South Middlesex Times

Andrea Olavarrieta, a resident of Moonachie, N.J., and an upcoming junior at Rutgers University–New Brunswick, has been selected for the U.S. Department of State's Foreign Affairs Information Technology Fellowship 2024 cohort. The fellowship will provide her with up to $43,500 annually in academic funding for the remaining two years of her bachelor's degree program.

Olavarrieta, who is majoring in information technology and informatics with a minor in critical intelligence studies, expressed gratitude for the opportunity. "I feel very, very thankful for it," she said. "Honestly, I'm still processing that I was in fact chosen for this. But I think in a way I also feel like this is definitely something that I am meant to do."

Currently studying abroad in Seoul as an exchange student at Yonsei University, Olavarrieta emphasized the importance of her multilingual skills and interest in technology. "I'm multilingual and I've always wanted to put my language skills to use and as well as use them in my daily job," she noted.

The fellowship includes professional development and mentoring opportunities, such as two summer internships: one domestic internship at the Department of State in Washington, D.C., and another overseas at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Upon completion of the fellowship and meeting Foreign Service entry requirements, Olavarrieta will be appointed as a diplomatic technology officer.

"We change posts every two to three years," said Olavarrieta about the program's structure. She added that it provides extensive language and information technology training.

Allie Miyazaki from The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars described the application process as "highly competitive." The fellowship aims to attract top technology talent representing diverse backgrounds across various demographics.

Ava Majlesi, associate professor at Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences, praised Olavarrieta's dedication: “As a student in my ‘Introduction to Critical Intelligence Studies’ course, Ms. Olavarrieta demonstrated a strong interest in blending her IT expertise with her desire to work in service to the common good.”

Reflecting on her high school experience focusing on information technology alongside creative pursuits like cartooning, Olavarrieta credited teachers Greg Keelen and John Cash Jr. for their guidance.

Looking ahead after completing the fellowship, Olavarrieta envisions herself traveling or living abroad while possibly returning to cartooning: “I used to be very focused on just cartooning... if I have the chance, I would like to delve back into this skill.”