education, but also through my internship with International Justice Mission (IJM). I regularly prepared briefings that were presented to the Director of the IJM institute. This includes multiple instances where my work was commissioned to be tailored and distributed to various outlets in order to share our findings with multiple audiences. Along the same line, I was granted the privilege to co-develop material that dealt exclusively with the writings of our CEO. This included analyzing his work for: jumps in logic, underdeveloped arguments, and ultimately proposing my own ideas for his work on a sequel. This assignment, being exclusive to my work in an intern class of 16, refined my skills in merging thoughtfulness with conciseness. It is in the theme of such a merging that I outwardly acknowledge that to intern at Stratfor would be beyond an exceptional experience; it would rather be more appropriately labeled as a privilege. Please accept my attached resume. If you should need any further information, do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected] or (336)302-4590. I am grateful for your consideration and the opportunity to grow as an intern at Stratfor. I look forward to the opportunity of speaking with you soon. Regards, Wm. Logan Thore
The Background, Education and Training: After high school, I chose to do my graduation in psychology hoping to understand how we think and how our minds work. I graduated topping in the subject and had the opportunity to work with substance abusers and those that exhibited anti-social behaviour. At this point, it seemed that merely an understanding of a person on an individual level did not completely explain many of our actions and reactions. That is when my post graduation in criminology shed new light which proved to me that behaviour is best explained with respect to its context and all the external factors that surround it – the most dynamic of them being society itself. My quest has now shifted to understanding how a society works, with a deep focus on the occurrence of crime and anti social behaviour. This, I believe, can be best achieved with a good knowledge of patterns interlinking various events that occur globally in this age where the world is heavily networked by commerce, communication and transportation. I, thus, find myself studying various intelligence reports of STRATFOR, START, SATP, declassified CIA reports and the like to understand the bigger picture.
Owing to my deep interest, I took up a course with Steve Barry at Intelligence Analysis Training Ltd., UK to get a grasp of the existing intelligence processes and analysis tools.
I have been fortunate to have the excellent guidance of Dr. Keith Hayward, the Director of Studies for Criminology at the University of Kent on my post-graduate research work on terrorism (A New Dawn Of Terrorism: How 26/11 Mumbai Attacks Changed The Panorama Of Terrorism In The 21st Century, 2009). I have appended the abstract of my work. One of the books that have had the deepest influence on me was Samuel Huntington’s “The Clash of Civilizations”. I have also written a paper on the same during my post-graduate year.
Interest in working for STRATFOR: I seek to be a part of STRATFOR’s research team working in the areas of Terrorism & Military studies. Having seen the various reports presented by STRATFOR over the past couple of years, I am convinced that training at STRATFOR would be a unique opportunity to be directly involved in the activities in strategic analysis and forecasting. I am delighted to imbibe more of the STRATFOR’s methodology of gathering and dissemination of intelligence. I intend to take up a career in the intelligence sector and the experience that I acquire at STRATFOR would give me a global exposure to intelligence analysis. I am positive that I can provide valuable inputs towards the research at STRATFOR.
Suitability: I am determined to cooperate with the research team and make myself available for work as appropriate to the needs of the research. I will be capable of carrying out the day-to-day research and be responsible for the project management (organizing, monitoring and managing) of research events. I would be delighted to read case materials, construct questionnaires, write analysis of findings and develop analytical graphs. My background in research, training in research techniques and creativity will help move with focus as a problem solver. I am efficient in gathering relevant data from open source services and databases and I am exceptionally good in handling/organizing/processing research data. My training in intelligence analysis has equipped me with an understanding of good
intelligence practices and UK’s National Intelligence Model. I am fluent in English and Malayalam. I have a working knowledge of spoken Tamil and a basic fluency level in Hindi and in French.
Availability/schedule: On receipt of intimation of my acceptance to the research internship program, I intend to be in Texas from 1 August 2011 and plan to be there till December 2011. I am positive that I can make a mark in the assigned field of research and evolve out productive outcomes within the stipulated time frame.
APPENDIX
Abstract
Title: A New Dawn Of Terrorism: How 26/11 Mumbai Attacks Changed The Panorama Of Terrorism In The 21st Century
Year: 2009
Concern over security and counter-terrorism measures have heightened globally, in the aftermath of 26/11/2008 attacks in Mumbai, India. The 62 hour long attack on India's biggest metropolitan city revealed a new template for terrorism. The study aimed to understand the tactics used in the attack in an effort to integrate this knowledge to existing perceptions about terrorism. Through an analysis of the attacks, its actors and its impacts, the paper highlights the growing threat of efficient attack strategies employed by terrorists through the use of modern technology, less sophisticated technology and heavily trained militants. Focussing on issues that revolve around the Mumbai attack and the scenario that prevails in India and Pakistan, this work suggests a need for an improved counter-terrorism strategy through an efficient integrated defence network.
Elliot Sucari Statement of Purpose
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference”
Robert Frost, The Road Not Taken.
Having recently graduated from Universidad Torcuato Di Tella, as a bachelor in International Studies, I am eager to put into practice and assess my newly acquired knowledge. Not only do I wish to contribute to STRATFOR, but I also intend to distinguish my weaknesses and flaws with the particular purpose of improving my personal and professional careers. I believe that STRATFOR is the “ideal” place where I will be able to acquire good working ethics, polish my attributes, and get rid of (or at least acquaint with) these weaknesses. In sum, an opportunity to work at STRATFOR would be of holistic benefit for both my working and academic experience. On a personal level, it would help me discern if this is the path in which I would be keen on devoting the rest of my career to.
On a further note, due to my Latin-American roots, my “view from the south” could contribute, along with the other existing visions, to a more inclusive comprehension of how things happened and what they signify in the international system. I personally consider that it is of utmost importance to interweave the existing paradigms and theories in order to fully comprehend the complex international system, because to adhere to only one view would result in too much of a simplistic rational. As well, the fact that I am comfortable enough to consider myself a World Citizen enforces these concepts which at the same time, on a more personal note, can be attributed to two focal factors that have shaped my life so far. Although I was born and lived all my life in Buenos Aires, Argentina, I have had the privilege to study in an International School, where I have been in constant contact with students from all over the world, many of whom I have created lasting friendships with. Secondly, due to my fanaticism on contemporary World History, especially the Cold War, my curiosity has lead me to travel to Russia, Lithuania, Lativa, Estonia, Ukraine, Hungary, Austria, Germany, Turkey and Israel among other countries in the course of the last ten years. Carrying these factors in my cultural genes, I am certain I will be able to provide an encompassing and complete view on current World events and their ramifications in the international system.
My recent bachelor thesis illustrates my current interest in working as an intern for STRATFOR, and why I believe that the intern position would be suitable for me. With the objective to go against the installed paradigm that the United States constantly uses Latin America as its workshop for building its “empire,” I centered my thesis on the influence of the U.S. Department of State and its relation with the Armed Forces of Venezuela and Honduras in their respective coup d’état’s (2002 and 2009). I found that working on my thesis was an invaluable and enriching academic experience, where I was able to grasp the effects and dynamics of both the exogenous and endogenous variables in each conflict. My thesis has been chosen to be published in a soon to define academic magazine in Argentina.
I believe STRATFOR is the right place to develop and forge my working and academic experience which would help me to orient my future studies and current vocational career. I am confident that being able to work abroad in such a respectable entity will help me break with the usual path, which I believe will “make all the difference.”
Fortunately I am very flexible on my availability to work in STRATFOR.
