Paolino Properties Managing Partner and Former United States Ambassador to Malta Joseph R. Paolino, Jr. spoke to a large group of Johnson and Wales University students this past week on the importance of diplomacy and the day-to-day realities of being a United States Ambassador.
At JWU, students from multiple majors, including Media & Communication Studies, Political Science and Criminal Justice, brought their questions and curiosity about what the role of ambassador entails. Paolino was candid when sharing the mundane, the surprising and the surreal aspects of life on an isolated but politically-charged island archipelago. At the time of his appointment, Paolino was asked to facilitate the investigation into the tragic Lockerbie (PanAm Flight 103) bombing, which was believed to have been carried out by Libyan nationals working on the ground in Malta. He shared insights into the investigation as well as his work to bring US navy ships to Malta during the discussion.
To students interested in careers in diplomacy, he recommended a few pathways, such as the Foreign Service or political experience. He also stressed travel and opening up one’s world view as a necessary prerequisite for a career in diplomacy — or any career, really. “My advice is to know more. Travel, read, explore.”
You can read more about Ambassador Paolino’s visit here.