As a political science and history major at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, my time at The Institute of World Politics has been an incredible experience.
Before joining IWP, I did not know which avenue of international affairs I wanted to pursue, whether it be the State Department, the intelligence community, or academia. Being at IWP has given me a clearer image of what I want to do.
I found this opportunity through The Fund for American Studies. After submitting my application through their website, I was interviewed by Melissa Juarbe-Pratt, the director of internship programs, and I received an offer a few weeks later.
As a research intern, I worked directly under Professor John Tkacik, a retired Foreign Service Officer specializing in China. I helped him create visual and audio aids for his course IWP 710: The United States and Taiwan, 1895-Present. Working with Professor Tkacik not only provided me with an abundance of knowledge about Cross-Strait relations, but also allowed me to understand the life of a diplomat and American grand strategy through our conversations.
A key component of the internship was taking IWP 627: International Relations, Statecraft, and Integrated Strategy. This course offered the basic foundations for studying and examining international affairs and how practitioners handle problems they encounter. Additionally, I attended public lectures hosted by IWP featuring scholars and former practitioners who spoke about their latest research and experience in the national security field.
My favorite part of IWP was working with my fellow interns. Not only are they intelligent and passionate about international affairs, but they are also incredible human beings who impressed me every day with their talent and sense of humor. I am excited to see what they will all do after leaving IWP.
Overall, I have gained invaluable experience working with illustrious professionals in the national security world and have developed my research and networking skills. I am excited to see the doors that have opened for me and grateful to have spent my summer here at IWP.
Ty’Jae Artis
IWP National Security and International Affairs Research Intern, Summer 2024
From the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill