After graduating from Auburn University last Spring with an interdisciplinary studies degree in Aerospace Engineering and Public Administration, I found myself struggling to find work and unsure what to do with myself next. I knew I wanted to eventually establish myself as a practitioner of space policy, but I still was not sure if I wanted to get to that route after starting off as an engineer and moving into policy, or by starting off with policy and then moving into the space domain. I also did not know what I might like to do for graduate school, or whether I even wanted to enter a graduate program in the first place. I found that my time as an intern here helped me clarify what I wanted to do, made me more familiar with the professional landscape of D.C., and even inspired me to take some risks I wouldn’t otherwise have considered.
I participated in three courses during this term: the IWP 627 introduction to statecraft intern course, an economics in foreign affairs course, and a course on geospatial intelligence. I found the professors of these courses to be cordial and accommodating, as well as highly knowledgeable within their fields. The geospatial intelligence course was particularly interesting to me, as someone interested in space-related policy issues, and I was very pleased that it was offered to us. I don’t think there are very many programs that offer a similar kind of course.
I greatly enjoyed the Thursday outings. Getting to visit places like the Pentagon and Justice Department headquarters was a unique perk of the IWP internship program which allowed me to set foot in iconic locations I would never have dreamed of visiting.
I particularly appreciated the interactive aspects of this internship. War games and briefings were highlights, along with debates, a welcome late addition. I felt like I developed my social abilities throughout the course of this internship program, both in terms of public speaking and professional soft skills.
I am thankful to The Institute of World Politics for supporting me and preparing me for my professional future. I hope to carry the knowledge I gained forward and honor the opportunity I have to build a career doing meaningful work.
Daniel Walker
IWP Research Intern
Auburn University Class of ‘24
Learn more about IWP internships
Wargaming with Prof. Aaron Danis