As a sophomore at the Catholic University of America studying world politics and minoring in intelligence studies and Islamic world studies, I was looking for internships that would give me experience and prepare me for a career in national security and international affairs. I came across The Institute of World Politics during a virtual career fair, and I am now so glad that I did! The Institute of World Politics has undoubtedly set me up for success and surpassed all my expectations.
During my time at IWP, I was a research assistant with Mr. Dean Lane, the senior advisor of cyber intelligence at IWP. He was a great mentor, and I did all sorts of research and projects on data privacy, cybersecurity, and more. During my time working with Mr. Lane, I saw my writing, research, and critical thinking skills improve greatly. I got to do meaningful research and explore a whole new topic – cyber intelligence and security – that I did not know I had an interest in. Mr. Lane was always there to encourage me through my research and provide feedback to improve my work.
One of the best parts about IWP is the people you will work with. Everyone is very encouraging and genuinely wants to help you succeed. All staff members cheer you on and believe in you. At IWP, you will never be tasked with busy work. Interns will participate in meaningful research, writing important papers, and helping out the events team with all of their great events. Moreover, your hard work never goes unnoticed. I have learned so much and have already seen my research, writing, and critical thinking skills improve immensely.
IWP provides an endless number of unparalleled opportunities. My advice for any future IWP intern is to take advantage of every possible opportunity that comes your way. The events team puts on so many amazing events, including alumni mentoring events and roundtable discussions. Take advantage of these opportunities, plus the lecture lunches that are set up specifically for interns. Do not be afraid to ask questions or reach out to the speakers. Everyone at IWP wants to help you succeed and aid you in your professional development. Additionally, take advantage of career counseling with Mr. Derrick Dortch, IWP’s director of career services. He has so many great resources.
I highly recommend applying to IWP for the internship program. They provide an unmatched experience. You will end your time here feeling accomplished and wake up every morning excited and with a purpose. Each new day will provide something different and unique, but The Institute of World Politics gives you the skills to handle anything!
Juline Horan
Spring 2021
UPDATE, 9/7/2021 – Juline interned with IWP again in Summer 2021. Below are her reflections on her summer semester at IWP.
As a young professional trying to break into the world of national security and international relations in Washington, D.C., I was looking for an internship that would allow me to learn, grow, and meet new people in the field. I happened to stumble upon The Institute of World Politics during a virtual career fair, and it was one of the best things that could have happened to me! My time at IWP has been rewarding. I could not have asked for a better experience or better mentors and leaders to learn from. The Institute of World Politics has undoubtedly set me up for success and surpassed all my expectations.
For the summer, I stayed on at IWP as an events and communications intern. During my time interning with the events and communications team, I got to work on many interesting assignments, including writing articles for the website and helping the team put together the Annual Report. I have learned so much from Hannah, Lindsey, and Katie and enjoyed learning more about national security, IWP, and communications from a different lens.
The best part of being an intern at The Institute of World Politics is the mentors you meet. You are truly learning from the best, as everyone you get to work with has experience in the field. IWP offers so many amazing opportunities from lecture lunches with faculty to student roundtables and alumni mentoring sessions. Do not be afraid to ask questions or reach out to the speakers, staff, or anyone at IWP. Everyone wants to help you succeed and aid you in your professional development. Additionally, take advantage of career counseling with Mr. Derrick Dortch, IWP’s director of career services. He has so many great resources and works with you one on one to identify career fields, craft your resume, provide networking opportunities, and present you with different job opportunities.
I highly recommend applying to IWP for the internship program. They provide an unmatched experience. You will end your time here feeling accomplished and wake up every morning excited and with a purpose. Each new day will provide something different and unique, but The Institute of World Politics gives you the skills to handle anything! The IWP internship is like no other internship offered in DC, and I am incredibly grateful for my time here.
Juline Horan
Summer 2021