The Foreign Service Journal, July-August 2022

AFSA NEWS 68 JULY-AUGUST 2022 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL AFSA/SCREENCAPTURE Career Coach Janeen Shaffer walked members through creating an effective LinkedIn profile during an AFSA Foreign Service Day webinar. lives to this ongoing pan- demic.” Turning back to the memorial plaques, Amb. Rubin went on: “Each name chiseled on these walls repre- sents one of our fellow public servants, fellow diplomats and fellow Americans, whose lives were lost in service of a greater purpose. Each time we pass through these halls, they continue to serve as they remind us to execute our own duties with that same purpose and dignity.” Rubin also acknowledged the dozens of U.S. embassies and consulates that partici- pated in a moment of solemn silence, creating a cascade effect around the world as they paid their respects to fallen colleagues. AFSA Hosts Foreign Service Day Events On the day before Foreign Service Day, AFSA tradition- ally hosts a number of spe- cial programs for active-duty FS personnel and alumni. This year, on May 5, AFSA welcomed members to its headquarters for an open house featuring complimen- tary professional headshots and food trucks serving an array of Peruvian fare and ice cream. AFSA also hosted two webinars: a look at the asso- ciation’s work to promote the interests of the Foreign Service on Capitol Hill, led by AFSA Director of Congres- sional Advocacy Kim Green- plate; and tips from a social media expert on how to opti- mize your LinkedIn profile for professional opportunities. Greenplate discussed AFSA’s recent legislative wins for members of the Foreign Service, some of which had been sought for decades and were achieved despite a split Senate, thin partisan margins in the House of Representa- tives and the challenges of a global pandemic. She also outlined AFSA’s ongoing advocacy priorities for the 117th Congress and reform goals. The reforms include, among others, seek- ing authorization and funding for increased positions and personnel at all FS agen- cies; ensuring a 15-percent training float; placing more career FS members in senior positions and ambassador- ships; and reducing the use of personal services contrac- tors and Foreign Service Limited staff at USAID. Janeen Shaffer, a profes- sional leadership and career coach, hosted a workshop, “Creating an Effective Linked- In Profile,” to guide members in curating their online pres- ence for networking and job searching. She pointed out that a successful profile on the platform can help users build professional relationships, connect with key contacts and stay current on market trends and thought leader- ship. It may ultimately lead to a job offer. Shaffer walked view- ers through the process of creating a profile: how to select a profile photo, write a profile headline and highlight experience, qualifications and awards. AFSA members may view Foreign Service Day Continued from page 63 U.S. embassy staff in Jakarta (top) and Kuwait City observe a moment of silence to honor fallen colleagues. By participating in this annual tradition, U.S. embassies and consulates around the world paid their respects to those who gave their lives in the line of duty. U.S.EMBASSYKUWAITCITY U.S.EMBASSYJAKARTA