Laouratou Diallo

The Pathways Program offered a unique opportunity for me to gain hands-on work experience in the federal government. Being in such a diverse industry like Public Health, I recognized the importance of gaining practical knowledge to shape my career path. This is when I came across this student trainee position at the Administration for Children and Families, which perfectly aligned with my passion for making a positive impact on communities.

What excites me the most about this Pathways to Public Service internship is the opportunity to network and connect with professionals in my field, collaborate with a diverse group of fellow interns, and gain hands-on experience in different aspects of public health and information technology. Furthermore, I am eager to learn about workplace best practices, become acquainted with commonly used tools and systems, and gain a better understanding of different work cultures. 

Through my academic journey, I gained a deep understanding of the social determinants of health, which play a crucial role in all aspects of ACF’s work. Also, my studies have equipped me with valuable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation, which have proven to be useful in my work at ACF.

Up to this point, my involvement in the federal government has provided me with the opportunity to connect with remarkable individuals in my career field, establish valuable mentee-mentor connections that have significantly impacted my professional growth. This experience also allowed me to acquire transferable skills through collaborating with various teams across the agency.