The IST Diplomats are the student ambassador group for Penn State’s College of Information Sciences and Technology. Our mission is to help students develop leadership and professional communications skills while providing the college with a prepared and diverse group of students who can share their unique Penn State journeys with the IST community.
IST Diplomats develop self-awareness and enhance career-readiness skills by writing a leadership philosophy statement and building leadership capacity. In return for this professionally led training, Diplomats represent the college by engaging with prospective students, alumni, corporate partners, and other groups.
Diplomats are commonly requested to assist in prospective student and family visits and conversations, peer support for student services, alumni and corporate events. Faculty can also request student panels of Diplomats to share their experiences in their internships, research, or other engagements outside of the classroom.