Political Science in the News

Jacob Hayes, US State Dept. Summer Intern

My time working for the U.S. State Department was, without a doubt, the most rewarding internship of my life. It was not an easy to obtain internship. A long and arduous application process began ten months prior to my acceptance into the program. The wait proved worthwhile.  I had the opportunity to serve in the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation in Washington, D.C. for the for entire summer of 2017.  My role there required careful analysis of complex policy issues, keen understanding of competing policy interests, and flexibility to work within the Department's organizational structure. My supervisors expected clear, concise writing and confident presentation of my findings. I worked on a variety of topics within international relations, diplomacy, and emergency response that tested my research and drafting abilities. A vast network of subject matter experts forms the backbone of the Department, and gaining first-hand knowledge of how these experts supported the process was absolutely invaluable. Living in Washington, experiencing its energy and diversity, reinforced my goals of working there after graduation. I am so very grateful for the support of the Howard Baker Center and the Department of Political Science that made my experience possible.