The IWP Internship Experience: Emaline Johnson

My internship at the Institute of World Politics gave me hands-on experience that went far beyond what I expected. Working closely with Lana Houle, Shayla White, and Shannon Troyan, I drafted thank-you letters to key stakeholders, helped manage a major gala, and oversaw a three-person social media team. Being trusted with real responsibilities from the start pushed me to grow quickly and meet the high professional standards IWP is known for.

One of the most meaningful parts of my internship was managing and organizing an event with more than forty attendees. Coordinating logistics, communicating with speakers, and keeping everything running smoothly taught me how to lead under pressure. In addition to event work, I researched and produced eight policy briefings and had the chance to present them directly to stakeholders—an experience that strengthened both my analytical skills and my confidence.

For future interns: take advantage of every opportunity here. Talk to the faculty and staff, ask for more responsibility, and lean into the projects that stretch you. IWP is full of people who want to invest in your growth, and if you show initiative, you’ll walk away with skills and experiences that truly move you forward.