I could begin to work from early August to late December, full time.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
A dedicated life of service to the United States is the career path I have aspired to have since I was a young boy. Wanting to become a Marine Officer after High School was the goal I had set for myself to begin this life of service. It just so happens that when I was about to graduate High School a conventional war with Iraq was going on, and I chose to enlist and get into the fight as soon as I could. When I was finishing my enlistment and preparing to start school I still had plans of returning as an officer immediately after attaining my degree. Since I have been in school I have come to the realization that I can serve in other ways besides being in the military. An internship at Strategic Forecasting is an excellent way to introduce me into the intelligence community instead of the information gathering community I have from the Marine Corps.
I intend on going to Law School immediately after I get my undergrad degree; with the ultimate goal of joining a triple letter agency such as the Central Intelligence Agency, Defense Intelligence Agency, or Federal Bureau of Investigation. Triple letter agencies seem like the best ways for me to serve the United States by using my experience in a Reconnaissance Marine to possibly provide insight from someone who has been an operator in the field. That same experience might be able to do the same for Strategic Forecasting. Having multiple combat deployments under my belt gives me insight to what military personal might be looking for and will hopefully give me a competitive edge in the consideration process. Also, having a current secret clearance would also save Strategic Forecasting from having to spend valuable time and money on extensive background checks.
My anticipated schedule for fall semester of 2011 is something that will have to be discussed when being considered for the internship. I would be able to manage twenty hours a week, but not in four to eight hour shifts if I were to keep my current schedule. It is could be open to change though. I would like to thank whoever it is for taking the time to read this hastily thrown together statement of purpose.
Semper Fi,
Apolonio Hernandez III
Strategic Forecasting, INC 221 W. 6th Street, Suite 400 Austin, TX 78701
To whom it may concern: I am extremely interested in the STRATFOR’s Research Internship position.
Given the opportunity an internship at STRATFOR would allow me to combine all of my past experiences from the military, my current studies in International Security and give me the proper start to achieve my future goals of becoming a successful member in the world of international security. I believe that STRATFOR is the best intelligence firm to work for and would be a great place to start my career in the intelligence community.
I am a great fit for STRATFOR because I am extremely committed, a hard worker and know that I will complete everything task and challenged that is required of me. I have demonstrated my ability in my military career by complete the Air Force Tactical Air Control Party course which had only a 20% completion rate. Also while in the military I worked with multiple Military Transition Teams as a trainer, as well an educator and advisor on enemy training, tactics and procedures to allied governments and armies. Years later I carried over my disciple into my studies when I started to attend the University of Texas. I maintain a 3.5 G.P.A at the University of Texas, where I am currently pursuing my degree in International Security with a focus in the Middle Eastern Studies. At the University of Texas I am a member of the Student Veteran Association, participate with the 12 Revolution Political-Science Club at Austin Community College and am planning to work with the University of Texas - Terrorists, Insurgencies, and Guerrillas in Education and Research (TIGR) Lab in the fall. Other technical skills that I can offer the company are I am fluent in German, have a Secret Military Clearance and I am efficient at Microsoft Office.
Given my military background, my proficiency at a foreign language, and my current studies I believe I am the ideal candidate for your Research Internship position. I thrive on the challenge and will take the time that is necessary to succeed with any task given to me.
Currently my availability for the fall is that I would only be able to work a four to eight hour shift Monday, Wednesday and Friday. If it were required my schedule is flexible and I can rearrange my school schedule with advance notice to be available to work more hours.
Thank you for your time and consideration. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me via telephone at (512)-914-0119 or email at [email protected]. Again thank you for considering me for your Research Internship.
My introduction to Stratfor came about two years ago when I heard about the company through a friend and signed up for the free, weekly intelligence reports. It wasn’t long until I bought a full-year membership. Before then, I mostly read a combination of publications including The Economist, the New York Times, and Foreign Policy to get international news and commentary. Although I still read these occasionally, Stratfor quickly became my favorite source. As a student of political science, I appreciate that Stratfor is non-partisan and non-ideological, which are both rare in today’s media. However, what I valued most about Stratfor, in comparison to other organizations, are its forecasts, which not only provide extreme depth and scope in analysis but also demonstrate the value of non-linear thinking. I am applying for the Research Internship Program because I intend to pursue a career in intelligence analysis and believe Stratfor would offer invaluable experience for such a career. However, I am also interested in Stratfor because I imagine the company would be full of thoughtful and interesting people.
Each company has its own organizational culture, with unique traits and values shared amongst its employees such as in work ethic, beliefs, and experience. I believe I exemplify these values as I have a passionate love of research and writing, including a deep fascination with world events, politics, economics and history. This is evidenced in a sampling of my favorite authors: Richard Dawkins and Steven Pinker on evolution and science, Jared Diamond on history, Dean Baker on economics, Sam Harris on religion and secularism, Christopher Hitchens and Fareed Zakaria on politics, and Bernard Lewis on Middle Eastern history. Further, I have a love of languages and chose to study German because Germany is a dynamic and important country. I chose to study abroad in Germany to become fully emerged in the language, and gain exposure to a variety of foreign countries from the United Kingdom to Turkey. While there, I took five upper-level courses all taught in German. I constantly read German news online, and listen to German talk radio in my car in order to maintain my language skills. I further intend to continue learning new languages and have recently begun learning my third language: Arabic.
I have direct experience relevant to the Research Internship Program that further demonstrates why I would be a great fit at Stratfor. I spent most of my free time at college writing opinion columns for the campus newspaper. I love doing the research that goes into an article, formulating an original idea on the topic, structuring the argument, and then writing in a way that engages the reader. I frequently wrote research papers for my political science courses that helped take my research and writing skills to the next level, but it was those opinion articles that really helped shape my voice. The articles say a lot about me, and as my name and picture appeared next to each one, I could be identified if I wrote something lousy or trite. With class and homework, I usually had to sacrifice sleep and social activities to stay up late on weekdays and weekends to write these articles.
One of the articles I am specifically proud of appeared in the DailySkiff newspaper on September 8, 2010. In this article I voiced my opinion on what is now known as the “Ground Zero Mosque.” While the debate was mostly framed as those in favor of freedom of religion versus those who claimed the mosque should not be allowed to be built because it disrespected America and the victims of the
September 11th attacks, I attempted to broaden the discussion by explaining that domestic disputes like this are often used overseas by terrorists in “the war of ideas.” In the article, I argued that the more America demonstrates tolerance towards Muslims, the harder it will be for terrorist organizations to attract sympathizers and recruit members. I then called out those who believed the mosque would represent an Islamic conquest. I listed all the items the Taliban banned during their rule in Afghanistan and explained how the website behind the mosque advocates many of the things on that list, including education and employment for women. I concluded the article by saying that “only Islamic extremists would hate the project more than Americans.” Stratfor not only gets detail, but also looks at the bigger picture when preparing its forecasts. As George Friedman says, “it gets away from the trees and starts to look at the forest.” In that spirit, I stepped away from the Ground Zero Mosque, and looked at how it relates to the larger War of Ideas.
I have the drive, capability and desire to become a great research intern at Stratfor. If given the opportunity I will work hard to learn everything I possibly can, and strive to be a valuable intern to the company. I am available to start the end of August. I would like to work 8-hour shifts, 40-hours per week for a four-month term.
