Internships

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The Wilson Center is closely monitoring guidelines established by the CDC and other federal and state authorities surrounding COVID-19. At this time, the Center intends to continue its virtual model for the Spring and Summer, as created and honed throughout this year. The Center has developed a research-based, in-depth, and phased reopening plan, which considers and includes all WC community members, including its interns. In the event that it is deemed safe for interns to come in-person to the Center, each intern and their respective supervisor will mutually determine the viability of either continuing their internship remotely or allowing the intern to come into the Center on an intermittently scheduled, ad-hoc basis. The Internship Coordinator will keep Summer 2021 applicants up to date with any new information as it becomes available. Applicants that have a strong preference for interning remotely for the duration of their internship are encouraged to state this in their cover letter. We encourage any interested applicants to continue to apply as usual, and to email internships@wilsoncenter.org with any questions or concerns that they may have.

The Center offers a wide range of part-time internship opportunities to current, recent, or returning college students. Wilson Center interns have the opportunity to develop both research and professional skills, and to participate in the numerous activities and events held at the Center.

There are at least 80-90 interns at the Center at any given time. Availability of positions generally corresponds to the beginning of the fall, spring, and summer terms. Most internships are unpaid. The Wilson Center has two different internship programs (Research Assistant internships and Staff Assistant internships) with separate applications and deadlines.

For more information or questions, write to:

Elinor Harty, Internship Coordinator

Email: internships@wilsoncenter.org

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Hezha Barzani

Research Assistant Intern

This past fall I had the distinct pleasure of interning for the Wilson Center as a research assistant to Dr. Amy Austin Holmes in the Middle East Program. I was able to conduct riveting historical and contemporary research on the Kurdish populations located in Syria and Iraq that allowed me to provide essential context behind modern policy debates. During my internship, not only was I able to sharpen essential research skills that I will use in my future career, but the Wilson Center also provided me with a platform to network with the great staff and regularly hosted valuable information sessions that made this a truly enriching experience.

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Iftu Abdi

Staff Assistant Intern, Development Office

Being with Wilson has meant being a part of a greater mission to make the world a better place. Despite the challenges of a changing world, Wilson has been a web of knowledge I've had the privilege to learn from.

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Clare Auld-Brokish

Research Assistant Intern, China Environment Forum

Interning at CEF has provided me the tools to engage with the China environment field, while imbuing me with the creativity and courage to envision and work towards a better shared future. I am grateful for the respect and responsibility I am given as an equal member of the team, and for the ability to help shape our program. There is never a dull moment at the Wilson Center as I am always learning, keeping up with current environmental issues, connecting with experts around the world, and growing as an aspiring China scholar and foreign policy professional.

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Alexandra Novak

Staff Assistant Intern, Science and Technology Innovation Program

During my time at the Wilson Center, I have been working with STIP researching how low-cost and/or open source tools can transform how science is being done. My internship experience has been extremely fulfilling, has challenged me to grow as a researcher, and shaped my career goals. I have most enjoyed the opportunity to learn from such kind, intelligent, and motivated co-workers and fellow interns who have become role models and friends, despite working remotely!

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Micaiah Palmer

Research Assistant Intern

Working with Dr. Tripp sharpened my research abilities and my intellectual courage. As a Research Assistant I tracked the intersections within ongoing women's rights movements in southern African countries, and explored how activists from various sectors collaborated to reinforce their efforts. This opportunity allowed me to pinpoint emerging patterns and recognize the historical influence on present day events.

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James Chabin

Staff Assistant Intern, Mexico Institute

Interning at the Mexico Institute allowed me to learn from the leading voices in the U.S.-Mexico bilateral relationship. Working alongside them and other Wilson Center experts allowed me to improve not only my professional skills but also my ability to think critically about the challenges we face today.