Internship Stories

Lauren Romero Evaluates Inclusive Economic Development

The Near East Foundation (NEF) is the United States’ oldest nonsectarian international development organization, originally founded as the American Committee for Syrian and Armenian Relief in 1915.  Currently, NEF has projects in ten countries: Armenia, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Mali, Morocco, Palestine, Senegal, Sudan and Syria. With local partners, they work to directly improve the lives of vulnerable people through sustainable agriculture, microenterprise development, women’s empowerment, civic education and peace building. Over the years, NEF has worked with the United Nations, the European Union, USAID, and a host of other organizations to facilitate their projects.

Lauren Romero on a call with her fellow Maxwell NEF interns.
Lauren Romero (bottom right corner) on a call with her fellow Maxwell NEF interns. Top L to R: Mahin Tariq, Ehsan Ghafourian, Sakshi Thorat. Bottom L to R: Sianeh Dennish, Dr. Laurent Dennis (NEF), Katie Smith

To complement my Maxwell Certificate of Advanced Studies in Post-Conflict Reconstruction, this summer I interned as an analyst for NEF’s Inclusive Economic Development (IED) program. Within IED, I conducted targeted analysis around key issues and questions associated with NEF‘s projects and theories of change to inform future program design. This is to help launch a new evidence lab designed to duplicate NEF’s impact beyond 2020.

After researching recent IED projects, which included Advancing Women’s Business in Palestine and Reducing Vulnerability of Syrian Refugees and Lebanese in Lebanon, I wrote summaries of nine projects, comparatively analyzed projects, and investigated the innovative Siraj Centers to identify project effectiveness and lessons learned. With my fellow program intern, Mahin Tariq, we analyzed the IED program as a whole and drafted a new IED Theory of Change. All program interns are collectively designing a 2020-25 Learning and Research Agenda. The final phase of my internship, which is set to complete in August, is to develop an IED key brief analysis.

While COVID-19 certainly brought about a new sleight of challenges, I was impressed with NEF’s ability to expose its interns to the extent of their global reach via a remote internship. My role as an analyst intern provided insight on how an NGO operates internally, and how to assess a project’s impact from initial proposal to final report.  My work as a remote intern with NEF was incredibly satisfying and gave me a greater appreciation for the imperative economic development work they have successfully conducted over the past one hundred years.

MAIR/MSPR Program at the Maxwell and Newhouse Schools
All Global Programs

Erica Rawlins’ Worthwhile Experience at APCO Worldwide

APCO Worldwide is a unique public affairs firm, with over 25 offices all over the world. Headquartered in Washington, DC, APCO is an advisory and advocacy communications consultancy helping organizations in the public and private sectors. For over 35 years, APCO uses the brightest minds from an array of industries to come together to push change, driven by their core values: boldness, curiosity, inclusivity, and empathy.

As a member of their spring 2020 class, I interned in their New York City office. This experience exceeded my other intern positions simply because APCO is so large yet quite connected. I worked on accounts from the retail, tech, healthcare, insurance, food, and confectionery industries. One most truly has an entrepreneurial spirit to thrive in an environment where no two days look the same. Although a challenge, I mastered the art of pivoting to meet the demands of my days.

NYC team with Al Roker from a Lunch & Learn
Erica Rawlins (4th from L) with NYC team and Al Roker from a Lunch & Learn

The New York City office is significantly smaller than headquarters, but this allowed me to get to know colleagues on an amicable level. APCO has a robust intern program and the organization truly invests in its interns! Many colleagues started their careers at APCO after their internship. In fact, the current North American VP was a former intern! My intern coordinators encouraged informational interviews with higher-ups and provided professional workshops in areas we’d like to improve. I collaborated with teams in Seattle, DC, Chicago, and Raleigh offices. APCO Worldwide’s work culture stood out the most! Although there is a hierarchy within the organization, the team in the New York office made it clear that if you have a question you can always talk to them. In my time, I learned a lot from their Lunch & Learns and hosted events for Black History and Women’s History Month.

Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic the spring internship program was terminated in the North American offices. The unprecedented turn of events was frustrating, but even after the end of my internship I still heard from colleagues from my various accounts. They reached out and extended kind words due to my abrupt departure. To be honest, I did not take into account work culture in my job search and I have to thank APCO Worldwide for that. Unlike many other firms, it’s independently owned (no holding groups delegates) and majority-owned by women. The founder, Margery Kraus even dedicated a day for all North American interns to get to know her, in addition, to receive a copy of her book, Roots & Wings. APCO Worldwide is a place to grow and thrive professionally. There are many opportunities including APCO+, which is a team based out of the DC office. Entry-level participants spend 18 months in rotation learning about the core facets of public relations. Also, there is the Global Exchange program; this allows employees to work out of a foreign office for two weeks! That means you can collaborate and work with teams in London, Bangkok, Berlin, or Dubai office or where ever you choose. Despite my abrupt departure, my internship at APCO Worldwide was worthwhile!

Eric Rawlins graduated from the Maxwell and Newhouse Schools with a dual MAIR/MSPR degree in spring 2020. She also interned at the Brandman Agency. She currently works as a PR Consultant at AT&T.

Public Diplomacy and Global Communications Program

Erica Rawlins Learns to be Adaptable in PR

Molly Martin, Staying on Her Toes at Edelman

This spring I had the opportunity to put my public diplomacy classes to work at Edelman, a multi-national public relations firm, in Washington, D.C. As a Communications Intern for the “Sectors” pillar of Edelman’s business, I supported health, federal, public affairs and private sector clients ranging from health advocacy groups to international governments and corporations.

Edelman Office in Washington, DC
Edelman Office in Washington, DC

While there was no “typical day” at Edelman, my main responsibilities included supporting media relations by monitoring client coverage, coordinating media audits and researching the international and domestic media landscapes, as we advised clients on the best way to break through the noise and share their stories. I also regularly conducted research to back up our client work and support new business pitches (several of which we won!). As an intern, I was constantly learning on the job and being challenged to do my best work and stay on my toes to anticipate client needs in our fast-paced world.

This became more necessary than ever as we watched the Covid-19 pandemic unfold last spring. In a sort-of baptism by fire, I went through a crash course in crisis communications as we began to advise clients in a range of industries on the best practices for communicating during this difficult time.

While the pandemic certainly upended my experience – to the point that I had to finish my internship remotely – I learned many important lessons that I’ll take with me as I start my career. Clear and effective internal and external communication is critical for any organization, especially during an international crisis such as the one we’re experiencing, and I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to hone my skills and grow as a professional and individual at Edelman.

Molly Martin graduated with a dual MA in International Relations and MS in Public Relations from the Maxwell and Newhouse Schools at Syracuse University. The program has been transformed into the Public Diplomacy and Global Communications graduate program. Molly also interned at USAID and UN Peacekeeping. She currently works at Edelman full time.

Public Diplomacy and Global Communications Program
Maxwell-in-Washington Program

Molly Martin, Strategic Communications at USAID

Michaela Eagan’s Hip-Hop Diplomacy

This spring I had the opportunity to work as the Communications and Marketing Fellow at
Meridian International Center. Meridian is a nonprofit center for diplomacy and global
leadership that “strengthens U.S. engagement with the world and accelerates collaboration
through the exchange of leaders, ideas and culture”.

My Fellowship was housed in Meridian’s cultural diplomacy department. The Meridian Center
for Cultural Diplomacy works with the U.S. Department of State, American embassies around
the world and the D.C. diplomatic community through exhibitions, cultural exchanges and
programing.

One of my main responsibilities was working on the Next Level USA hip-hop exchange
program. An initiative of the U.S. Department of State, the University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill and Meridian International Center, Next Level USA host exchanges of MCs, DJs,
hip hop dancers, beatmakers, beatboxers and graffiti artists who conduct workshops, lead jam
sessions and lecture demonstrations in host countries. The second focus of my fellowship was
the creation of a separate exhibition website to host digital exhibitions and act as a virtual archive
for the department’s past exhibitions.

As most of D.C. moved to telework this spring, I was able to continue my work at Meridian
remotely. With these changes came the opportunity to assist the department in transitioning many
of its programs to virtual experiences and develop communications strategies to support
Meridian’s ongoing cultural diplomacy efforts.

