By Hanna Singh
Ruston High School welcomed back 1979 graduate Ambassador Clint Williamson last week for his high school reunion. The Ambassador took the time to speak about his professional journey last Friday morning.
Attendees included former colleagues, community members, Ruston High staff and students. Williamson shared insights into his career journey since graduation and offered advice to current students for their future career paths.
Ambassador Williamson expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to return to Ruston to see old friends, former classmates and teachers. Most of all he appreciated the privilege of addressing the next generation of students from his alma mater.
During his speech, Williamson recounted his transition from being a student in Louisiana to working in Washington and various international locations, highlighting many experiences that shaped his professional career.
Williamson was born in Ruston, began his academic journey at AE Phillips for primary school, before continuing up through Ruston High School and Louisiana Tech for his undergraduate studies. He relocated to New Orleans to pursue a legal education at Tulane University, afterwards working as an assistant DA for 5 years. During his time down South, Williamson assumed the role of Chief of Homicide in that same office.
“While I loved New Orleans and enjoyed the work I was doing, I was interested in trying something different.” Williamson said.
In an effort to broaden his horizons, Williamson began looking for job opportunities as a federal prosecutor. His search led him to the US Department of Justice in Washington DC, where he specialized in the organized crime section. He was selected to serve as a prosecutor in the International Criminal Tribunal for Yugoslavia, a role that allowed him to take on significant legal endeavors.
The Ambassador recounted some of the challenges and accomplishments he faced during his time as a prosecutor.
“One of the most interesting things I did was design a plan to lure a suspected war criminal across the border from Serbia into Croatia,” Williamson said.
Williamson’s career also included several notable roles in the United States Government, spanning across administrations under Presidents Bush and Obama.
His final full-time governmental position was a Special Prosecutor for the European Union in Brussels. Following his retirement in 2014 from full-time service in the US Government, he transitioned into part-time service as Senior Advisor to the Bureau of European Affairs.
Currently, Williamson also holds the position of Senior Director for International Justice at Georgetown University.
Williamson wanted to convey to students that mapping out a career from start to finish is not always feasible. Your life doesn’t always work out exactly how you expect, but this isn’t a bad thing.
“My advice is really just to follow your interests, take some chances and see where it leads,” Williamson said. “In my case I think it led to some very interesting developments along the way.”
Williamson reflected on his time working in the government as a path he found incredible job satisfaction in. He felt that he could wake up each day and do something he loved.
He wrapped up his speech with 3 suggestions for soon-to-be graduates. Firstly, he urged students to cultivate a sense of curiosity in themselves and to pursue the things they are interested in. Secondly, he requested that students not put any limitations on themselves. Williamson believes that your upbringing and past experiences don’t necessarily limit your future. Lastly, he encouraged the younger generation to consider careers in public services, whether federally or locally. He explained that you get something back from giving back to the place you live.
Williamson concluded his address with this piece of advice for listeners, encouraging them to take on more than they might think they are qualified to.
“Take a chance on things you’re interested in; you have nothing to lose by trying.” Williamson said. “I’ve had incredible experiences that I wouldn’t trade with anyone from whom I went to law school with.”
Following his remarks, he opened the floor to attendees, allowing them time to ask any questions they had.