APPLICATION FOR RESEARCH INTERNSHIP PROGRAM AT STRATFOR STATEMENT OF PURPOSE Career Background and Experience My post-secondary education started out with a diploma in journalism at the Independent Journalism Centre, Lagos, Nigeria. The tipping point in my career came with my enrolment to study professional Public Relations (PR). My PR training indirectly formed the foundation upon which my journey into the world of intelligence was built, not necessarily by plan or design, but by exposure and orientation. Like intelligence, PR is also a multidisciplinary training covering fields of endeavour like media, psychology, sociology, politics, government, business administration, business economics, and research; and concepts like personal development, character transformation, as well as managing health and relationships. My Journey into the World of Intelligence Upon completion of my Professional Diploma in Public Relations in July 2007, my inquisitive mind started probing wildly into things: events that have shaped my life and events that have shaped my land of nativity, Nigeria. As regards these two experiences (of self and State) I realized from back-tracking that issues of security, global politics and national development just seemed to flow naturally with me. At a point while in school, I had worked conscientiously at joining the army, though it was never to be. But that natural instinct about security and national development never left me. Eventually, towards the tail end of 2008, whilst searching for institutions offering intelligence and strategic studies online, I burst into the American Public University System/American Military University. Though I never got to do my degree in intelligence studies with the institution, the exposure I got during the admission process opened me up to the intelligence world, at least technically speaking. With the help of the course curriculum, I started buying relevant books on quite a number of interesting topics on intelligence, including: The Craft of Intelligence - Allen Dulles Silent Warfare: Understanding the World of Intelligence - Abraham Shulsky Inside Al-Qaida Global Network of Terror - Rohan Gunaratna Executive Secrets: Covent Action and the Presidency - William Daugherty How to Break a Terrorist: The US Interrogators Who Used Brain Not Brutality
to Take Down the Deadliest Man in Iraq - Mathew Alexander
Human Intelligence, Counterterrorism and National Leadership - Gary Berntsen
The Code Book: The Science of Secrecy from Ancient Egypt to Quantum Cryptography - Simon Sigh
Remaking Domestic Intelligence - Richard Posner Seeds of Terror: How Heroin is Bankrolling the Taliban and al Qaeda -
Gretchen Peters Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA - Tim Weiner In Pursuit of Shadows: A Career in Counterintelligence - Thomas Slawson Backwater: The Rise of the World’s Most Powerful Mercenary Army - Jeremy
Scahill
In addition, I regularly attend intelligence and strategic security-based webinars organized by Henley-Putnam University. I also took part in the last STRATFOR reader response contest in October 2009 on “WHAT WOULD BE THE THRUST OF U.S. FOREIGN POLICY IF 9/11 HAD NEVER OCCURED”. (I could resend my entry for your reference on request.) While I might not have practiced mainstream intelligence, I believe my background experience and exposure can qualify my application for a favorable consideration for the STRATFOR internship. Why I’m interested in working for STRATFOR As world leaders in global intelligence, with unequalled, unparalleled, enviable and multi-faceted reach, working for STRATFOR is a great honour any intelligence professional whether experienced or aspiring can ever have. I appreciate the objectivity in approach to issues and would savour the invaluable experience of working with and under professionals with diverse backgrounds in political, economic and military landscapes of the globe. If given a chance to carve a cliché for STRATFOR, I would say STRATFOR… the epitome of a true multi-disciplinary intelligence entity! My Suitability for the Internship Simply put, I have a deep sense of mission, an inquisitive mind, a daring instinct, and an uncanny ability to think fast, straight and objectively wild. Moreover, I am a self-motivated individual, a quality that makes me invest in relevant education and training programmes, as opportunity, plan and available resources allow per time. Experience in My Background That Makes Me a Suitable Fit for STRATFOR In a January 2009 white paper titled, “Breaking into the Intelligence Field” by Lauren Harrison of Henley-Putnam University, STRATFOR was listed as a leader among companies whose standards, in scope and operational demands, are said
to be very high. That is the type of establishment I see and relate with in my consciousness. Being a subscriber to the STATFOR free mailing list for quite a while, I have come to observe, through the in-house writing style, scope, orientation as well as organization, that the following traits of culture and values , among other things, run through STRATFOR: S – Sense of mission and commitment to task T – Training continuously for professional & academic development R – Research-mindedness A – Attention to details T – Technological/technical expertise in delivery of information F – Focus O – Objectivity R – Resilience and role- modeling Growing up to face life’s challenges at a tender age of 7years, and having successfully navigated the path of productivity and self-reliance, especially given the peculiarity of the state of education in the society I grew up in, I do not only understand what the above values mean, but also live by them. I understand what it means to be dependent and independent, a plus if I have to work with or without supervision. I understand what it means to “collapse” one’s energy in a task and “go for the kill”. I understand what it means to be mature in matters of confidentiality. With these qualities, among others, coupled with a deep sense of mission and a daring instinct, I believe I am the candidate to beat if eventually considered for a place in the internship. I will therefore count this an invaluable privilege if selected for the internship. Thank you. Emmanuel Ajibade
I’m going to apologize in advance for the lack of formality I have attributed to this statement of purpose, this sentence included. It is such to best communicate myself to you. Because my peers are also trying to figure out what they want to do with their own lives, as of recent, I’ve often been asked what I study or would like to do. Apart from telling my peers I want to go to law school, start a rock band, or learn C++, I tell my peers people fascinate me. I want to study people in as large of a capacity as possible. What I mean by that is this, I have a deeply vested interest in people and what motivates them and how they function and what their preferences are; how they choose to choose (former economics major here). I’m fascinated by how a society can latch onto a meme and make it their own. This fascination is legitimately hard for me to put it into words, but it is all encompassing. There is no facet of society that does not interest because it is all relative. So you take this vested interest in people and societies and you partner that with a fervent thirst for knowledge and wicked technological sensibilities, and at the risk of blanketing over a few of my better traits, you get myself. I am a digital native. I have been using a computer to access information since I was 2. I pride myself on my extensive knowledge of Google’s search functions, my Chrome extensions (because who is using Firefox nowadays), and my ability to type at over one hundred wpm. Actually, I turned my eighteen years of attained technical knowledge into a business last summer doing technical support for anyone who inquired on Craigslist. Actual tech support was not something I found to be particularly difficult; I had been fixing computers in some capacity (because all computers have something that needs to be fixed) since I was a wee lad. It took a considerable amount of time and effort to develop myself, my services, and my branding and marketing, but it was worthwhile endeavor. Over the course of a summer break, I attained 31 clients, made a decent amount of money, and I’m aware that it is very obvious where this story is going, but I learned a vast amount of information in such a short span of time. I learned how to research the market and price my services efficiently; I learned that pictures increase your perceived level of professionalism and can increase your volume of inquiries three-fold; I learned how to do something as simple as talking to people in a professional manner. In fact, and I know this may seem obvious, but my increased ability in tech support resulting from the job is some of the least valuable information I learned while practicing this business. What information was most important to me, was taking myself and the knowledge I already possessed and was more than happy to use, and selling it. I possess many skills and I am now capable of profiting off of any of the ones others find to be valuable.
