Fall 2025 IWP InternsMy experience at The Institute of World Politics has truly been transformational. Coming into the program, I was an undergraduate student with little experience in the field of national security. Leaving now, I feel far more confident in what I know and my abilities to be successful in the field. The required intelligence and policy briefings forced me to move out of my comfort zone and helped me gain the necessary skills to speak clearly and present myself in a confident manner. The 615 class gave me an in-depth background to political philosophy and what principles American government is built on. Finally, the research project that we completed over the course of the program allowed me to explore a new topic in depth and gain a detailed understanding of the situation.
The comprehensiveness of the program additionally made it special. The well-roundedness of it — including briefings, classes, excursions, and research — allowed me to apply and develop the skills that I already had and tailor them to this field. Most internships simply throw you into work, but IWP helped me adapt and learn.
I also believe the faculty at IWP made the experience. Missy, Inna, my research advisor Frank, and Professor McCranor all contributed to the amazing experience that I had over the past two months. In each interaction with them, it was evident how committed they were not just to IWP and national security issues, but to helping young adults such as myself become capable of succeeding in this field. From the first moment I walked through the front doors, every staff member at IWP greeted me with warmth and the desire to help me succeed, which is not something that can be said about most internships. I truly have enjoyed my time here at IWP.
Alexandra
American University, Class of 2027
Research Intern, Fall 2025