The IWP Internship Experience: Virginia

I loved my time at IWP! Over the course of 12 weeks, I had the opportunity to be a research intern under two IWP doctoral candidates. I assisted their research on the perception of counterintelligence in academic and corporate sectors.

Through this project, I was able to design and distribute surveys, analyze data, and write for the final report, contributing a concrete impact to a published paper. I also wrote my own paper on Chinese intelligence operations in Cuba with a focus on regional strategic competition, delving deeper into my personal interest in Latin American affairs. Our research group became a fun and engaging community, and I am grateful for the opportunity to form these connections with valuable mentors.

This internship offered a bounty of opportunities that allowed me to engage with so many facets of international affairs, political philosophy, and D.C. itself. Our weekly trips to places like the Department of Justice or the Institute for the Study of War allowed me to ask questions from experts in their field and engage with real-world policymaking and work. Our class on Western Moral and Political Thought with Professor McCranor provided a foundation in the ideologies and principles at the heart of our democracy. I especially enjoyed our weekly wargames, where we got to practice strategy and diplomacy with our peers (I actually won the dramatic three-week game of Diplomacy with my trusted ally, Jack).

Overall, this internship was intellectually rich, personally rewarding, and incredibly fun. I leave with not only new skills and experiences, but also lasting friendships, mentorship, and a deeper sense of direction for my future. I’m so thankful to have been part of the IWP community.

Virginia
Davidson College, Class of 2026
Research Intern

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