As I have said, I have many skills and I have many goals and past experiences of mine have proven to me that I am capable of reaching my goals. Past goals I have met are shipping a video game (I tested Comic Jumper for local video game developer Twisted Pixel), I’ve interviewed some of my favorite musicians for KVRX (which you can view at our YouTube page), I’m learning C in my free time. These are things, I have wanted to do from an awfully young age and I’m learning that I am able to complete the goals I choose to complete given the effort I put into them. I want to be able to study people, the progressions of a society, as a career. I am interested working for STRATFOR for this very reason. I am highly adept at using the computer and the internet to attain information and I possess a high capacity to retain and analyze information and making hypotheses with attained information. This is what I understand the job to be and this is something I feel I would be quite talented at. However, I want my potential time spent at STRATFOR to be as fully utilized at possible, but I lack a true understanding of how my time will be spent at STRATFOR, so if you’re looking for the following, hiring me will be an efficient use of your time. I am adept at the following: -Efficiently browsing the internet -Using a computer -Staying current, maintaining a general knowledge of most anything -Situational analysis -Communicating -Listening -Logical reasoning -Collecting and sorting information -Remembering people, places, institutions; very fine details -Retaining information -Making hypotheses -Relaying ideas and information -Teamwork -Producing The above are traits that I believe for you to be looking for in an ideal candidate for your Research Internship Program. They are also traits I happen to possess. Traits that I would be more than happy to utilize for both of our benefits. Also, my level of knowledge of STRATFOR and this job was given to me by one of your developing analysts, Siree Allers. I inquired about both this program and the analyst development program and she gave me a brief overview of the details of her work. However, she also detailed the data collecting facet of your
analytical process; the people who do the data collection and send the information and articles to your analysts. I would be highly valuable doing that kind of work. I’m the kind of person that cannot be in the same room with someone who cannot navigate the computer in the most efficient manner. If this internship has any opportunities to work with that facet of your operation, then please sign me up. Thanks you very much for taking the time to wade through this and all other applications, Austin Warren Feldman July 7, 2011
Wm Matthew Kennedy – STRATFOR Personal Statement – 5 July 2011
Considering my previous academic success in rigorous programs, past work
experience in international trade and economic development with the Governor’s Office
and the US Commercial Service, and the direct relevance of STRATFOR employment to
my future plan of Imperial History studies, I consider myself an excellent fit for the
STRATFOR internship program. I have had the opportunity to study the history of the
British Empire for five years at both the undergraduate (University of Texas at Austin)
and graduate (University of Oxford) level, and have achieved great success at both
institutions. In the course of these studies, I was fortunate to have been instructed by
Professors A. G. Hopkins, Wm Roger Louis, John Darwin, and Judith Brown (among
many others), all of whom have had a significant effect on my academic work and
methods. All of them encouraged me to pursue further study and awarded me high marks
during my course of study.
In addition to regular coursework, I enjoyed Professor Louis’ close supervision on
my Undergraduate Honors Thesis studying in detail the Anglo-Australian imperial
relationship during the inter-war years, and John Darwin’s for my Master’s Dissertation
on Australian Revolutionary Radicalism and the formation of the Commonwealth in the
late 1910s and early 1920s (a section of which appears as a writing sample in this
application). As a result of such outstanding mentorship and teaching, complimented by
numerous extended archival research trips to the British National Archives, Rhodes
House, the National Library of Australia, and the National Archives of Australia among
many others, I have become intensely familiar with both the science and the art of
modern historical scholarship. With the cooperation of several previous advisors and
professors, I have started working on a dissertation prospectus for the University of
Sydney PhD.
Wm Matthew Kennedy – STRATFOR Personal Statement – 5 July 2011 In addition to educational specialization, I have been employed for my skills in
writing, research, and analysis. As a member of the Office of the Governor’s Economic
Development and Tourism Department, I was assigned to write, edit, and ultimately
publish the Texas Military Preparedness Commission’s annual report, requiring regular
liaison with the Department of Defence, the Treasury, and local military commanders. I
further assisted EDT’s International Business Recruitment division by utilizing my
knowledge of international business and foreign languages to host the German, French,
Australian, and Spanish trade missions to Texas, and to complete corporate research on
foreign companies. I have also been closely involved with US Trade and Commercial
endeavors in Africa and the Middle East with the US Commercial Service, assisting with
the April ACCESS 2011 international trade forum in Houston.
Upon entering STRATFOR’s internship, I would be able to bring this experience
to bear and satisfy foreign language requirements as I have studied French for eight
consecutive years, and have also reached an advanced intermediate level in German. In
addition to these two languages, I have been formally trained in semester-long
installments in Latin, Russian, and Standard Arabic, reaching a moderate level of reading
and speaking (save for Latin) proficiency in all. I hope to continue honing my language
skills at Columbia. I am also well-versed in the peculiar craft of modern archival
research, which I view as the foundation for modern empirical history. However, having
been trained in methods derived from Imperial history, I am constantly aware of the risks
of falling victim to the bias of the ‘official’ archive, through which only the voices of the
elite can speak. The constant critical evaluation of historical or journalistic works are
somewhat of a second passion for me, and one which I would hope to continue exploring
through both training and experimentation throughout the course of this internship.
Wm Matthew Kennedy – STRATFOR Personal Statement – 5 July 2011 After significant research into STRATFOR’s goals and operations, publication
record, and personal recommendations from current and past employees, I consider this
internship a good fit for my interests and future goals. STRATFOR’s focus on
international/transnational methods, often supplemented by international law scholarship,
foreign language research, and rigorous analysis is highly attractive, and very much
identical to my own style of work. But perhaps most important, is the opportunity to
contribute to and benefit from the intensely dynamic intellectual community inherent to
STRATFOR. The unique commitment to critical evaluation of geopolitical events for the
purpose of its refinement has led STRATFOR’s community to become renowned for
innovative, accurate, and concise geopolitical journalism, through a process characterized
by mutual support rather than rampant competition. Through participation in this
internship program, I strongly believe that I can not only benefit myself but also enhance
STRATFOR’s already formidable reputation.
I thank the committee for their time in reviewing my application, and I look
forward to the chance to work with you and your colleagues.
