Policy Career Development Newsletter

For those of you interested in a career in international development, check out the Chemonics Entry Level Professionals program! Here is how they describe their program:

A career at Chemonics is about helping people live healthier, more productive, and more independent lives. It’s about actively pursuing and sharing knowledge that benefits the development field. And it’s about knowing you can make a difference in the world. Our projects span five continents and most sectors of international development.

Through our Entry Level Professional (ELP) Program, we hire and orient new employees for meaningful careers as versatile development professionals. We seek career-minded individuals with long-term interests in international development. We’re also looking for enthusiasm, commitment to teamwork, and integrity. Above all, we’re looking for people interested in applying their skills, knowledge, and experience toward every aspect of international development.

ELP Program professionals receive full-time positions and a complete benefits package. They work in regional or support divisions based on their qualifications and the company’s needs.

Based in Washington, D.C., entry-level professionals work on a variety of project management tasks that are essential to fulfilling our mission. New employees learn the basics of our work, our business practices, our systems and procedures, and the central functions of our main client, USAID. They build on that knowledge as they grow within the company, helping us create leaders from within.

We hire entry-level professionals for positions that range in scope and perspective. For example, some support our projects in the field. Others develop proposals for new business, facilitate training events, or address our information technology challenges.

Ideal candidates have:

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree
• Strong communications skills
• At least two years of administrative experience
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Experience working overseas
• Foreign language skills
• Ability to travel outside of the United States
• U.S. citizenship or permanent residency

Please click the links below to view the PowerPoint presentation from the Chemonics information session this past semester:

PowerPoint part 1

PowerPoint part 2

The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can’t find them, make them.
- George Bernard Shaw

Summer 2009 Internship at the Center for Science, Technology and Security Policy (CSTSP)

The Center for Science, Technology and Security Policy is currently seeking interns interested in the field of science and security policy. CSTSP internships offer graduate students a unique opportunity to gain valuable real-world experience in this very exciting and competitive field. The duration of the volunteer internship is approximately 4 months (with an extension possible), depending on availability. Interns will gain experience through daily interaction with experts involved with the critique, development and conduct of science and security policy. As part of the internship, they will: Monitor legislation impacting science and security, conduct science, technology and policy research, and attend relevant Congressional hearings and meetings. Deadline for Summer internships is April 1st, 2009, however APPLY EARLY!

For more information visit here

Spring/Summer 2009 National Security Internship with the US Department Energy Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)

PNNL is seeking ambitious, high-caliber undergraduate or graduate-level college students for intern assignments within the National Security Internship Program. Intern assignment lengths will range from an 8- to 12-week summer internship—with the option to continue working part-time during the academic year—to a one-year internship. Internships are renewable, subject to satisfactory academic and research performance. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply for NSIP assignments. In addition to the unique opportunity of working at a cutting-edge national research and development laboratory, successful applicants will receive a competitive salary and, potentially, tuition reimbursement. Applications are currently being accepted for Spring and Summer.

For more information visit here

Summer 2009 Internship at Resources for the Future in Washington D.C.

RFF is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization that conducts independent research in environmental, energy, and natural resource issues. RFF offers summer internships for outstanding undergraduate and graduate students. Priority consideration is given to graduate students. The program is open to both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens. Internships are available beginning in June and ending in late August for a 10-week assignment. Students earn a stipend ($375 per week for graduate students; $350 per week for undergraduates). Housing assistance is not provided. Each intern can expect to work with one or more RFF researchers on a variety of ongoing projects or assist in the development of entirely new areas of research and policy analysis. RFF’s research divisions are Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) and Quality of the Environment (QE). Both divisions seek highly motivated candidates in the social and natural sciences. Applicants should be trained in economics, quantitative methods and public policy. Applications will not be accepted prior to January 15, 2009, and are due March 7th, 2009.

For more information visit here

Summer 2009 Membership Intern with The Nature Conservancy in Washington D.C.

Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. The Nature Conservancy is entering its third year of offering internships intended to increase the diversity of our staff. Our 2009 Summer Internship program seeks to enrich and diversify the field of conservation through paid internship opportunities to students currently underrepresented in the conservation field. The internships offered cover a wide range of fields and are available in locations throughout the U.S. and will begin summer 2009. Salary is $350/week (undergrad) and $420/week (graduate). Application deadline: January 30, 2009 at 5 p.m. EST.

For more information visit here

Summer 2009 Trade Internship at Progressive Policy Institute

Interns for the Progressive Policy Institute have the unique opportunity to assist and to support research for a new public philosophy of innovative solutions, progressive ideals, and non-bureaucratic governance that span a number of disciplines. The focus of an intern’s work will vary with each discipline’s current concentration. Trade Policy interns work with director of PPI’s Trade & Global Markets Project. Responsibilities are to conduct research on trade and the global economy and the effect of trade on international and domestic actions and policy. While all internships are unpaid, the DLC/PPI offers its interns a $40/month public transportation subsidy. Applications are currently being accepted.

