By Brandon Corbin
Over the summer break, I had the opportunity to intern in the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Policy (OUSD(P)). I worked in the European and NATO Policy (EUR – NATO Policy) office and focused on Central Europe. As an intern, I assisted a country director managing political – military relationships, and immediately wrote policy analysis for senior decision makers in a fast paced environment. I learned an early lesson in just how small the Pentagon can be when I crossed paths with Secretary Mattis in the hallway. He complimented my tie (he was wearing a similar tie) and kept moving. The experience underscored how personal interactions drive organizations, and senior leaders are never far away.
How does your internship agency contribute to the mission of national security?
The Department of Defense (DoD), led by the Secretary of Defense, provides a lethal joint force to defend the United States and sustain influence abroad. Put another way, the Secretary of Defense ensures that the United States operates from a position of strength in national security and foreign policy. Within OUSD(P), EUR – NATO Policy provides the Secretary with responsive, forward-thinking, and insightful policy advice relevant to European bilateral defense relationships and NATO. To accomplish this, EUR – NATO Policy manages day-to-day defense relations with foreign governments and NATO, develops regional security and defense strategies and policy, and oversees defense policy coordination with the interagency. OUSD(P)’s regional experts ensure the Department of Defense can operate effectively worldwide.
How will this experience help you in your job search and career?
My career goal is to work in defense policy. This internship provided me an opportunity to experience defense policy, sharpen my skills, and develop an understanding of career opportunities within OUSD(P). Experiencing defense policy firsthand showed me that my education and experience prepared me well for a career in defense policy, and that it is a career field that I would like to work in. Writing policy memos for senior decision makers and interacting with senior officials from DOD and other agencies sharpened my writing and presentation skills. Finally, I was able to develop a deeper understanding of how the components of the Pentagon work, and what career opportunities are available as a policy analyst.
What are two interesting things about the Pentagon that the average person doesn’t know?
The Pentagon is practically a town unto itself, and has its own variety restaurants, a dedicated metro stop, and even a convenience store to meet the needs of a workforce of more than 20,000 people. A person could go days without leaving the Pentagon! Also, the Pentagon has a great library where employees can access publications through interlibrary loan. This comes in especially handy when trying to get up to speed on multiple countries as a new intern!
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Department of Defense or the U.S. Government.
How does your internship agency contribute to the mission of national security?
The Department of Defense (DoD), led by the Secretary of Defense, provides a lethal joint force to defend the United States and sustain influence abroad. Put another way, the Secretary of Defense ensures that the United States operates from a position of strength in national security and foreign policy. Within OUSD(P), EUR – NATO Policy provides the Secretary with responsive, forward-thinking, and insightful policy advice relevant to European bilateral defense relationships and NATO. To accomplish this, EUR – NATO Policy manages day-to-day defense relations with foreign governments and NATO, develops regional security and defense strategies and policy, and oversees defense policy coordination with the interagency. OUSD(P)’s regional experts ensure the Department of Defense can operate effectively worldwide.
How will this experience help you in your job search and career?
My career goal is to work in defense policy. This internship provided me an opportunity to experience defense policy, sharpen my skills, and develop an understanding of career opportunities within OUSD(P). Experiencing defense policy firsthand showed me that my education and experience prepared me well for a career in defense policy, and that it is a career field that I would like to work in. Writing policy memos for senior decision makers and interacting with senior officials from DOD and other agencies sharpened my writing and presentation skills. Finally, I was able to develop a deeper understanding of how the components of the Pentagon work, and what career opportunities are available as a policy analyst.
What are two interesting things about the Pentagon that the average person doesn’t know?
The Pentagon is practically a town unto itself, and has its own variety restaurants, a dedicated metro stop, and even a convenience store to meet the needs of a workforce of more than 20,000 people. A person could go days without leaving the Pentagon! Also, the Pentagon has a great library where employees can access publications through interlibrary loan. This comes in especially handy when trying to get up to speed on multiple countries as a new intern!
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Department of Defense or the U.S. Government.