BITA RAZAVI 1111 S. Creek Dr. # 227 Round Rock, TX 78664 (512)363-3229 [email protected]
EDUCATION
B.A. University of Texas at Austin Grad. Date: December 2011
Major: Middle Eastern Studies with a focus on Religious Studies and Islamic Studies
Minor: Computer Science
GPA: 3.0
Language Skills Persian: Fluent in reading, writing and speaking Arabic : Intermediate skills in reading and writing and speaking
ACADEMIC RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Fall 2010 – Spring 2011 Department of Middle Eastern Studies, University of Texas at Austin
Undergraduate Research Assistant for the Islamic Marketing Project
“Halal”, a concept that used to be known to Muslims only, has become a global issue
in the past decade and not only it concerns religiously clean food but also religiously
approved beauty supplies, clothing, media, business and marketing. This research included
the definition and the regulations of halal and non-halal products as well as the reasons
behind marketing and consuming such products and whether there are other reasons than
religion, such as politics, power and wealth, that affect this behavior. The following is a
summary of my duties and my experience as an assistant in this project:
Interviewing Muslim halal consumers, Muslim business owners, and Muslim and non-
Muslim halal producers
Interpreting research work and interviews from Persian and Arabic to English and vice
versa
Citing authorities and updating the bibliography accordingly
Collecting information and data about halal products available locally in Austin, TX
and internationally in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and North America
Searching online databases in order to update the information for the research
Organizing folders and files according to the research subjects and entering data
Enhancing my knowledge base and critical thinking skills
Gaining an insight into the professional world and graduate school level work
ACADEMIC PRESENTATION
Spring 2011- Presenter, Office of Undergraduate Research
Designed a visual demonstration of my research in the Marketing of Islamic products
Printed a poster showing the results of my research
Presented my research at the 2011 Undergraduate Research Week in an open question
and answer poster presentation
Spring 2011- Panelist, Liberal Arts Undergraduate Research Symposium
Panel Title: Cultural Studies
Talk Title: Islamic food, clothing and cosmetics
Spring 2011- Presenter, Liberal Arts Dean’s Office
Presented a poster and an oral presentation of my research in the 2011 Honor Students’
Reception
Introduced the concept of halal and explained the cultural and religious importance of
it to the audience
TEACHING AND MENTORING EXPERIENCE
Summer 2009-Present- Tutor, Williamson County Literacy Council, Austin, TX Tutor for classes of 20 students in math and writing skills for the GED Exam
Assign homework and practice problems based on the students’ math and reading level
Grade tests and essays and evaluate students’ their writing skills
Coordinate registration process and delegate responsibilities
Motivate students to pursue their GED and continue their education
Spring 2011- Present- Mentor, PAL Program in the Office of International Students, Austin, TX
Reach out to exchange students and International students
Identify resources for the students according to their needs on and off campus
Guide the students around the UT campus and the city of Austin
Educate the mentees about the history, culture and social life in Austin, TX
Help students with their English language skills through conversation
Assist students with their English homework
Form short trips to different sites of the city of Austin
Provide emotional support and encouragement for the mentees living away from their
homelands
Summer 2010-Spring 2011- Instructor and test grader, KUMON, Round Rock TX
Instruct classes of 3-5 year old students in reading and math
Evaluate homework and class work
Motivate students to improve their problem solving skills
Fall 2010- Spring 2011- Mentor, Women in Computer Science, UT at Austin, TX
Initiated contact with incoming freshman students
Obtained and share knowledge about the department of computer science and UT
Assisted the mentees in writing resumes, prepare for career fairs and interviews
Introduced the mentees to other key individuals and resources inside the school
Provided emotional support and encouragement
Identified academic opportunities for mentees on and off campus
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
2009-Present- Member, Iranian Students’ Academic and Cultural Organization, Austin, TX
Enhance the academic, cultural and social orientation of students on campus and
organizing cultural events alongside the officers
Assist non-native Persian students in their transition to the United States
Spring 2009-Spring 2011- Academic Coordinator, Women in Computer Science, UT at Austin, TX
Attend weekly officer meetings and appraise the organization’s monthly plans
Arrange students and faculty meetings and lectures
Coordinate the location and the food for the meetings
Assist the lecturers in choosing the topics for their speech
Advocate for female science students
ACADEMIC HONORS/AWARDS
Spring 2011- Designation magna cum laude on the Dean’s honor list, College of
Liberal Arts /University of Texas at Austin
Spring 2011- Outstanding achievement in undergraduate research, College of Liberal
Arts Dean’s Office, University of Texas at Austin
Spring 2011- Outstanding oral presentation, College of Liberal Arts Dean’s Office,
University of Texas at Austin
Fall 2010- Designation Ampla Cum Laud on the Dean’s honor list College of Liberal
Arts /University of Texas at Austin
2010- Outstanding Volunteer Service and Dedication to Students Award
Williamson County Literacy Council, Round Rock, TX
2008- Outstanding Student Award in Foreign Languages, Spanish
Department/University of Texas at San Antonio
2008- Dean’s honor roll
Department/University of Texas at San Antonio
I have had a long time interest in International Relations. This love of the political systems of the
International Community originates from my love of World History. I have always had an extensive
knowledge and desire to learn more about the world around me. This led to my subscription to Stratfor.
In the years that I have been a subscriber, I have found the articles to be both well-written and
informative, and have encouraged and helped me to continue to pursue my interest in International
Relations.
I am currently seeking a career involved in International Relations, specifically in the field of Intelligence.
I have applied to a number of government agencies and corporate entities, looking to get involved in a
career that is both interesting and relevant. I believe that working with Stratfor will fulfill both of those
desires.
I am currently completing my undergraduate career at Baylor University, where I will receive a degree in
Political Science and History. While studying at Baylor, I have taken and been successful in courses
aimed at providing a well balanced view of the International System. I have taken such relevant courses
as “Power, Morality, and International Relations,” “Terrorism,” and “Intelligence and Covert
Operations,” as well as courses on the study of European and Chinese History. During my studies, I have
done extensive reading and writing on various topics of International Relations, often with short
deadlines. Most recently, I am currently in a research assistant position with the current Chair of the
Political Science Department. The project that my professor, Dr. David Clinton, is undertaking is to write
an excerpt for a volume in French on the development of International Relations in the Francosphere
and other relevant countries, to be published by the Presses de Sciences Po. My professor is tasked with
writing on the development of International Relations within the United States, and I am assisting him
with conducting research.
My travel experience includes trips throughout North America and Europe. The most important of these
was the study abroad trip I took in the Fall of 2009, where I studied at the University of Maastricht, in
Maastricht, the Netherlands. There I studied under both Baylor and University of Maastricht professors,
and took weekend trips to different countries. I also travelled throughout Europe, including a month-
long backpacking trip throughout Southern Europe and North Africa. Countries I travelled to included
Iceland, Germany, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Spain, and Morocco.
I have also participated in several extracurricular activities which have provided me with invaluable
experience. I was a member of the Baylor Student Government, acting as a Student Senator for four
years. There I learned to work with other students both within and outside of Student Government to
coordinate Student policy which we delivered to the Administration. I also was an author for several
allocations to assist student groups in putting on various events on campus. In Student Government, I
learned to work with all types of people to provide benefits for the Student Body. I also honed my
writing skills while writing legislation for the Student Senate.
I was also a member of the Baylor Model United Nations, where I attended a conference in New York
City. There, my interpersonal skills were utilized to develop networks within the committees, and my
writing skills were used to develop resolutions for the committee. My knowledge of International
Relations was vital to my success at the conference.
I was a member of Baylor Ambassadors, the University’s student advocacy group. While in Baylor
Ambassadors, we made many trips to Austin, Texas to speak with state representatives and their staff
members on behalf of the University and seeking support for financial aid for students of the University.
We also travelled to Washington, D.C. to speak with persons on Capitol Hill on Federal matters that
pertained to the University.
I have held several part-time jobs to assist in paying for my education. I have worked at a summer camp
for three summers, as a server at a restaurant, as well as jobs at the University as a student assistant.
I believe I would provide Stratfor an invaluable service as an intern for the Research Internship Program
given my knowledge of International Relations, my understanding of the functions of various
governments, my experience in conducting research, and my dedication to my work.
I graduate on August 13th, 2011, and will be available for work the following week. At this point, my
schedule is open following my graduation date. I appreciate the consideration of me for this position.
A. Colleen Farish 4548 Avenue A #204
Austin, TX 78751 (918) 408-2186
[email protected] Statement of Purpose: STRATFOR Research Internship Program
Thank you for your consideration of my application for the Fall 2011 Research
Internship Program. I am available to work 20 hours a week, primarily in 4-5 hour shifts
in the afternoons.
My long-term overseas residence, proficiency in Arabic, and academic and professional
experiences have equipped me to serve purposefully and effectively in this role, and I
am eager to learn from some of the best minds in the field of intelligence consulting.
Moving to Kuwait for two years is not an obvious choice for an Oklahoma girl fresh out
of college, but for me it made sense. Having studied the Middle East in college and spent
five weeks in Jordan, I knew that if I wanted to understand its complexity and conflict, I
should immerse myself. Indeed, living and working in Kuwait allowed me to begin to
understand the currents that flow through Arab and Muslim society.
My commitment to understanding and engaging with the region led me to study Arabic,
most recently in UT’s Arabic Intensive Summer Institute, essentially an all-day
immersion program. UT’s program, regarded as one of the best in the nation, combine
formal “high” Arabic with study of colloquial spoken Arabic, equipping its students to
perform admirably when faced with a wide range of texts or conversational situations. I
look forward to continuing my study during the school year as well.
My academic record demonstrates my strong research and writing skills, especially in
the fields of international affairs and public policy. I used these skills professionally as a
researcher and fact-checker in the Office of Speech Writing of the White House and in
legislative offices on the state and federal level.