For more information visit here

Summer 2009 Internship with the office of the United States Trade Representative

The student intern program at USTR is a volunteer program where undergraduate and graduate students gain knowledge and experience on U.S. trade policy and, in many cases, earn college credit at the same time. Assignments range from research, analyses, statistics, briefing books, report preparation, meeting and conference planning, letter writing, to covering Hill meetings, hearings, and markups as necessary. Students at the undergraduate and graduate levels are eligible. Students are required to submit a resume, writing sample, and a letter stating period of availability. ALL APPLICANTS MUST BE UNITED STATES CITIZENS. These offices include, General Counsel; Congressional Affairs; Western Hemisphere; Europe and the Mediterranean; Japan; China; Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation; World Trade Organization and Multilateral Affairs; Industry, Agricultural Affairs; Public Affairs; Intergovernmental Affairs; Environment and Natural Resources; Services, Investment, and Intellectual Property; and our Geneva headquarters. Applications for summer 2009 are due March 15^th, 2009.

For more information visit here

Summer 2009 Internship with Children’s Defense Fund

The Children’s Defense Fund grew has become the nation’s strongest voice for children and families since its founding in 1973. They are currently looking for summer interns. The interns will research and define critical child needs in all racial and income groups as well as work to organize child advocates to work together to protect all children. Highest consideration is given to those applicants who have demonstrated a strong interest in children and family issues through service, advocacy, or academic studies, and are also supportive of CDF’s social policy agenda. The level of knowledge and skill an applicant brings to CDF is particularly important within the context of a specific internship position. Applications for summer are due February 15th, 2009.

For more information visit here

Summer 2009 Fellowship with the Smithsonian Institution

The James E. Webb Internship for Minority Undergraduate Seniors and Graduate Students in Business and Public Administration Program was established in honor of the late James. E. Webb, Regent Emeritus and former Administrator of the National Air and Space Administration (NASA), to promote excellence in the management of not-for-profit organizations. Internships are offered to U.S. minority undergraduate junior, seniors and graduate students majoring in areas of business or public administration. These opportunities are intended to increase participation of minority groups who are underrepresented in the management of not-for-profit scientific and cultural organizations. Interns are placed in offices, museums, and research institutes throughout the Smithsonian Institution. The internship length is 10 weeks, including a $500 stipend per week. Deadline to apply for summer is February 1st, 2009.

For more information visit here

Attention all students! Are you interested in practicing your public presentation and networking skills? Read on! Toastmasters, here at the Monterey Institute, is just the club for you! At the recent Networking information session, students mentioned that they were looking for an opportunity to practice and develop their networking and public presentation skills. Toastmaster’s International at the Monterey Institute provides just that opportunity!

Meetings are held every Thursday from 12:15-1:15 in the McCone Boardroom. This club offers an excellent opportunity to improve your speaking skills and meet members from outside the Monterey Institute community. Guests can attend meetings as many times as they would like at no charge. The Toastmasters Student Council club has also earmarked some funds to cover the cost of membership ($20 new membership fee and $5/month) for students. Contact Carolyn Taylor, Special Programs Manager, for more information.

Presidential Management Fellowship Exam Prep (International Policy Studies)
December 11, 2008 (Thursday)
12-1:30 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.

There are many paths to the top of the mountain, but the view is always the same.

-Chinese Proverb

Research Associate- Korean Policy Task Force Program for The Council on Foreign Relations

The Council also publishes Independent Task Force reports. Task Forces are convened to examine issues of current and critical importance to U.S. foreign policy. Task Forces aim to reach a meaningful consensus on policy through private and non-partisan deliberations. Their reports provide policymakers with a coherent framework for thinking about an issue, and a set of concrete judgments and recommendations. The Research Associate will provide support to the Independent Task Force on Korea, as well as the general Task Force program. He/she will also support the work of one of CFR’s policy experts who will be focusing on North and South Korea. The major responsibilities of this position will include (but are not limited to): Researching specific areas for the Task Force program and for the policy expert, with a focus on U.S. policy toward the Korean peninsula; Coordinating Task Force event logistics, including preparing invitations, corresponding with speakers and presiders; Providing administrative support to the policy expert, including scheduling appointments, handling phone calls, travel arrangements, and drafting correspondence. Applications are due December 31^st, 2008.

For more information visit here!

Development Intern for International Women’s Democracy Center

IWDC seeks an intern who will assist in increasing IWDC’s visibility through the Combined Federal Campaign and the local United Way campaign as well as assist in fundraising efforts.  The Intern will research and represent IWDC at CFC events throughout the Washington, DC, area. The intern will also be responsible for researching and preparing grant applications to fund various IWDC programs. Strong writing skills with grant writing experience required. Applications are currently being accepted for Spring 2009 internships.

For more information visit here!