My internship at The Institute of World Politics was the most impactful decision of my undergraduate life. The connections and insights made into the world of policy, intelligence, and national security will propel me forward into my career.
Having access to some of the top scholar practitioners in the D.C. area is invaluable to a student looking to begin a satisfying and impactful career in government. As an intern, I was able to take IWP graduate courses, which helped me improve my writing and research abilities to be at the same level as a graduate student. The class I was able to audit was International Relations, Statecraft, and Integrated Strategy taught by Dr. Marlo who is Professor of Strategic Studies at the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, as well as once being Assistant for Counterproliferation Policy in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Policy. Getting to learn from someone who has a strong academic background but also understands the practical application behind the theories taught in the classroom was truly enlightening.
The research component of my internship at IWP was with Director of Career Services Derrick Dortch. The focus of the internship was on counterterrorism and intelligence analysis. For Mr. Dortch, I wrote a number of analytical products, many of which were used to assist clients, D.C. law enforcement, or people who were currently living abroad in threatening areas. The work I did with Derrick was another way IWP helped prepare me for the real world of working in government in the D.C. area.
I am confident that my internship with the Institute will be something that pushes me ahead of other candidates in future career opportunities, not only because of the excellent reputation of the Institute, but also because of the drastic improvements in my briefing and writing skills.
Justin S.
IWP Intern, Summer 2018