Since entering the LBJ School of Public Affairs last fall, I have learned from leaders in the
fields of military science, public administration, economics, and quantitative analysis, to
name only a few. I also had the privilege of attending a seminar on how to conduct
intelligence briefings, hosted by Directorate of Intelligence staff of the CIA. The session
included an international crisis response scenario in which teams of five were
responsible for developing briefings for policymakers. Following our presentation, one
of the recruiters told my team that ours was the single best student briefing he had seen
in a series of campus visits, and had affirmative comments on my remarks in particular.
It was a stimulating, exhilarating exercise, and confirmed my attraction to the field.
Most recently, I made my foray into consulting at Just Consulting, Inc, a strategic policy
firm with a focus on international affairs. The work environment was fast-paced and
collaborative, and because of my strong background on international issues and
analytical capacities, especially concerning the Middle East and North Africa, I was
entrusted with substantial projects from the first day. While I was eager to begin my
intensive Arabic program in June, I was sorry to leave such gratifying work.
Since returning to Austin I have continued to work remotely for Just Consulting, but I
am eager to return to the professional environment, and the STRATFOR internship
presents an ideal opportunity. I am looking for an internationally-focused position that
will demand quick and thorough analysis, concise presentation in written and oral
briefings, personal initiative, and collaboration with capable and knowledgeable
colleagues. Consulting appeals to me because of the efficiency and agility of the private
sector, though I plan on returning to public service at some future time. Because of these
factors, my professional interests, and the unequaled reputation of the STRATFOR team,
working with STRATFOR would be an honor, and I am confident that I have the skill set
and experience to make meaningful contributions.
*This letter has been prepared for the purpose of applying for an internship position at STRATFOR. Copyright remains with the author. Do not copy or quote.
STRATFOR statement of Purpose
Bita Razavi
Receiving higher education is what I have always planned for myself since I was very
young. However, it took me a while to recognize my abilities and find my passion. I enjoy
learning about people and their cultures. I believe in people and in the power of communication.
People around the world can and will understand each other when they learn to understand and
respect each other’s differences. I believe that I can make a difference in how people view
foreign cultures and traditions through my academic life, my research and my teaching. I was
born and raised in Tehran, Iran, and despite my good work ethic and my passion for learning
about different cultures and religions, I did not have much opportunity to study in the field that I
was interested. In my country, Iran, studying religious and cultural studies is not considered
important and finding jobs in those fields is close to impossible. In some cases, this field of study
is even considered politically sensitive. Therefore, I took the opportunity to come to the United
States and study at the University of Texas at Austin. At the University of Texas, I have had the
chance to study and work in the field that I have a true passion for and worry less about the
future of my academic interests. I am majoring in Middle Eastern Studies at UT and I am
planning to continue my education in Cultural Anthropology in graduate school. I am confident
that I will be a good addition to the STRATFOR research internship team because of my
knowledge of international relations, my research experience and my foreign language skills.
I believe that everyone deserves an opportunity to receive good education. I had to come
a long way to receive the education that I wanted and I had to work very hard for it. I learned
English as a second language and adapted a new culture, far from the culture I grew up with
when I was only a teenager. Now that I know about my interests and I have learned the
*This letter has been prepared for the purpose of applying for an internship position at STRATFOR. Copyright remains with the author. Do not copy or quote.
American culture and the language, I join organizations that help international students with the
same issues that I had to deal with one day. Living in Austin and being exposed to a diverse
community has provided me many opportunities to meet and work with people from different
cultures and backgrounds. Through the PAL program on UT campus where I am a volunteer
mentor, I reach out to international and exchange students to help them with the transition to the
life in the US. From study groups and ESL tutoring to entertaining trips to different parts of
Austin and Texas, I participate in any activity that gives me a chance to show the American
culture to foreign students- the way that I always wanted to see it as a foreign student- and to
learn their culture as well.
Part of my academic career is focused on undergraduate research in religious studies. My
most recent research was about Islamic marketing where I focused on how different concepts of
Islamic marketing varies among different groups of Muslims in different countries in the Middle
East, Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and North America. Part of my
responsibilities in this research was learning research methods, using search engines and
organizing research results. Interviewing candidates, gathering data, and translating and
interpreting data were also among my responsibilities and my favorite tasks. The interviews I
held helped me improve my communication skills. I am fluent in Persian and I am learning
Arabic in school and dealing with non-English speakers and non-English data and research
material helped me improve translating and interpreting skills in Persian and Arabic.
I would like to be a part of the research team at STRATFOR. I will be able to bring my
knowledge of International cultures and my language skills to the group. I also will look forward
to learn more about those cultures that I have not had a chance to learn about yet. I will be
*This letter has been prepared for the purpose of applying for an internship position at STRATFOR. Copyright remains with the author. Do not copy or quote.
available to start working for the fall semester on August 1st, 1
and my fall school schedule will
allow me to work on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
I will look forward to hearing form the STRATFOR research team. It will be an honor and a
To secure a job in Ukraine so that I can develop professionally and acquire new skills, while at the same time enriching my life by living abroad.
Skills Self-sufficient and dependable Analytical and forward-thinking Easily adaptable to new situations Elementary comprehension of Russian
Responsible for keeping appointments Able to communicate professionally Technologically competent Detail-oriented
Education
Bachelor of Arts December 2009 Fort Lewis College - Durango, CO Major: Philosophy Minors: History, Political Science, Environmental Policy
o Cumulative GPA: 3.7 (Magna Cum Laude)
Attended September 2008 - December 2008 Saint Petersburg State Polytechnic University - Saint Petersburg, Russia Studied Russian language, Russian History, and Russian Politics
o Recipient of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
Work History
English Teacher February 2011 - June 2011 American English Center and Bridge School - Kiev, Ukraine Taught General English, Business English and led conversation clubs for non-native speakers
with groups of 1 to 12 people, ranging from the elementary to the upper-intermediate level
Consultant (Outside of school semesters) August 2006-December 2010 Hightech, Inc. - Georgetown, TX Developed spray equipment for the application of waterproofing and elastomeric coatings Tested products and equipment to ensure compliance with quality and durability standards Trained new customers on equipment and coatings
Team Coordinator (Corresponding with school semesters) August 2006-May 2009 Fort Lewis College Environmental Center - Durango, CO Managed students in order to arrange meeting times and organize various campus-wide
projects Set weekly tasks for each student in order to provide guidance and to ensure completion of
projects Worked with (PACEA) President's Advisory Council on Environmental Affairs to provide a
student voice concerning values and approaches to environmental issues at Fort Lewis College
Motocross Instructor June 2002-July 2006 Donnie Hansen Motocross Academy - Colorado Springs, CO Professionally conducted private and group motocross lessons with groups of 1 to 15 people,
including adults and children Helped to establish relationships with new customers and maintained existing relationships
Architectural Intern November 2000-June 2002 Hagen Design Architecture - Monument, CO Prepared all marketing packages prior to securing contracts Responsible for analyzing drawings and inputting all necessary changes utilizing AutoCAD
Andrew Mabry 913 Emerald Blvd Southlake, Texas 76092
Education Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas Addran College of Liberal Arts Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with International Emphasis, August 2011 Minors: German, Interdisciplinary Studies
• Four-months Study Abroad Experience in Freiburg, Germany; took 15 credit hours in courses for my major and minor in the German language; learned German culture and customs
Relevant Experience
TCU Daily Skiff Newspaper, Fort Worth, Texas Spring 2009-Spring 2011 Opinion Columnist
• Wrote fact-based and concise articles on politics, religion, and culture • Articles argued a clear position in a limited amount of space and normally required hours of independent
research using electronic and print sources • Enhanced analytical, research, and persuasive writing skills
The Skiffler, Fort Worth, Texas September 2010 – May 2011 Co-Founder, Creative Writer
• Co-founded an online satire newspaper, www.theskiffler.com, for Texas Christian University which received over 4,000 average page views per day
• Developed the concept, the style, and direction of the newspaper; hired and managed a staff of five students working as free-lance writers, photographers, and Photoshop editors
• Wrote articles satirizing campus news and events • Gained leadership and entrepreneurial experience; enhanced creative writing and management skills
I also worked various part-time jobs in retail and the food and beverage industry from May 2009 to June 2011. Relevant Courses
• Conflict and Negotiation – Introduced the main theoretical frameworks for understanding war and peace, and then examined whether or not the factors that lead states to fight wars are related to the factors that lead states to negotiate an end to conflicts
• Economics of the European Union - Examined the process of economic integration within the European Union; covered the following fields: historical background, principles and functioning of the EU institutions; the internal market: integration of product and factor markets; EU policies (agriculture, regional, competition, etc.); and EU monetary integration
• U.S. Foreign Policy Making – Examined the processes by which U.S. foreign policy is made and the actors and motivations involved
Honors and Awards
• Selected and sponsored by Texas Christian University’s Political Science Department to attend the 56th Annual Student Conference on National Affairs (SCONA) entitled “The Cost of War, the Cost of Peace” held at Texas A&M
• Dean’s List – Texas Christian University, Addran Humanities and Social Science • Honor’s Program – Texas Christian University • Delta Phi Alpha – National German Honorary Society
• Fluent-level reading comprehension and conversational level speaking skills in German language • International experience from having visited six countries while studying in Europe, including major
political, cultural, and economic cities such as Paris, London, Munich, Strasburg, and Istanbul • Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Statement of Purpose - STRATFOR Research Internship Program
I believe that I am a competitive candidate for the Research Internship Program at
STRATFOR, and herein lies my justification thereof. My interest in working in a government -
or intelligence-related position began about 4 years ago, when I received the Benjamin A.
