U.S. Department of State

Political Affairs Intern

October 2020 • Kyiv, Kiev

What I liked

The team I worked with was absolutely amazing. They were always willing to answer my questions and they gave me actual work to do, not just data entry or filing tasks like you would find in some internships. I got to work on issues that I care about and that are directly connected to my studies. Overall it has been a really rewarding experience.

What I wish was different

The primary thing I wish had been different is having the opportunity to complete the Internship in person. However, due to COVID, we have all had to adapt and overcome in this moment of global upheaval.

Advice

I would say in some instances, and if you have the skills to, go a bit beyond what you were asked to do. For example, I was asked to research a topic that had a geographic component to it, so I threw together a couple of maps in Google Earth Pro to help the team actually see what I was talking about.

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Executive Office and Public Affairs Summer Intern

June - August 2021 • Port Louis, Port Louis

What I liked

I liked how small the Embassy in Port Louis is (only around 16 FSOs). This allowed me to work with nearly all of the cones as well as some specialties, and learn a lot about the roles in each. I was also able to form good connections with the Charge d'Affairs and Deputy Chief of Mission, something that is uncommon for interns at a larger Embassy. In general, even though my workload was light, I felt productive and learned a lot.

What I wish was different

I wish it had taken place in person! This was obviously beyond the control of my supervisors, but it would have been cool to work in Port Louis. Beyond that, I wish that I was able to have been mandated a State Department laptop, that way I could access classified materials and help with projects I couldn't with only my own laptop.

Advice

I advise the next intern at Port Louis to take advantage of the small team and really get to know everyone! I got so much helpful advice from meeting with my colleagues. I also recommend you go in with an open mind about what cone you might like best; I did not think I would 'click' with the management cone as well as I did.

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Fellow, U.S. Mission to the United Nations

June - September 2017 • New York City, NY

What I liked

I loved the access I was given to the inner workings of US foreign policy and the variety of the work I got to do--I worked on issues relating to every country and got to do a wide variety of work that simulated the type of responsibilities a Foreign Service Officer would take on.

What I wish was different

I wish there had been more work to go around. I had to fight to get assignments and keep myself busy.

Advice

Be present, and be proactive. Go to staff meetings, ask to tag along to things, try to develop strong professional relationships with one or two people who will trust you with bigger, more significant work than standard intern fare.

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Student Foreign Service Intern with the Environment, Science, Technology and Health Office

July - September 2021 • Copenhagen, Capital RegionDenmark

What I liked

I loved all of the people I got to talk to and the topics I got to learn about. It was very interesting seeing government work in action. It was also amazing getting to work with dedicated people in public service.

What I wish was different

It got moved to a virtual format due to the pandemic. I really wanted to be able to go abroad during college, but the pandemic has changed those plans twice now. I wish that something had been set up so that I would have the opportunity to visit the embassy later, after the pandemic restrictions have been lifted.

Advice

This is a great opportunity for someone not sure what they want to do when they graduate. There are many great people to talk to and get advice from.

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USFSIP Intern

June 2021 • Washington, DC

What I liked

Rewarding Work Experience. Relevant to my field. Very helpful mentors. Flexibility to focus on what I wanted to.

What I wish was different

I wish it were in person.

Advice

Ask your supervisors to get you in contact with people you want to speak to and they will support you

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VSFS

September 2022 • Washington, DC

What I liked

I liked that they introduced us to the workfield and what everyone does beforehand, giving us an experience and an idea of what we could expect to do in that department