MANAN H.

DESAI

EDUCATION
Master of Arts, Global Affairs; Specialization: Conflict and Security, expected December 2014,
George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
GPA: 3.57
- Designed research proposal titled Effects of Nuclear Weapons on Stability. The research
question is Under what conditions do Nuclear Weapons cause Instability?.
- Wrote background research paper on Lashkar-e-Taiba and nuclear security in South Asia.
Bachelor of Arts, International Government and Politics: August 2012
George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
GPA: 3.0
Cuba Travel Abroad Program, George Mason University
Fairfax, VA January 2014
- Attended classes for two weeks in Havana, Cuba and learned about the Cuban economic
system.
- Researched Cuban ideology and Cubas changing economic patterns and wrote a research
paper on how the two will influence Cubas future.
Related Courses
Intro to Conflict Resolution

U.S. National Security Policy

Terrorism/Weapons of Mass Destruction
Nuclear/Chemical/Biological Weapons Policy/Security

RELATED EMPLOYMENT
Program Assistant, Foreign Service Institute, Leadership Management School
Arlington, VA October 2014- Current
- Support senior leadership staff in the administrative and technological aspects of delivering
four courses called: Intermediate Leadership Skills, Advanced Leadership Skills, Managing Up.
and 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
- Manage, review and setup leadership feedback reports to the students.
- Prepare virtual platform for classroom values webinars and virtual leadership Share Point sites.
- Created Excel based survey polls on participant reaction.
Intern, Foreign Service Institute, School of Language Studies, NEA
Arlington, VA June 2014- August 2014
- Advised curriculum development by attending Gujarati language classes and providing
suggestions for improvement, which were incorporated.
- Categorized online supplemental language learning tools.
- Created and edited eight weekly newsletters for the department which included topics, photos,
links and information representing nine languages and South Asian culture.

OTHER EMPLOYMENT
Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP) Intern, Securities and Exchange Commission,
Freedom of Information Office (FOIA) office; Washington D.C. November 2010-August 2011
- Designed and developed a research paper that investigated the future of Freedom of
Information and best practices to save time and money in the future.
- Earned the Business Operations Award through demonstration of exceptional performance
characterized by noteworthy and superlative contributions that had a direct, positive, and
lasting impact on the Commissions business operations.
- Sorted and compiled one hundred closed Freedom of Information (FOIA) case files a week in a
numerical system.
- Verified one hundred open confidential and sensitive FOIA requests daily.
- Inputted select information into the FOIAxpress system.
Student Information Assistant, George Mason University,
Fairfax, VA March 2013 Present
- Served as one of 15 key information resources for new and current students on courses,
events, construction updates, and services
- Attended monthly meetings and collaborated with team members on goal implementation such
as implementing new procedures and updating information.
- Organized and collected daily and weekly progress reports for improved efficiency to have
answers for common requests.
- Assisted Patrons with accurate information and provided customer service
Teller, Wachovia Bank (now Wells Fargo),
Tysons Corner, VA May 2008 February 2010
- Successfully achieved a Perfect score two times for delivery of best customer service
- Effectively used excellent customer service within a high-volume, deadline-driven environment.
- Handled large amounts of cash during daily transactions for customers
Client Services Professional, H&R Block, Woodbridge VA January 2013 April 2013
- Attended weekly meetings, and collaborated with team members on goal implementation such
as more effective ways to attract customers.
- Managed and organized the schedule for ten people in the office.
- Provided excellent customer service on a daily basis to meet each individuals need.

AWARDS & HONORS

Business Operations Award, Securities and Exchange Commission: 2011