As a Public Diplomacy student, it was a rewarding experience to take theories out of the
classroom and implement them in tangible ways through the day-to-day activities of cultural
diplomacy.

Michaela Eagan is a recent graduate of the MAIR/MSPR joint degree program. She also interned during the summer of 2019 at More Europe as part of the The European and Global Internship Program in Brussels.

MAIR/MSPR Program at the Maxwell and Newhouse Schools
Maxwell-in-Washington Program
All Global Programs

Michaela Eagan, Cultural Diplomacy in Brussels

Fiona Wu, Private Fundraising and Partnerships at UNICEF

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) saves children’s lives, defends children’s rights, and helps them reach their full potential in countries and regions all over the globe. Being one of the “big names” of the UN agencies, I explored a different facet of its work through my internship with the Multi-Stakeholder Platforms Team (MSP) of the Private Fundraising and Partnership Division(PFP). Beyond working on programmes in the field and working with member states, UNICEF also extensively work with the private sector in terms of fundraising, advocacy, and partnership.

Throughout my internship, I had the opportunity to work with almost all members of the team on different projects. Frankly speaking, prior to joining the MSP team, I have had some prejudice against INGOs working with the private sector. Having either actively participated or independently led on these projects, however, greatly changed my perception. I have seen evidence of private sectors taking the lead in driving conversations, changing social norms, and advancing government policy changes in various contexts.

Fiona Wu and team members during a team retreat
Fiona Wu (L) and team members during a team retreat on the day of Halloween

Apart from the internship, we also participated in a course here in Geneva featuring experienced and renowned guest speakers from various international organizations from UNICEF, to UNHCR, as well as the Mission of USA. These experiences gave us the chance not only to get an inside perspective of the work of these organizations, but also to dive deep into subjects we are interested in.

Although the learning opportunity from professional and academic work is greatly appreciated, perhaps, the biggest perk that Geneva and the Geneva Practicum Program offer is the tremendous networking opportunities. Request for “coffee” with colleagues, people who you meet during events, guest speakers from the class are almost never turned down. An “informational interview” does not necessarily lead to an actual interview, but it always leads to a rediscovery of yourself and your career pathway.

Fiona Wu is a recent graduate with a joint MPA/MAIR degree. She also completed a project with an organization in Syracuse called Hopeprint as part of her MPA. The project looked into social determinants for new American’s health.

Fiona Wu, U.S. Mission Geneva
Fiona Wu (3rd from L) with Students and Professor Werner Schleiffer (2nd from L) of the Geneva Practicum at the U.S. Mission in Geneva
MPA/MAIR Program at the Maxwell School
All Global Programs

Kenyi Lukolo, Supporting IOM’s Partnerships for Better Global Migration Governance

Since its inception in 1951 as the Provisional Intergovernmental Committee for the Movement of Migrants from Europe (PICMME), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) as it is currently known, is the right-hand of the Community of Nations; supporting efforts to address the challenges of global migration. The agency is not only engaged in the implementation of global frameworks such as the Global Compact on Migration (GCM) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) but it is also the key Coordinator of the United Nations Migration Network. IOM is fundamentally committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society.

I was assigned to the International Partnerships Division (IPD) which is the institutional focal point for IOM’s engagements and with Civil Society, Inter-States Consultations Mechanisms on Migration (ISCMS), Non-UN Inter-Governmental Organizations (IGOs or NUNOs), IOM observer organizations and other Multilateral Processes.

At IPD, there are opportunities for interns to contribute sufficiently to the achievement of the organization’s strategic objectives. As part of my work, I conducted background research and compiled documentation pertaining to Civil Society and IGOs, in order to inform IOM’s understanding of those actors’ modus operandi on issues of migration and to establish the framework or benchmarks for possible engagements and partnerships. I also compiled content to revamp the IOM-Civil Society website in order to enhance IOM’s external visibility. Similarly, I reinforced the administrative and logistical processes during IOM’s exchanges with civil society as well as in diplomatic events such as the Colombo Process Ambassadoral Meeting, where the Member States from Asia Consulted each other on the management of overseas employment and contractual labour in their region.

