The IWP Internship Experience: Fatima Abas

While I was studying abroad in New Zealand, I applied to a program through my university which required me to find an internship in Washington, D.C. With less than a month left before application deadlines, I was frantically searching for opportunities, unsure if I’d even find a place that would be a good fit. When I found out about IWP through my advisor, I somehow managed to submit everything on time. Looking back now, this was one of the best decisions I’ve made this year.

One of my favorite parts of my internship was conducting intelligence and policy briefings every Monday. Public speaking has never been my strongest skill, and the thought of presenting to a room full of people felt super intimidating. By the end of the internship, I had delivered five briefings, each one challenging me in a different way. The discomfort of stepping out of my comfort zone turned out to be one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.

Throughout my time at IWP, I also had the privilege of working closely with Prof. Jeff Johnson. My research involved conducting interviews with leaders who have held positions in national security and government. These videos were then posted in his IWPO 720 “Leadership in Future Operating Environments” course. I had the opportunity to interview leaders from the U.S. Foreign Service and military, including Ambassador Roderick Moore, Ambassador Edward O’Donnell, and Lieutenant General Benjamin Freakley.

In addition to my research and briefings, I had the chance to participate in many different events and activities. One of the most memorable experiences was attending a special pre-lecture lunch with war correspondent Mitzi Perdue, where I got a look at the life of a journalist covering international conflicts. I also enjoyed volunteering at events like the President’s Dinner, where Dr. Sara Vakhshouri spoke about energy security and strategy, as well as a public lecture on Juche and North Korean Special Operations Forces, which gave me unique insights into North Korea’s military strategy.

Though I initially had doubts about balancing my academic studies with the demands of the internship, the support from my team at IWP made it all possible. The experience taught me that when you challenge yourself and step outside your comfort zone, you can accomplish far more than you expect.

Fatima Abas
Research Intern, Spring 2025
Arizona State University

Learn more about IWP internships