Sameer Esmail
2021 Undergraduate Arts Co-op Student of the Year
Excellence in the Workplace
During his co-op term as an intern with the U.S. Consulate General in Vancouver, Sameer Esmail was responsible for researching and drafting diplomatic cables on major political and economic developments, preparing briefing notes and speeches for the U.S. Consul General and other senior officials, drafting concise summaries of conferences and meetings, and organizing outreach events.
Adam Hantman, Chief, Political-Economic Affairs Section, praises for his outstanding achievements. He states: “Bright and curious, Sameer amassed an impressive body of knowledge on a complex portfolio in short order, quickly producing a prodigious body of well-researched analytical reports for Washington on issues such as the 2021 federal election, COVID-related impacts on cross-border trade/tourism, trade disputes, clean energy-related initiatives in western Canada, and legislative priorities in BC and Yukon.” One of the diplomatic cables Sameer helped draft also received recognition at the highest levels of the U.S. State Department, and was included on a list of “recommended reading.” Because of his exemplary work, Sameer was hired back on a contract basis after his co-op term ended.
Community Involvement
Sameer was able to use his experience in bilateral diplomatic relationships in an application to join Young Diplomats of Canada, where he worked with the organization to represent Canadian youth at the 2021 OECD Forum. He was also inspired by the coverage of sustainability issues within the U.S. Consulate General, which led him to join the United Nations Association of Canada – Vancouver’s Advisory Council. Sameer states, “These experiences have enriched my understanding of the non-profit space and how they connect with international relations – providing me with a critical knowledge base in an area I was unfamiliar with.”
Beyond the Classroom
Sameer’s job combined the study of economic/business issues with political ones, and he is employing a similar combination in his academic work by integrating a BA in International Relations with a Master of Management. Sameer believes that his academic life has been greatly impacted by this role through his enriched understanding of how the U.S. State Department operates and the power that consulates and embassies have within the international system.
This experience of working with U.S. Foreign Service Officers to conduct research in a diplomatic setting gave Sameer the opportunity to learn from the individuals whose career path he wanted to model. He was able to gain exposure to issues in regions of the world like the Asia-Pacific, where economic and political developments are changing how the U.S. and Canada work on foreign policy issues. This inspired him to take a position with Global Affairs Canada’s Asia-Pacific Division for his next work term. It also gave him more insight into what he wants his career path to look like in the future: “I know that my experience at the U.S. Consulate General has given me significant insight into political and economic issues that I may want to work on after graduation before moving into a career in diplomacy.”
About the UBC Arts Co-op Student of the Year Award
The annual award recognizes outstanding achievement in all aspects of the UBC Arts Co-op student’s performance, including academic achievement, job achievement/employer evaluation, personal statement, contribution to co-operative education, and contribution to extra-curricular activities.
Sameer Esmail
2021 Undergraduate Arts Co-op Student of the Year
Excellence in the Workplace
During his co-op term as an intern with the U.S. Consulate General in Vancouver, Sameer Esmail was responsible for researching and drafting diplomatic cables on major political and economic developments, preparing briefing notes and speeches for the U.S. Consul General and other senior officials, drafting concise summaries of conferences and meetings, and organizing outreach events.
Adam Hantman, Chief, Political-Economic Affairs Section, praises for his outstanding achievements. He states: “Bright and curious, Sameer amassed an impressive body of knowledge on a complex portfolio in short order, quickly producing a prodigious body of well-researched analytical reports for Washington on issues such as the 2021 federal election, COVID-related impacts on cross-border trade/tourism, trade disputes, clean energy-related initiatives in western Canada, and legislative priorities in BC and Yukon.” One of the diplomatic cables Sameer helped draft also received recognition at the highest levels of the U.S. State Department, and was included on a list of “recommended reading.” Because of his exemplary work, Sameer was hired back on a contract basis after his co-op term ended.
Community Involvement
Sameer was able to use his experience in bilateral diplomatic relationships in an application to join Young Diplomats of Canada, where he worked with the organization to represent Canadian youth at the 2021 OECD Forum. He was also inspired by the coverage of sustainability issues within the U.S. Consulate General, which led him to join the United Nations Association of Canada – Vancouver’s Advisory Council. Sameer states, “These experiences have enriched my understanding of the non-profit space and how they connect with international relations – providing me with a critical knowledge base in an area I was unfamiliar with.”
Beyond the Classroom
Sameer’s job combined the study of economic/business issues with political ones, and he is employing a similar combination in his academic work by integrating a BA in International Relations with a Master of Management. Sameer believes that his academic life has been greatly impacted by this role through his enriched understanding of how the U.S. State Department operates and the power that consulates and embassies have within the international system.
This experience of working with U.S. Foreign Service Officers to conduct research in a diplomatic setting gave Sameer the opportunity to learn from the individuals whose career path he wanted to model. He was able to gain exposure to issues in regions of the world like the Asia-Pacific, where economic and political developments are changing how the U.S. and Canada work on foreign policy issues. This inspired him to take a position with Global Affairs Canada’s Asia-Pacific Division for his next work term. It also gave him more insight into what he wants his career path to look like in the future: “I know that my experience at the U.S. Consulate General has given me significant insight into political and economic issues that I may want to work on after graduation before moving into a career in diplomacy.”
About the UBC Arts Co-op Student of the Year Award
The annual award recognizes outstanding achievement in all aspects of the UBC Arts Co-op student’s performance, including academic achievement, job achievement/employer evaluation, personal statement, contribution to co-operative education, and contribution to extra-curricular activities.