If I had to pick one thing which I enjoyed the most from my experience this past semester at IWP, it would be the people. From the moment I walked into the historic Marlatt mansion, I immediately felt welcomed by all the staff, students, and professors. That feeling has not faded since! Whether it was working at the front desk, with the events team, or conducting research with Professor Aaron Danis, I was constantly in awe and admiration of the pride that everyone takes in conducting their work at IWP. This type of commitment is what inspires everyone to do their best work, and it is clear from my past semester that it is something which is endemic to IWP from top to bottom.
What I am most thankful for from my experience is being given access to the extensive career services network at IWP. In the past, I have struggled to get the one-on-one counseling I believe is necessary to start thinking about my future. While interning at IWP, I was given the opportunity to meet with Mr. Derrick Dortch, Director of Career Services, who took the time to provide me with detailed and personalized suggestions for how to continue to develop myself as a professional and what I can do to prepare myself for graduation. As a senior, I cannot stress to prospective interns enough just how much access to a graduate-level career advisor can help you develop professionally. An IWP internship is not solely about what you can do during your time here to assist in the various institutional goals of the school, but rather what IWP can also do for you to help support your career goals.
Before my time at IWP, I interned in Santiago, Chile, for an academic institution that offered a variety of graduate degree programs pertaining to international affairs and security. While interning at this academic institution, I had the opportunity to conduct research with a professor. Although my time was brief, it truly opened my eyes to how impactful it can be to work so closely with a professor practitioner in the field of International Relations. The opportunity to do this again was one of the aspects of the internship that drew me to IWP, and the experience did not disappoint.
Researching with Professor Danis exposed me to the world of national security and intelligence, and it was a pleasure to work with a group of students as passionate about international relations as I am. I enjoyed this experience so much that I have decided to stay on with IWP for the spring semester to continue my work with professor Danis as well as begin a new project with professor Glancy regarding political risk.
I wholeheartedly recommend an internship at IWP for students at any level of university. Whether you are a freshman or a senior like me, IWP will offer you a myriad of opportunities to explore your interests and aid in your professional development. At the end of the day that is what an internship is all about!
Jack Mascuch is a senior at American University graduating in May 2020. He is majoring in International Relations with a focus in the Global Marketplace and a minor in International Business.