During my internship at IWP, I benefited tremendously from the wealth of resources that were made available to me. First, I worked with Dr. Marek Chodakiewicz and read books that transformed my perspective. These books shed light on certain viewpoints that are widely unknown, and I felt challenged intellectually. Additionally, I helped edit and prepare a book for publication. Although tedious, it was a worthwhile project that introduced me to a new side of academia.
Furthermore, I had the opportunity to sit in on Dr. David Glancy’s course, Foreign Propaganda, Perceptions, and Policy. This was an incredible experience because I got a glimpse of how a graduate level class operates while simultaneously learning about the intricacies of propaganda and its effects on the modern world.
Another aspect of the internship that I benefited from was the alumni network. I attended a few of the alumni mentoring sessions where I learned about jobs that are of interest to me. These sessions allowed me the opportunity to ask career questions and gain clarity on particular aspects of the job. For instance, I was able to learn more about how to get into the Foreign Service, the day-to-day responsibilities of a Foreign Service Officer, and how the job affects one’s family life.
I also attended several lecture lunches, including one on crisis management to prepare for the Exercise Dragon Teeth simulation. During this simulation, I was able to catch a glimpse of what it would feel like to manage a crisis as a national leader. The amount of useless information being presented to me coupled with strict time constraints and negotiations was overwhelming yet also incredibly informative.
My time at IWP was excellent. IWP faculty and students treated me with nothing but the utmost respect and always sought to lend a helping hand. Ultimately, this internship was an extremely valuable experience, both academically and professionally, and I am privileged to have been a part of IWP!
Colin Agostisi
Fall 2021