As a senior at James Madison University, I was looking for a first internship to introduce me to the world of international affairs and teach me practical skills that I will take into the work force. I then found The Institute of World Politics internship program, and I got the opportunity to work as a Research Intern during the spring semester.
I took two classes during my time at The Institute of World Politics: International Relations, Statecraft, and Integrated Strategy taught by Professor John Callahan and Contemporary Politics and Diplomacy taught by Professor Marek Jan Chodakiewicz.
In addition to taking classes, I participated in a semester-long research project with a doctoral student, Maiwand Nawid. Working with Maiwand was wonderful as he taught me many important skills such as professional communication and research analysis. My project was titled “Reassessing US Membership in the United Nations.” I researched the UN’s history, mission, successes and failures, corruption, and reforms that could be made to improve its functionality and effectiveness as an intergovernmental organization.
As an intern, I participated in intelligence and policy briefings, in which I analyzed a current events topic and presented my findings to the other interns and my internship director, Melissa Juarbe-Pratt. Melissa Juarbe-Pratt and Inna Osetrova were wonderful mentors during this experience, and they helped guide me during this internship. IWP gave me excellent networking opportunities as well, and I am very grateful for my time as an intern at IWP.
Eliza Yeaker
IWP Research Intern
From James Madison University
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