On 4 April 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs took part in the annual career education campaign, the Job Shadow Day. Diplomats in their daily work were followed by shadowers from across Latvia.
The “shadows” were addressed by the Parliamentary Secretary of the Foreign Ministry, who noted that diplomats are dealing with a wide range of issues from security policy to the involvement of embassies in the implementation of cultural activities abroad. He dared the students to become diplomats as doing that job called for a vast and diverse set of qualities. Responsibilities in the foreign service are manifold, requiring not only analytical and assiduous, but also decisive and targeted action. Consequently, the diplomatic service needs people with different skills and talents. The Parliamentary Secretary called on the students to never lose thirst for knowledge, be avid readers, take interest in political processes, learn history and culture; he underlined that in diplomacy, it was vital to be able to explain and justify the interests of one’s country and convince one’s partners in talks.
The Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, told the students about the development of the Latvian state, the creation of the foreign service, and its activities until World War Two; she also highlighted the activities of the service during the occupation to ensure the continuity of the Latvian state during that period.
At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, experienced diplomats introduced the students to the diplomat's profession and career opportunities, and shared their experience in the diplomatic service. The students had the opportunity to learn what knowledge and skills were useful in diplomatic work, what challenges could be encountered while pursuing a diplomat’s career in its diversity. The young people were encouraged to follow their dreams while taking determined and well-considered action in pursuit of their calling by both studying history, political science and economics, and applying for on-site training at the Foreign Ministry.
This year, students had the opportunity of shadowing the Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, the Head of the Economic Relations, Trade and Development Cooperation Directorate, Alise Balode, and diplomats from the State Protocol, the Consular Department, the Communications Group, the Security Policy and International Organisations Directorate, the European Union Coordination and Policies Department, the Foreign Trade and Economic Relations Promotion Department, the Financial Policy Department, the Development Cooperation Division, the International Organisations Division, and the Asia and Oceanian Division.
The students followed diplomats in their daily work – discussed schedules, took part in various meetings and helped with drafting documents, thereby getting hands-on experience of the Foreign Service’s dynamics. With the 20th anniversary of Latvia’s accession to the European Union and NATO being celebrated this year, special attention was devoted to Latvia’s membership of those organisations.
At its Shadow Day events, the Foreign Ministry welcomed students from Auce Secondary School, Cēsis State Gymnasium, The Friendly Appeal Cēsis State Gymnasium, The Friendly Appeal Liepāja City Secondary School No. 5, Ikšķile Secondary School, Jelgava State Gymnasium, Jelgava Spīdola Gymnasium, Jūrmala State Gymnasium, Jūrmala Pumpuri Secondary School, Mārupe State Gymnasium, Olaine Secondary School No. 1, Talsi State Gymnasium, Talsi Christian Secondary School, Tukums State Gymnasium named after Rainis, Riga State Gymnasium No. 1, Riga State Gymnasium No. 2, Riga State Gymnasium No. 3, Riga French Lycée, Āgenskalns State Gymnasium, Riga Centre Humanitarian Secondary School, Riga State German Language Gymnasium, Riga Teika Secondary School, Grammar School of Nordic Languages, and Riga Secondary School No. 45.
“Having spent the Job Shadow Day in the Communications Group, I dispelled my doubts about my ability to do the diplomat’s job and about my future career path,” emphasized Markuss Rainers Kincs of Jūrmala State Gymnasium.
Agate Osīte from the Grammar School of Nordic Languages mentioned that the Shadow Day made it clear there was no need to be afraid to strive for one’s goals, and that knowledge was vital to the diplomat’s work.
“The Shadow Day at the Foreign Ministry provides a great insight into the day-to-day work in the international realm. Knowledge, proper time planning, presence of mind and also the ability to act quickly – those are the qualities applied by every employee of the Ministry in order to ensure that Latvia’s foreign policy is put into practice,” Katrīna Rotenko from Riga Centre Humanitarian Secondary School said.
The aim of the Job Shadowing Day in Latvia is to introduce students to the specific requirements of various jobs and sectors, helping young people with their career choices.
