The IWP Internship Experience: Stephanie Menendez

While on vacation in Central America, I found myself scrambling to submit my internship application with only two days left before the deadline. Unsure if I should even apply, I quickly reached out to a friend for advice. What followed was a flurry of five urgent emails with the subject line “Emergency,” and somehow, despite being miles away from home, I managed to submit everything just in time. Looking back, it was the best decision I made—it led to an incredible internship experience that expanded my perspective and shaped my career path in ways I never expected.

As an undergraduate student at The Catholic University of America, I had the opportunity this fall to intern for Professor Jeff Johnson at The Institute of World Politics (IWP). He is a former Army officer and foreign affairs expert. Working with him was an amazing experience. My role was to assist with his course, Leadership in Future Operating Environments. One of my main tasks was reaching out to leaders who had real-world leadership experience. These individuals worked in fields like national security, cybersecurity, counterterrorism, policy analysis, and interagency operations. The interviews I conducted were incredibly insightful. The leaders I spoke with came from diverse backgrounds, some with military experience, others with expertise in other areas. Their stories taught me that leadership isn’t just about rank or title—it’s about making tough decisions, inspiring others, and staying adaptable in challenging situations.

One aspect of the internship I will miss is keeping track of every other Monday for intelligence briefings. The experience was both challenging and rewarding. Interns have the opportunity to be evaluated by a former intelligence briefer, who gave helpful feedback that sharpened my public speaking and briefing skills. The internship was very focused on helping interns grow, and I appreciated how much the program invested in our development.

Another valuable experience from this is my cohort was diverse, with many people from outside of D.C., and some who had already graduated, which added a unique dimension to the experience. Their different perspectives enriched the internship and deepened the learning. Initially, I was unsure about balancing my undergraduate studies with the demands of the internship, but the team at IWP was incredibly supportive and understanding. Their encouragement helped me manage both academic and professional responsibilities, making the experience even more rewarding.

My time at IWP has been instrumental in shaping my academic and career goals while giving me a meaningful D.C. experience. Working with inspiring peers, faculty, and professionals dedicated to improving international affairs has motivated me to contribute to making a positive impact in the world.

Stephanie Menendez
Research Intern, Fall 2024
From The Catholic University of America

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