Gilman scholarship to study in Saint Petersburg, Russia. At the time, my decision to study
there was marked by uncertainty and it seemed like a long shot. Ultimately, it was an
incredible opportunity which launched me into a chapter of my life tha t is continuing to
unfold, proving to be powerful and enlightening. The Research Internship Program at
STRATFOR is a logical step for me in this evolving chapter of my life.
First of all, my education at the undergraduate level lends itself to this posi tion. My
studies demanded that I conduct analytical research and write papers on topics that are
related to STRATFOR 's mission. My three areas of concentration: philosophy, political
science, and history, are all intertwined and were fundamental in shapin g my view of the
world. This view has been refined over the past few years and I have a better understanding
about the depth of politics - locally, nationally, and internationally.
My concept of politics has been enriched and complicated by another quali fication of
mine: I have spent approximately one year living abroad in the former Soviet Union - in Saint
Petersburg, Russia and in Kiev, Ukraine. During my time abroad, I have gained a very rich view
of the world and developed an immense appreciation for what it means to be an American.
During my experiences abroad, I was forced to analyze my previous assumptions about the
world, especially with regard to justice and notions of equality. This process not only provided
the context for my desire to pursue employment in the intelligence community, but it also
motivated me to pursue this internship position.
In recent years, I have come to embrace the reality that there is a need for bright,
young minds to be involved in the governmental decision-making process. While I can say that
I have matured beyond my youthful idealism, it must be stated that I feel as though there
remains a strong demand for people who are educated and appropriately optimistic. These
people must be willing to be engaged in the acquisition of intelligence, which can be called
the input for decisions that are made at high levels of government. One person cannot change
the world, but when enough passionate people become part of a much larger composite,
positive and meaningful change becomes a little more likely. This realization is the foundation
of my desire to embark upon this internship. As can be noted on my resume, I recently
returned from an overseas endeavor in which I taught English. The timing of this internship
opportunity coincides nicely with the conclusion of my most recent time abroad.
My inspiration to teach English in Ukraine was my desire to equip myself for the
demands of a specialty having something to do with international relations. Namely, I was
hoping to improve my Russian language skills so that I can be a valuable resource concerning
critical regions of the world where Russian is spoken. The time I spent in Ukraine teaching
English was beneficial both personally and professionally. By teaching English, I was able to
engage foreigners in conversations about a variety of topics, thereby achieving a better
understanding of their perspectives about the world. After coming to understand the
overwhelming pessimism of Ukrainians, I was forced to re-evaluate my own views of the
world, especially with regard to the future. This led me to think about my future as an
individual and how that concept relates to "the future" in the worldly sense. What followed
was a renewed sense of optimism coupled with a strong desire to pursu e a position that will
afford me with the opportunity to seek a better future, in both the personal sense and in the
worldly sense.
Upon receiving this internship position, I would be able to commence responsibilities
any time after August 15th. My schedule is quite flexible, but it is likely that I will have
ongoing Russian lessons in the evenings on Tuesday and Thursday. Other than this, I would be
available to work in 4 to 8 hour shifts Monday through Friday, depending on what the
schedule demanded.
K. Kreitling
Statement of Purpose
My goal in applying for STRATFOR’s Research Internship Program is to further
my knowledge, skills, and qualifications for a future career in the intelligence field. I
first became interested in working within the intelligence community during my
internship at the Counter-terrorism and Intelligence unit at the Department of Public
Safety. During my time there I received training in open source research, intelligence
investigations and research analysis. I worked on issues concerning threats to Texas but
also threats to the United States as a whole. I worked on investigations ranging from the
Falcon Lake shooting, the University of Texas shooting and suicide incident, to the
planned 9/11 Koran burning in Florida.
The combination of my education and work history make me a perfect candidate
for the program. I graduated from the University of Texas with two degrees in only three
years while supporting myself financially. This shows that I can easily balance a heavy
work load with a demanding schedule. My degrees in English and history have made me
an excellent writer, researcher, and analyst and during my time at the Department of
Public Safety I wrote many research reports on topics such as drug cartels, travel
patterns of terrorists, and possible terroristic threats to critical infrastructures of Texas.
I later went on to graduate from St. Edward’s University with a degree in Criminology.
This degree furthered my knowledge in investigations, criminal profiling, and terrorism
and improved my ability to conduct intelligence and counter-terrorism investigations.
Not only do I have the education and experience to be an ideal intern but I have
an open and available schedule which would ensure that I would be able to work
whenever was necessary. I have held a job since I was sixteen years old and have
financially supported myself while earning three degrees. I have proven myself capable
of managing a busy work and learning schedule. I have what it takes personally and
professional to make an excellent research intern and future member of the intelligence
community.
