Policy Career Development Newsletter

Internship Opportunity with Washington International Trade Association

WITA is a non-profit, non-partisan organization providing a neutral forum for the open and robust discussion of trade policy and related issues.  WITA educates and connects the Washington D.C. trade community, and is widely recognized as Washington’s premier trade network. WITA relies heavily upon the support and assistance of our interns. In return, interns are given tremendous opportunity to learn about the global trade community, the Washington political environment, and specifics of international trade–as well as practical office skills, event management, networking, and professional interaction. Students with a demonstrated interest in international trade policy are strongly preferred. Spring selections are made in November; Summer selections are made in March. WITA is currently accepting applications for internships for Spring 2009.

For more information visit here!

International Trade Internship Opportunity with The American Institute for Public Policy Research

The American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research is a private, nonpartisan, not-for-profit institution dedicated to research and education on issues of government, politics, economics, and social welfare. AEI’s purposes are to defend the principles and improve the institutions of American freedom and democratic capitalism–limited government, private enterprise, individual liberty and responsibility, vigilant and effective defense and foreign policies, political accountability, and open debate. AEI internships provide students with an opportunity to work with some of America’s most renowned scholars, economists, legal scholars, political scientists, and foreign policy specialists doing research on current public policy questions. Internship opportunities are available to undergraduates, graduate students, and postgraduates. Applications are currently being accepted.

For more information visit here!

National Network for Environmental Management Studies Fellowship Program with the EPA

The NNEMS program is a comprehensive fellowship program that provides students an opportunity to participate in a fellowship project that is directly related to their field of study. Students who are awarded NNEMS fellowships are offered a unique opportunity to gain research and training experience directly linked to their studies. NNEMS fellows conduct research projects to augment their academic studies, which EPA supports with financial assistance. Find out more information to see if your eligible for this great opportunity by clicking below. Applications are due February 2^nd, 2009.

For more information visit here!

Environmental Intern for Global Environmental Brigade for Southern California

Global Environmental Brigades is a secular, socially conscious network of volunteers that travel to developing countries to mitigate ecological degradation and develop sustainable environmental practices. This is a two part internship that involves extended international travel. First, the intern will work directly with the Environmental Brigades’ executive directors virtually in the U.S. to research new programs. You will also have the opportunity to implement the Environmental Brigades programming abroad with your team of volunteers and professionals. Second, interns will live and work in Panama City with our in-country directors to conduct follow-up work in our communities, manage relationships with our nonprofit partners and coordinate environmental brigades. Time commitment: full time during a summer, spring or fall semester. Qualified interns will have all travel expenses and accommodations paid for, in addition to a monthly stipend. Applications for Summer 2009 are currently being accepted.

For more information visit here!

Partnership Public Service Fellowship/Internship Opportunity

Through an established internship program – the Public Service Fellows Program – the Partnership for Public Service offers a unique opportunity for public-service minded students and graduates to gain a new appreciation and understanding of public service. Fellows contribute to many areas of the organization: in addition to regular assignments in support of his or her team, each fellow is encouraged to take initiative on projects of particular interest to him or her. The Public Service Fellows Program is structured to enable each fellow to significantly contribute to the Partnership’s work while gaining valuable experience. Applications are due December 1^st, 2008.

For more information visit here!

Special Projects Assistant for the World Lung Foundation in New York, New York

World Lung Foundation (WLF) (New York City) was established in response to the global epidemic of lung disease, which kills 10 million people each year. WLF supports a wide range of international public health activities in the areas of tobacco control, tuberculosis, asthma, child lung health, and HIV/AIDS. The Special Projects Assistant supports the senior management of a global public health non-government organization. With the ability to work independently and proactively, and as a consummate team member, the SPA coordinates a diverse array of activities that support management, planning, administration, event-planning, board activities and programs. The position requires highly developed analytical skills and judgment, as well as the ability to deal with issues and subject matter that require considerable sensitivity and discretion. Applications are due January 12^th, 2009.

For more information visit here!

IPS Corner:

The Charles G. Koch Summer Fellowship Program

This fantastic program offers internships in public policy located in Washington, DC, and at state-based policy organizations across the country. In addition to the internship, the program includes: Career Workshops, Seminars and Speakers, a $1,500 Stipend, and Housing and Travel Costs. Program Date run from: June 6 – August 14, 2009. The online application is now available. Application Deadline: January 31^st, 2009.

For more information visit here!

