Author: Laura Shapiro

This article is part of The Next Step series. While the four years at VMI are designed for cadets to push themselves academically, physically, and mentally to tackle the demands of life at a premiere military college, they also prepare cadets for life after graduation. Whether that life be one in the military or one in the private sector, VMI faculty and staff provide guidance to cadets along their journeys. One department specifically dedicated to that endeavor of post-Institute success is the Office of Career Services. In The Next Step series, we sat down with cadets preparing to enter the workforce after graduation, as well as those still in the midst of their cadetship preparing for internships over the summer.

Andrew Weston ’24 said he was inspired to dive into the diplomatic world thanks to his father. He also credits his interest in history and international studies to him. It also wasn’t until he had participated in Model United Nations that he found an interest in learning, understanding, debating, and the compromising environment of diplomacy in general.

“The diplomatic world really allowed me to apply my interests in a way that would allow me to live a fulfilling and open-minded lifestyle amongst other countries I wanted to continue into the future,” he said.

The international studies major and national security minor from Staunton, Virginia, will be interning this summer at the Summer Diplomatic Academy through the Washington International Diplomatic Academy.

He researched several different internships involving think tanks and national security organizations, but none really caught his eye.

“None of them were really what I was looking for and conflicted with other obligations I had during the summer,” he said.

Col. Spencer D. Bakich, professor in the Department of International Studies and Political Science, recommended Weston to seek out the Summer Diplomatic Academy.

“This caught my attention immediately since I had interests of joining the diplomatic community in the future, it was similar to clubs and organizations I had been a part of in the past, and due to living in a diplomatic environment through my father’s career as a foreign area officer,” he said. “With the Summer Diplomatic Academy offering an insight into the inner workings of the diplomatic community, I was hooked immediately.”

The top reason he applied for the internship was to gain valuable experience in a potential career path and learn more about his interests outside of the classrooms at VMI. He said enrolling in the national security minor provided the perfect opportunity for him to apply.

During his internship, he will work alongside other students from around the globe. He will also be working with career diplomats, who will introduce him to the inner workings of the diplomatic community and how to best approach world issues and international relations. The internship will also allow Weston to take classes and work on projects with other students.

“Career diplomats will be there to mold us into the next generation of American diplomats through passing down their experiences and expertise in international diplomacy,” he said.

Weston credits VMI in developing and preparing him for life outside of the barracks walls.

“Stress and time management have been critical to gaining an upper hand in situations outside of VMI, which in turn has developed my confidence in my abilities that I get to exhibit outside of VMI in my work or interactions with others,” he said. “The overall professionalism consistently pushed by VMI has not and will not fail to keep me prepared in the coming future, with many from high-ranking officers to company managers commenting on the professionalism I learned to exhibit here at VMI.”

In 10 years, Weston hopes to have a career in the U.S. Army as an Army aviator, looking to transition to a career path related to diplomacy.

“Whether through the military’s FAO Program or through other government bodies such as the State Department, I see myself beginning a new chapter in my professional life in the diplomatic arena and working closely with American allies and Foreign governments to further the interests of peace and cooperation,” he said.

This article is part of The Next Step series. While the four years at VMI are designed for cadets to push themselves academically, physically, and mentally to tackle the demands of life at a premiere military college, they also prepare cadets for life after graduation. Whether that life be one in the military or one in the private sector, VMI faculty and staff provide guidance to cadets along their journeys. One department specifically dedicated to that endeavor of post-Institute success is the Office of Career Services. In The Next Step series, we highlight cadets preparing to enter the workforce after graduation, as well as those still in the midst of their cadetship preparing for internships over the summer. 

LEXINGTON, Va. June 11, 2025 — It was never the intent of Christian Walker ’25 to go to law school. Initially, he had no desire to. He was also incredibly unsure about what his future would hold.  

“My 2nd Class year is when my interest in potentially attending law school was ignited as I would take several classes that involved different sectors of the law,” he explained. “Through taking these courses, I discovered a passion for law and hope that I would one day be able to pursue a career as a lawyer.”

The international studies major from North Chesterfield, Virginia, said he has long felt his purpose in life is to serve others.  

“I feel that law is one of the professions where you can consistently help people day after day,” he said. “This is something I was seeking when I was trying to figure out what to do after college, and it was something that I found in the law.” 

Walker is expecting law school to be a challenging experience, something he hopes will help with his goal of becoming a JAG officer.  

“From what I’ve heard talking to other individuals who are currently in law school, there is a new challenge every day that your professors expect you to not only think critically about but also expect you to apply relevant legal arguments to,” he commented. “However, law school creates an environment for individuals to work together … at the end of the day, everyone has the same goal, which is to be a lawyer.” 

He credits Maj. Tim Passmore, assistant professor of international studies, in helping him discover what law school could do for him.  

“He taught the very first law class that I took during my cadetship, and it set the foundation for my interest in the law,” he stated. “Through taking other classes taught by Major Passmore, and getting the opportunity to attend the Law of Armed Conflict Competition in Sanremo, Italy, he has helped foster my interest in the law and give me the knowledge required to succeed as a first year in law school.” 

Walker said VMI has instilled structure and drive in himself, which will allow him to succeed in all facets of life. From the early wakeups and tidy rooms, Walker knows that even the smallest details need to be thought about. 

The bonds he created while at VMI have shown him that there are always people who will go out of their way to help, if ever you should need it.  

“That’s something that I feel very few other colleges create while people attend. Without the environment that VMI creates and the challenges it puts you through every single day, I would not have had the tools to succeed and the drive to achieve greater things,” he said.  

He hopes in the next decade he will be able to provide legal support as a JAG officer, then potentially a federal prosecutor. Most importantly, he wants to make an impact on people in a positive way, especially if they are going through tough times where they may have nowhere else to turn.  

“I absolutely believe VMI gives me a competitive edge on my resume. The Institute has a reputation for helping create strong academic habits that will help cadets even after their time at VMI is over, and that is something that is taken into consideration when applying to schools after VMI,” he said. “The reputation that alumni of the Institute have helped create is strong and has spread to graduate institutions. It is through their hard work and dedication that allows my application to look stronger because ‘Virginia Military Institute’ is on it, and it is my hope that I can carry on this legacy.”