Senior international relations student interns for U.S. Embassy in Panama

Liberty University senior Joseph Carl exhaled a sigh of relief in November after his clearance to intern in the State Department at the U.S. Embassy in Panama finally went through.

Growing up as a missionary kid in Haiti, one of the least developed countries in the Western Hemisphere, Joseph witnessed firsthand the complications and struggles of a developing country. His upbringing influenced his desire to one day work for the United States as a diplomat in the U.S. Foreign Service, advancing U.S. interests while also advancing international economic development.

“Living in Haiti and growing up overseas made me want to do something internationally focused,” said Carl, 21. “Right now, I am focused on trying out other foreign policy fields in order to gain a plethora of experience across the U.S. government so that I can be a well-rounded diplomat in the future.

Growing up in Haiti and visiting the United States every year gave Carl a broad view of the world — its needs and how other countries work with one another.

“I think that traveling several times a year as a missionary kid is something that will prepare me for the Foreign Service, because I’ll be moving around a lot in that role,” he said. “As a foreign service officer, you go to a different post every three years — whether that be in D.C. or to another embassy.”

Because of COVID-19 regulations, Carl was unable to physically work in the embassy during his two-month internship, which lasted from November to January. Instead, Carl performed his duties remotely while staying with his parents in Panama. His parents moved there after leaving Haiti in order to continue missionary work.

During the internship, he worked in the economics section of the U.S. Embassy, working to advance the economic interests of the United States. He authored and coauthored several diplomatic cables — important dispatches between an embassy and policymakers in Washington, D.C., that inform policymakers of the issues affecting U.S. interests in the country where the embassy is located — a task rarely entrusted to interns. All of his cables got some amount of recognition within the State Department, but one piece was specially recognized by the State Department as one of the top cables of the month.

“Even though my internship was remote, they still kept me very engaged,” he said. “I got to do a lot of cool projects.”

Carl said he wants his future diplomacy work to focus on the intersection between economic development and security, and he believes the United States is in a great spot to aid in meeting other countries’ economic needs.

“I think the U.S. has the best ability to help countries address economic concerns,” he said.

Aside from his studies in international relations, Carl enjoys socializing, meeting as many people as possible. He also holds a black belt in taekwondo.

The Helms School of Government offers degree programs from the certificate to the doctoral level, with online and residential programs in criminal justice, government, public policy, homeland security, international relations, pre-law, and public administration.

“Joseph has been a wonderful international relations student of ours that I am honored to work with, teach, and mentor,” said Associate Professor of Government Dr. Mary Prentice, who has an extensive career as a diplomat. “Being a missionary kid, he has great intercultural communication skills as well as a strong passion to help others. I look forward to learning more about the bright future God has planned for him.”

“Having worked at the State Department myself before in diplomacy, I believe Joseph Carl will be a wonderful Champion for Christ and public servant focusing on the intersection between economic development and security,” Prentice added.