Aidan ChiangBeing a research intern at IWP is supposed to give you hands-on exposure to the world of national security, intelligence, and international affairs. It makes you ask yourself: Is this type of career right for me? After completing this internship, my answer is absolutely yes.
The activities that went according to plan taught me valuable lessons. I developed my public speaking and time management skills while writing and delivering briefings every week. I demonstrated passion for my career area of interest and resilience in keeping deadlines and addressing criticism while crafting my research project.
The activities that did not go according to plan also taught me valuable lessons. When our trips to the Department of Justice, FBI, and Pentagon were canceled due to the government shutdown, I learned the value of adapting and maintaining gratitude for those responsible for whipping up something else at the last minute. When one of our good friends had to head home unexpectedly, I realized that I need to make the most out of the time we have with each other; it is already short, but life tends to make it shorter.
As I wrap up this internship and look to head back to California, I hope to share what I learned with my local community. I feel ready to embark on my journey to become a Foreign Service Officer for the Department of State. IWP has given me plenty of amazing insights and memories, and for that, I say thank you.
Aidan Chiang
University of California, Davis, Class of 2027
Research Intern