Summer 2016 Washington Internship
Philip
Experience Information
Employer: Council on Hemispheric Affairs
Job Title: Research Associate
Major: International Relations
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: No
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
The Council on Hemispheric Affairs is an organization staffed almost entirely by interns, excepting only the director and original founder of the Council, Mr. Larry Birns. All interns are considered Research Associates- we all research and write articles on Latin American politics and general news. There were about 25 interns consistently present in the office while I was there.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
I made two major contributions: one was writing a number of articles that were published on COHA's website. The other was the administrative compilation of potential subscriber data data of libraries and universities all across the country, as well as internationally for COHA to reach out to for distribution of our published paper: the Washington Report on the Hemisphere. I collected and compiled information on over 230 outside organizations for this project. Besides this, I also edited other interns' papers, both personally and as part of larger editing groups.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I learned what kind of work goes into running a think-tank and newsgroup... More specifically, I developed my research skills during the experience as well as my editing skills and teamwork skills' working as a small part of a large office.
Favorite Part of the Experience
Attending political events live in Washington D.C. for research.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
I've decided that while I do not want to go into journalism, I have confirmed that I want to enter into international work.