Asif Rahman
Ronkonkoma, N.Y.
Class Of: 2012

Campus: Old Westbury
Major: M.B.A. in International Business

Meet the State Department’s newest eDiplomat: Asif Rahman.

Working virtually with the U.S. Consulate General in Chennai, India, Rahman is collaborating with U.S. diplomats stationed in India to create and implement communications through digital and new media.

He is working on projects that utilize blogs, forums, and new media to effectively reach target audiences. He is also promoting student programs in the U.S., and developing creative ways of reaching out to younger American citizens abroad.

“This internship gives me insight into other cultures and connects me to people of different socio-economic backgrounds,” said Rahman. “As an international business major, I am developing a deeper understanding of the ever-changing world and the role the Internet, which has helped to significantly bridge gaps between nations.” 

Rahman is one of only 107 students accepted into the prestigious Virtual Student Foreign Service (VSFS) program offered by the U.S. Department of State.

eInterns – American students working virtually from college and university campuses – are partnered with embassies and consulates abroad to conduct digital diplomacy. VSFS is part of a growing effort to harness technology and a commitment to global service among young people to facilitate new forms of diplomatic engagement.

“I have the opportunity to learn first-hand about the challenges that foreign services officers face while they are abroad. It is great to be able to lend a hand from all the way across the world,” he added.   

Rahman received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from NYIT in 2006. Now pursuing his M.B.A. in international business, Rahman hopes to work abroad as a new media consultant after graduation.