Airlangga (Agga) Soediono

Alumni portrait of Airlangga (Agga), from the Master of Science in Global Studies, class of 2011-2013. Interview was conducted in June 2024.

Hi Agga! What have you been up to since you graduated from the Master of Science in Global Studies in 2013? 

After graduating in 2013, I briefly worked as a strategic communications consultant in Los Angeles before joining the U.S. Department of State to begin my career in diplomacy in 2016. After a few months of orientation and training in the National Capital Region of Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV), my first diplomatic assignment was a consular tour at the U.S. Consultate General in Chennai from 2016-2018. During this assignment, I served as Deputy Chief in the Consular Information Unit and U.S. Mission to India's Coordinator for Women's Empowerment portfolio. Under the purview of the Secretary's Office of Global Women's Issues, I was responsible for collaborating with my colleagues in addressing bilateral opportunities and promoting the rights and empowerment of women and girls through U.S. foreign policy.

Following this, I then served another consular tour at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi from 2019-2021 where I played critical leadership and mangement role as Acting American Citizens Services Chief in consular affairs and crisis management, notably during several natural disasters and civil unrests in the region, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic where we coordinated global efforts and repatriated over 6,000 U.S. citizens and residents from India.

I'm currently serving in the Directorate of Overseas Citizens Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs, where my portfolio is in policy-making and bilateral relations in the Office of Children's Issues, which office is tasked by the President to address issues of international protection of children, treaty partnerships under the 1980 Hague Convention, and bilateral as well as multilateral engagements with our allies, including Sweden and the European Union, at our headquarters in Washington D.C. As part of the directorate we are also the first responders in shaping foreign policy in addressing crises affecting U.S. citizens and interests abroad, which almost always feeds into the overall big-picture policy-making at the highest levels in the U.S. government system. In addition to my current role that often requires me to step into leadership positions, I'm also co-chair in the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Council where we proactively educate and train our colleagues, as well as address and resolve these and emerging issues internally to foster a diverse workforce, as well as externally to ensure our foreign policy aligns with core DEIA values.

Did your time at Lund University contribute to your professional development? If so, in what ways?

Absolutely! My educational journey at Lund University served as one of the foundational pillars in shaping my career trajectory within the world of diplomacy and policymaking. The experience itself was cosmopolitan where I had the exposure to not only the specific culture and education system in Sweden, but more importantly also people from different corners of the world, different perspectives, and different cultures. 

During my transformative two years in Sweden, not only did I acquire academic knowledge, but it also imbibed invaluable values that continue to resonate profoundly in my professional endeavors. Concepts such as equity, egalitarianism, respect for the environment, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability were not just theoretical principles but practical ethos ingrained in every aspect of Lund University's educational experience.

You have pursued a career in diplomacy and currently serve as a diplomat in the U.S. Department of State. How is the life as a diplomat?

Very dynamic, rewarding, and gratifying. When I first learned what a diplomat actually does for a living during my internship in 2012, my mentor pointed out that it's not only a career but a lifestyle. Diplomats are held against the highest standards of character, integrity, and conduct as we represent the entire country and are constantly under the public eye. Moreover, as a public servant it is also a very humbling and noble experience. For example, when I led a recent bilateral meeting in Ankara and sat across the table from the Turkish delegation, I wasn't just an individual; I was the voice and face of the United States. I had to prioritize the nation's best interests above my own while I was also embodying the collective goals and values of my country.

As generalists, we also get to learn so many aspects of foreign policy and we get to design our career paths within the Department however we want. The Department supports our career development through the Foreign Service Institute with its university-like campus in Arlington, Virginia with its plethora of robust courses: from crisis management to treaty partnership, from economic and political analysis and reporting to socio-cultural statecraft, and from protecting our citizens and interests abroad to developing leadership and management skills.

The Department encourages and attempts to accommodate as much work-life balance as possible, but I've also learned it is up to us to make sure it actually happens. A typical day can be a routine in itself. Since the District is one of the most livable cities, I try to balance it with my daily exercise and three-mile run through many historic landmarks and trails such as the National Mall, Rock Creek Park, and across the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge and Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge along the Potomac River. With the presence of think-tanks, international organizations, and foreign missions in the National Capital Region, my afternoons and evenings can easily be filled with diplomatic receptions as well as forums and symposiums where we have astute discussions with influential figures about foreign affairs related topics. However, all of that is calm before the storm of crises, last-minute work trips, and being tasked to step into an acting leadership position and I try to adapt if and when this happens.

Since the driving force for conducting routine operations of diplomacy is traveling, a go-bag with hard-pressed suits is always ready in case I need to travel at the last minute, and I try to still incorporate my daily exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Whenever on work travel, this is an excellent opportunity to maintain a healthy lifestyle and learn about the local culture. For example, even though I was jetlagged after my flight had arrived in Tirana during a recent work trip, I tried to incorporate my routine three-mile morning run to start my day before a series of bilateral meetings with the Albanian government. This gave me the opportunity to fully experience local markets such as the bustling Pazari i Ri (New Bazaar) and the local kafene (coffee shop) culture to enjoy the signature kafe turke, which provided me with a deeper appreciation of Albanian hospitality and a better understanding of the cultural nuances that could influence our diplomatic discussions.

What are your key takeaways from your studies in Global Studies at Lund University that are useful in your job?

During one of my early courses at Lund University, a Global Studies professor once asked us to work on a group research project with the expectation of one cohesive paper as the final product. She emphasized that this exercise was designed to prepare us for teamwork in the professional world. This focus on collaboration was a recurring theme throughout my studies and has become one of the most important takeaways from my time at Lund University. Although the world of diplomacy is very hierarchical involving strict protocols and proper salutations, effective diplomacy requires us to work together seamlessly, which means internally setting aside personal differences, hard feelings, and closing ranks to make unified decisions. At its core, diplomacy itself is about working with others to achieve our common goals. Words such as "collaborate" and "cooperate" are the normative when working in any organization.

In addition to soft skills such as interpersonal skills, cultural adaptability, planning and organizing, as well as objectivity and integrity, comprehensive understanding of global issues and the emphasis on critical thinking and analytical skills that I gained at Lund University are invaluable in my career in diplomacy. The program's focus on globalization, conflict resolution, and social change has equipped me with the ability to navigate complex international relations and advocate for policies that promote these values. Furthermore, its signature interdisciplinary approach has also enhanced my ability to integrate various viewpoints and develop holistic solutions to global challenges.

What career advice would you give to current students at Graduate School?

Remain curious and open-minded. Embrace the diversity of perspectives and experiences that you encounter, as they will enrich your understanding and approach to global issues. Build a strong network of peers and mentors. When the "elective course" is available, take full advantage of it as an opportunity for practical experience through internships and fieldwork, which in itself is your opportunity to put theory into practice.

Above all, integrity is the cornerstone of a successful and fulfilling career. Whether in diplomacy or any other field, maintaining a strong moral compass and a commitment to making a positive impact is essential. Let your values and passion guide your professional journey and be persistent in following your dreams. Resilience is equally important - take care of your mental and physical health. Nevertheless, once you discover your passion, pursue it persistently despite any roadblocks and setbacks.

After all, I'm always reminded of how I addressed my fellow graduating class as a commencement speaker on one sunny day in June 2013 as we were ready to part ways and embark on our journeys that each and every one of us has the agency to make a difference in this very world we all live in and to make it a better place than we found it.