As a rising junior pursuing a double major in International Studies and French, I have a passion for learning more about the world and the government. However, I have felt unsure about what my next steps will be once I graduate from the University of South Carolina. My internship at The Institute of World Politics (IWP) has helped me determine my next steps and refine the skills necessary through research projects and delivery of briefings.
During my time at IWP, I completed two research projects with the help of my research group and research advisors. We completed a larger research study on the way that the corporate and academic sectors view and implement counterintelligence. I also completed an individual research project comparing the United States and Estonia’s cyber diplomacy policies. Both of these projects helped me discover more about the counterintelligence field and find an intersection between diplomacy and counterintelligence that I am passionate about.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this internship was the research process. Not only did I have the freedom to explore topics that interest me, but I also received real-world experience. The research paper that we produced about counterintelligence will be used by IXN Solutions to inform the counterintelligence company about the views of many citizens. Another rewarding aspect of this internship was the weekly briefing delivery. With each presentation that I gave on an intelligence briefing or policy memorandum, I found myself improving my public speaking and capability to produce a succinct and clear explanation of a current issue.
I would not have been able to learn so much about my passions and improve my skills without the help of The Institute of World Politics. This organization truly cares about its interns and cultivating the next generation of leaders.
Isabella Meisten
University of South Carolina, Class of 2027
Research Intern
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