Kristin Nahas P.O. box 1249
Cutchogue, NY 11935 Cell Phone: (631) 379-9901 Email: [email protected]
EDUCATION FORDHAM UNIVERSITY Bachelor of Arts, International Studies, minor in Religious Studies, May 2011 GPA: Cumulative: 3.4; Major: 3.5; Last three semesters: 3.7 Honors: Dean’s List Languages: Conversational Spanish; Proficient skills in Arabic Senior Thesis: The Blurred Lines of Prison Politics (from an international perspective) Skills: Microsoft Office, Video Editing VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE Spring ‘11 ST. ALOYSIUS New York, NY
Supported an after-school arts program for inner-city children, 1st-5th grade
Spring ‘10 THE MOMENTUM PROJECT Southold, NY Helped set up and clean the soup kitchen; prepared and served food
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE June ’07-Aug ‘10 FITNESS ADVANTAGE GYM Southold, NY Front Desk Clerk
Opened and closed the gym and cleaned the gym after hours Handled member enrollment, customer service, and reception
June ’08-Aug ‘09 DR. ANTHONY BERNNARDO’S OFFICE New York, NY Filing Clerk
Managed physician office files, maintaining utmost confidentiality, precision, and organization in compliance with healthcare standards
Worked in Microsoft Word and Excel
June ’09-Aug ‘09 PEPI’S RESTAURANT Southold, NY Waitress
Worked in a high-stress, fast paced environment for extended periods of time
Managed responsibilities, including extensive multitasking, independently
June ’07-Aug ‘07 RAPHAEL VINEYARDS Cutchogue, NY Cater Waiter
Served in a high-stress environment, maintaining high levels of customer service
June ’11-Present A LURE RESTAURANT Southold, NY Waitress
Served in a high-stress environment, maintaining high levels of customer service
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE Travel: England, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, France, and China Study abroad: Rome, Italy June-August 2010; Guangzhou, Beijing, and Hong Kong, China May 2011
Kristin Nahas P.O. Box 1249 • Cutchogue, NY, 11935 631-379-9901 • [email protected] March 27, 2011 To Whom It May Concern:
I am truly excited to be applying for the Research Internship for the fall of 2011. Having to work throughout college to help pay for tuition and living expenses deprived me of the opportunity to gain internship experience in the past. It is for this reason that I feel so passionately about the opportunity to intern at a company that matches up perfectly with my interests and background.
Recently, I completed my Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree in International Studies with a
minor in Religious Studies from Fordham University. I offer a unique and varied skill set that perfectly aligns with this internship in and through my education, work experience, and, most of all, my personal interest in STRATFOR’s work. Nothing is more interesting to me than analyzing and coming to understand the dynamics between two or more countries via their leadership, culture, and political history. My recent course work at Sun Yat-Sen University in Guangzhou, China furthered my passion for these types of experiences. I would cherish any opportunity to learn more about the delicate dynamics of negotiation and diplomacy, the who, the how, and the why of international relationships.
Being an International Studies major has taught me to objectively analyze and contrast
different world cultures and political systems. This, combined with my minor, has taught me how to explore any given situation from a political, historical, and spiritual perspective. The courses I have chosen to take, specifically Arabic and Spanish, prove that I continually challenge myself and succeed in doing so, having never received less than an A grade in any Arabic class. As a waitress, I have learned to conduct myself resourcefully in stressful, fast-paced situations, how to multitask, and how to politely and efficiently deal with people. Working as a filing clerk and a front desk clerk has advanced my knowledge of Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel and taught me the importance of attention to detail, precision, and discretion.
My past experiences prove that I thrive when challenged. I am convinced that the Research
Internship at STRATFOR would provide a challenging and exciting opportunity to learn the fundamentals of a global intelligence company and provide real value to the company. I was so excited upon learning of this internship because it would allow me the chance to utilize my practical skills from previous jobs, my fascination with international relations and intentions, and my passion for language. In addition to my academic experience and language skills, what sets me apart from many other recent graduates is my work ethic and determination. Hopefully the position has not yet been filled. I am available whenever necessary. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Kristin Nahas
Vineeth Eapen John 37 Queen Street, Morley Leeds, West Yorkshire
LS27 8EE Phone: 07583243485
Email: [email protected] Career Objective Qualified in Criminology and trained in crime analysis, I intend to pursue a career in the Intelligence sector. Through the several job responsibilities I have taken up, I have exhibited my ability in good oral and written communication skills, quick decision making skills, data gathering and to produce reports, research and critically analyze information. Summary of Qualifications • MA. Criminology Passed with MERIT University of Kent (2008-09)
Modules: • Policing • Youth and Crime • Crime, Media and Culture • Terrorism and Modern Society • Theories of Crime and Deviance • Research Methods in Criminology
• B.A. Psychology Passed with First Class Universty of Kerala (2005-08)
Modules: • Abnormal Psychology • Statistics • Organizational Behavior (Management and Leadership) • Developmental Psychology • Social Psychology
Research work: Post Graduate Thesis Work: • “A New Dawn of Terrorism - How 26/11 Mumbai attacks changed the Panorama of Terrorism in the 21st Century” Post Graduate Course Projects: • Evaluation of Police Interview Techniques • Cybercrime & Impact on Social Perception • Clash of Civilizations - A Viable Explanation to Contemporary Terrorism? • Relevance of Profiling as a mode of Counter Terrorism • The Relevance of "Thinking Process" in the Study of Crime • The Causes & Responses to Graffiti Training and Certifications • Basic First Aid and CPR (First Aid at Work)
o Course Conducted by First Security Group, Dubai, UAE • Basic Crime & Intelligence Analysis Course passed with 99%.
o Course conducted by Intelligence Analysis Training Ltd., UK • Certification on C++ Computer Programming
Skills Skill Level Leadership, Analytical & Interpersonal Skills, Team Building, Motivation, Decision Making Skills, Negotiation
Expert
Communication & Interpersonal Networking, Analytical Skills, Attention to detail, Alertness, Customer focus
Expert
IT Skills - MS Office Applications & Internet Usage Expert Counseling, Research, Crime analysis, Statistical Analysis Good Work History March 2011 – April 2011: Dec 2010 – Jan 2011: Sept 2010 – Nov 2010: July 2010 – Aug 2010 : August 2007 - February 2008:
Independent Sales Advisor, Primus UK Ltd Field sales for EDF Energy • Customer interaction and service • Setting and achieving targets • Direct sales through events Sales Assistant, Boots UK Ltd • Handled cash on tills • Customer service and support • Maintained product display and stocks Temporary Staff, Fox’s Biscuits • Baking and machine operations • Quality control of products • Maintenance of hygiene and quality standards on factory floor Fundraiser (self-employed), Wesser and Partner For St. John Ambulance, Cymru-Wales • Customer interaction and client relation • Maintained detailed report of daily activities • Team work Counselor Psychological Counselor (Voluntary, Part-time): ‘Mental health among students’ program, Psychology Department, Fatima Mata National College • Facilitated a better understanding between the involved parties and maintained confidentiality of the persons being counseled. • Set manageable goals with students for personal growth, and followed up on progress by maintaining progress reports. • Crisis intervention. • Addressed issues related to the academic development, career development, and personal/ social development of students, through comprehensive counseling programs of developmental, preventive, remedial, and responsive services.
January 2007 – April 2007: June 2004 – January 2005:
Counselor De-addiction centre, Kollam, India (Voluntary) • Counseled individuals with alcohol, tobacco, drug, or other problems, such as gambling and eating disorders, to assist them in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life and making changes. • Completed and maintained accurate records as well as reports regarding the patients' histories and progress, services provided, and other required information. • Developed patient treatment plans • Reviewed and evaluated clients' progress Administrator (Secretary), Vidya Jyoti Boarding House, Chenganasserry, Kerala, India. • Supervised 6 to 18 years olds in maintaining discipline and following daily schedules. • Managed the daily functions of the boarding house, providing hands-on and supervisory support in all sectors. • Maintained a detailed log of the activities. • Organized meetings and presented reports of the activities to other staff members. • Conducted several cultural meets and art festivals. • Provided support for children and parents in any event and issue that had caused concern. • Book-keeping
Career Level
Entry Level (Graduate) Career Level:
Availability to start: Immediate Driving Licenses: United Kingdom: TYPE B, B1, f, k, p India: License number Q/6644/06 References: Available on request
