https://careers.state.gov

U.S. Department of State

Department of State Student Intern

May - August 2018 • Washington, DC

What I liked

I loved working with real-world issues. I was excited to go into the office every single day because what I was doing made a difference in what was happening around the world. I also loved learning about a field I initially knew next to nothing about. I worked with the technology side of weaponry, so every day not only was I learning about the internal workings of the government but also about a new field that I am now very interested in. Above all the actual work, the people who I worked with this summer were absolutely incredible. They were all experts in the field, and people who want to work towards a common goal. I also enjoyed how many netowrking opportunities were built into the program. I was able to explore other areas of the Department of State that may better fit my interests.

What I wish was different

If I could change one thing about my experience, I would have extended my internship. There is only so much that one can do in 10 weeks, and even though I knew I was making a different and taking the burden off of my office, by the time I had a good hold on the information I was working with it was time to leave.

Advice

Take advantage of every opportunity and talk to everyone you can. Everyone has a story, and they are more than willing to discuss with people who are just getting started in this field.
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Intern

May - July 2018 • Washington, DC

What I liked

Learning about the Department of State and Diplomacy.

What I wish was different

The internship was unpaid.

Advice

Be prepared to learn, and always be willing to step outside your comfort zone.
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Political intern

May - July 2018 • Colombo, Sri Lanka

What I liked

What I wish was different

Advice

Be open to any projects assigned to you. Also, know that what you expect going in will probably not be anything like your experience.
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Foreign Service Institute Intern

July - August 2018 • Arlington County, VA

What I liked

I enjoyed learning about Department culture and what it entails to be a Foreign Service Officer.

What I wish was different

Getting paid.

Advice

One piece of advice is go to every intern event and network with other interns not just employers.
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Intern

May - July 2018 • Washington, DC

What I liked

Seeing diplomacy in action was very thought provoking. I got to see what I study in the classroom actually in practice.

What I wish was different

They gave us a lot of flexibility but I wish the experience was a bit more structured in advance so that there were clearer learning goals.

Advice

If you do not ask, the answer is an automatic no. Do not be afraid to ask if you can help out with a certain project or grab coffee with someone who you believe can help guide you or be a good mentor!
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Front Office Intern - Oceans, Environment, Science Bureau

June - August 2018 • Washington, DC

What I liked

I was given the responsibility to work on the same kind of work that permanent staffers do. My supervisor trusted me with copy editing speeches, memos, and internal reporting products. The subject matter of all the materials fascinated me, given that I study energy and environmental policy. I enjoyed feeling like the work I was doing was important for achieving US foreign policy goals within environmental diplomacy. I also got to work on my editing skills, which is both valuable and transferable.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Regional Security Intern

June - August 2017 • Budapest, Hungary

What I liked

I loved the constant change involved with my job. I didn't have a day to day schedule, which made going to work exciting every day.

What I wish was different

I wish I had chosen a post that involved language and more of my Homeland Security/immigration focused background.

Advice

You have to ask for work, and make sure you spend a day or two learning about other sections of the embassy. It will give you a much more well-rounded experience.
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