 |
|
|
home | study, work, & travel | work abroad | resources | u.s. department of state internship U.S. Department of State Internship
Internship: Pubic Affairs Office,
I would highly recommend a State Department internship to students interested in foreign policy, business, environmental issues, human rights, and cultural affairs or related international issues. Positions are generally available in embassies abroad in the consular, political, economic or public affairs sections and in various bureaus in Washington, DC. Positions in the summer are the most competitive, so fall or winter may be a good time to go if you can take a semester off. Position description: My experience was fairly unique because I went to El Salvador following the earthquakes of January and February 2001. However, many aspects are common to working in a small embassy in a developing country where you get exposure to many different tasks. I worked mainly on a 6-month review of the efficiency of relief efforts in El Salvador. I went out to many small towns in the countryside and interviewed mayors and other officials. I authored corresponding site-visit reports to describe the efficiency, fairness and distribution pattern of aid resources and identify outstanding community needs. In the cultural section, I assisted with escorting visiting musicians and speakers from the US and selecting Salvadoran students for the Fulbright program. In the press section I assisted in reviewing the daily news and briefing other embassy staff, attended interviews and authored a manual on protocol for public events. I also helped with many different press events such as donation ceremonies, signing ceremonies and teleconferences. Skills needed/Eligibility: For many overseas postings, students are required to have at least intermediate ability in the local language. Both graduate and undergrad students can apply but you must be a US citizen, and definitely intend on returning to school after the internship. In other words, you can't do it post-graduation, and they don't make job offers after an internship. You must go through the written and oral exam process to be hired to the Foreign Service. Consular section positions may be less competitive than political section internships. Strong interpersonal skills and an open, flexible attitude will help you work in a different culture. Economic, Political or Public Affairs positions may require more specialized coursework in economics, international politics or communications, respectively. Strong writing skills are a must for any position. Skills developed: In this position I was able to greatly improve my Spanish language skills. I also honed my writing abilities in Spanish and English and had articles placed with local newspapers. I learned protocol for hosting international visitors and running public events. I also gained invaluable experience working in a bi-cultural environment and was able to interact with many different people. How to apply: The application deadlines are very early and the paperwork is extensive. Apply by November 1 for summer internships, March 1 for Fall internships, and July 1 for Spring (Winter Term) internships. If granted a position, you will need to fill out additional paperwork on your background for a security check. Download the application and obtain more information on the process from: www.careers.state.gov/students/programs.html Tips for personal statement: One of the most important parts of the internship application is your statement of interest. In this document you specify which bureau(s) you are interested in working in. You will increase your chances of being selected by being flexible as to country of assignment. Find the website of the office or embassy you want to work in and specifically describe in your statement how your skills will help accomplish whatever projects they are working on. You should sound knowledgeable about the office and avoid general statements such as “I want to broaden my horizons.” Biography: Ms. Stewart holds a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University and a Master of Public Policy from the Gerald R. Ford School at the University of Michigan. She served as the Chief Peer Advisor in the UM International Center during the winter 2002 semester. Prior to attending graduate school, Ms. Stewart worked in the non-profit environmental advocacy sector in Washington, DC and at the University of Michigan Office of International Programs coordinating Spanish language study abroad programs. She is an experienced copy editor, having served as a Graduate Student Instructor for the Ford School's Foreign Policy course and Editor-in-Chief of the Georgetown University Journal of the Environment (1999). She is fluent in Spanish. |
