By Andrea Wert
This summer I accepted an internship with the Bureau of Intelligence and Research’s Office of Analytic Outreach at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. The Office manages the INR’s Analytic Outreach Program and works to ensure the Intelligence Community (IC) implemented IC Directive 205 on Analytic Outreach. It conducts analytic exchanges and seminars with non-government experts to explore alternative perspectives and generate new knowledge.
How does your internship sponsor or agency contribute to the mission of national security?
The Analytic Exchange Program provides analysts and policymakers with perspectives from hundreds of outside experts from the private sector, academia, and non-governmental organizations on the most challenging foreign policy and intelligence issues. This provides policymakers and intelligence analysts with opportunities to benefit from private sector expertise, research, and analysis on foreign policy and national security issues. The analytic outreach mission also includes INRtalks, an audio-video program that directly engages these experts at the request of policymakers and analysts.
How will this experience help you in your job search and career?
This internship has allowed me to finally gain hands-on experience in the U.S. federal government. I have been able to develop a clearer picture of how our government, especially the Department of State, functions. It has been a wonderful opportunity to familiarize myself with the diverse programs and activities here at the State Department. I have also been able to identify some potential career paths. Moreover, this internship has provided me the opportunity to gain experience writing concisely in a very different style from the academic writing style I am used to. I know I will be able to leverage the skills I have acquired this summer in my next job, whether in the federal government or private sector.
Have you changed as a result of this experience? If so, how?
I have an even higher regard for my Department of State colleagues and the important work they are doing. While at State, I have been able to meet with a variety of experienced Civil Service and Foreign Service professionals and hear about their many accomplishments. I’ve been reminded of the importance of public service and giving 110% every day, no matter where you are working. This experience has rejuvenated my commitment to pursuing a career that makes a lasting, positive impact in the world.
How does your internship sponsor or agency contribute to the mission of national security?
The Analytic Exchange Program provides analysts and policymakers with perspectives from hundreds of outside experts from the private sector, academia, and non-governmental organizations on the most challenging foreign policy and intelligence issues. This provides policymakers and intelligence analysts with opportunities to benefit from private sector expertise, research, and analysis on foreign policy and national security issues. The analytic outreach mission also includes INRtalks, an audio-video program that directly engages these experts at the request of policymakers and analysts.
How will this experience help you in your job search and career?
This internship has allowed me to finally gain hands-on experience in the U.S. federal government. I have been able to develop a clearer picture of how our government, especially the Department of State, functions. It has been a wonderful opportunity to familiarize myself with the diverse programs and activities here at the State Department. I have also been able to identify some potential career paths. Moreover, this internship has provided me the opportunity to gain experience writing concisely in a very different style from the academic writing style I am used to. I know I will be able to leverage the skills I have acquired this summer in my next job, whether in the federal government or private sector.
Have you changed as a result of this experience? If so, how?
I have an even higher regard for my Department of State colleagues and the important work they are doing. While at State, I have been able to meet with a variety of experienced Civil Service and Foreign Service professionals and hear about their many accomplishments. I’ve been reminded of the importance of public service and giving 110% every day, no matter where you are working. This experience has rejuvenated my commitment to pursuing a career that makes a lasting, positive impact in the world.