International Program Intern for The Center for Economic and Policy Research

The Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR) was established in 1999 to promote democratic debate on the most important economic and social issues that affect people’s lives. CEPR is currently looking for two full-time International Program Interns for Winter 2009 (Jan-May). Responsibilities include assisting staff with research on upcoming papers and opinion pieces; organizing events with Latin American government officials, CEPR staff, and visiting academics; as well as working on outreach to press, advocacy organizations and Congress. The responsibilities vary based on their interests and experience, as well as the particular issues that CEPR is working on at the time. Interns will be able to attend relevant events around Washington, DC. Monthly Stipend: $1,245, plus up to $200 for individual health insurance premium. Applications are due December 8^th, 2008.

For more information visit here!

Welcome to the new Policy Career Development and Special Programs Newsletter!

Peer to Peer Insights

Missed the last Peer-to-Peer Internship Session? Read on! This week, the Career Development Office would like to re-cap the important lessons:

1.    Remember: it’s never too early or too late to apply
2.    Keep in mind however, the bigger organizations will have more competitive positions and therefore earlier deadlines whereas smaller organizations won’t be thinking about summer interns until the spring.
3.    Apply to organizations of interest even if they aren’t advertising an internship position.
4.    If a position seems like a great fit, apply even if the deadline has passed. The organization may still be searching for the most qualified candidate.
5.    Have an idea in advance of what you want to get out of your internship. This will assist you while searching for an organization, in completing your cover letter, and in times of less consistent work while on site.
6.    Consider opportunities in the Monterey Bay Area.
7.    Discuss your internship plans with other students, members of the faculty and staff, and alumni. You never know who may have a helpful hint or lead to offer you.
8.    Look for a personal contact rather than an “apply@organization” address.
9.    Even if you can’t find a contact name, DO NOT address your cover letter “To Whom This May Concern.” Make up a title to use on your cover letter, i.e. “Dear Energy Program Manager,” or “Dear Human Resources Manager.”
10.    Put an attention grabber such as “Organized MPA Student Seeks Internship” in the subject line of your email.
11.    Follow up with an email or phone call a week after the first contact or contact attempt (mention that you plan to do this at the end of your cover letter).
12.    Keep a list of all job descriptions and positions you have applied for.
13.    Continually check First Class Employment Folders for internship announcements, as well as names of new organizations to explore.
14.    Have at least one other person review your resume and cover letter for mistakes.
15.    Visit any of the GSIPS Career Department staff for resume guidance. If applying for a position in the private sector, seek additional assistance from the FGSIB Career Development Staff.
16.    Have several copies of your official transcripts on hand so that you can apply for a promising position at a moment’s notice
17.    Constantly update and tailor your cover letter for each desired position.
18.    Include all relevant classes, workshops taken, and applicable skills and expertise on your resume. You never know what may set you apart from the other candidates.
19.    Forget the myth: a good resume doesn’t have to be kept to 1 page. However, if you go to two pages, make sure to use two full pages as one and a half looks awkward.
20.    Have a Plan B, C, and D in case your desired internship falls through. This applies even if an organization has already accepted you.
21.    Do not be discouraged if you aren’t accepted immediately or if your internship falls through.
22.    Meet with a financial aid representative to discuss all of your scholarship, grant, fellowship, and loan options.
23.    Ask for money or airline miles instead of birthday, Christmas, Hanukah, kwanza, or graduation gifts.
24.    Make simple business cards with your name and contact information on them so that when you meet new people, you can give then an easy way to remember you and get in touch again. This also serves as a prompt for them to give you their business card in return.
25.    Ask for “Terms of Reference” (TORs) once you have been accepted for an internship and do not be afraid to go beyond them. Each new task is a resume builder and your supervisor and colleagues will be more than happy to provide you with more substantive tasks once they see that you are willing and able to take on more.
26.    Keep an updated list of new skills, programs, or activities you do or learn during your internship. This will facilitate resume updating later on.
27.    Remember: as Master’s Degree Candidates, an internship opportunity should offer much more than basic administrative tasks.
28.    Be positive and make the most out of your internship!
29.    Keep organizational and personal contact information and plan to maintain contact with these colleagues later on- they are now part of your network.
30.    Share your own internship experiences with fellow students, faculty, and staff so that others many benefit from your lessons learned.

Look for more tips and resources on the MIIS Career Development website!

November 27th, 2008 (Thursday)-November 28th, 2008 (Friday)

Have a great Thanksgiving Break!!

Building Professional Relationships: Recession-Proof Strategies for Career Success (International Policy Studies)
December 2, 2008 (Tuesday)
12:15-1:45 pm, B 104
Come join us as we explore techniques, tips and tricks for building a strong and reliable professional network.

Presidential Management Fellowship Exam Prep (International Policy Studies)
December 4, 2008 (Thursday)
5:00-6:30 pm, B 108
This preparatory session is designed for those students who were nominated by the Institute to sit for the Presidential Management Fellowship (PMF) exam.