During the internship, I also attended important thematic events like the state-led Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) as well as IOM’s International Dialogue on Migration (IDM) and the Annual Council Meeting. These events not only refurbished and strengthened my understanding of how stakeholders interact, aggregate their interests and establish common grounds, but also provided opportunities for exposure and networking.

Let me assert that the Maxwell Program in Geneva has been a great experience. I have learned how the UN System and other institutions operate in the face of global concerns such as migration, poverty, hunger, conflicts, climate change, trade, etc. As such, my understanding of how nations and institutions respond to these issues is quintessential in advancing my career in international development.

As a last note, I was also thrilled by “International Geneva” owing to its historic and strategic standing as a hub that facilitates global engagements. I mean, from the beautiful scenery of the powder tracks in the Alps and the Jura mountains to the institutions, and the people in towns and streets of the City, one began to understand why for so long, the World has always looked to Geneva when there is a call to work together to save our common humanity.

Kenyi Lukolo is a recent graduate the MAIR Program at the Maxwell School. He completed his studies at Sciences Po in Paris as part of SU’s World Partner Program.

Kenyi Lukolo, IOM, Head of IPD
Kenyi Lukolo (3rd from L) with Head of the IPD’s Migration Policy Officer and Associate Migration Policy Officer (L)
MAIR Program at the Maxwell School
All Global Programs

Hamza Mighri, Research & Data Analysis for Just Results

My name is Hamza Mighri and I am a Fulbright scholar from Tunisia at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University focusing on international political economy, trade, and finance for my MAIR degree. Upon completion of my coursework on campus, I moved to Washington D.C. to meet my professional experience requirement and embarked on a fabulous work and learning experience with Just Results (JR). Economic development is at the heart of the work we do as a consulting firm specialized in delivering results-based services to governments, and donors.

As a Research and Data Analyst, I designed and helped implement surveys and assessment methodologies, conducted economic research on developing countries, performed data analysis and visualization, wrote reports, and ensured coordination and communication with local partners in numerous African countries including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Morocco, and Tunisia. At Just Results, we focused on three key solutions to social and economic hardships: improving investment and business climate, boosting agricultural production, and increasing youth employment. For our recent projects, we conducted a labor market assessment in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic Congo, in the regions of South and North Kivu focusing on the mining and agriculture sector. Our work involved providing technical assistance to governments on how to simplify, harmonize and digitize their business and administrative procedures in alignment with the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) principles to increase their trade facilitation indicator and the ease of doing business ranking.

Just Results is also growing in an inspiring and mission-driven environment. Located at the Open Government Hub co-working space, we work closely with a large number of non-profit organizations that are devoted to fighting corruption, promoting governance and integrity practices, and supporting open data initiatives and policies including: Open Government Partnership (OGP), Transparency International (TI), National Democratic Institute (NDI), Development Gateways, Global Integrity, ResultsData, and many others.

Washington D.C. has also been a marvelous city to explore with all its museums and theaters, such as the National Gallery of Arts, and the National Museum of the American Indian. Moreover, the city offers a wide variety of culinary experiences drawing on the city’s diverse population.

I look forward to continuing my academic training working with Just Results in Washington D.C. for the next year, with more wonderful and inspiring professional and personal experiences to come.

Alex MacDonald, Just Results
Hamza Mighri and Maxwell alum Alex Macdonald (MAIR/MAECN 2018) at Just Results’ office at the Open Gov Hub coworking space and incubator.
MAIR Program at the Maxwell School
Maxwell-in-Washington Program
All Global Programs

Mark Aludino Explores Migrant Return and Reintegration with IOM

From the moment I arrived, I was captured by Geneva’s international vibe. Surrounded by the headquarters of many UN organizations, one could not ignore the city’s importance globally. As such, for a MAIR student like myself, I consider my internship with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) a privilege, since I was not only granted the chance to learn from the very best in the field, but also the opportunity to have a bird’s eye-view of IOM’s operations all over the world.

For this semester, I interned for IOM’s Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) Unit, the team in charge of ensuring the orderly and humane return and reintegration of migrants who are unable or unwilling to remain in host or transit countries and wish to return voluntarily to their countries of origin. During my time with the unit, my primary output was a cross-regional analysis on the reintegration sustainability of IOM interventions in countries found in the Horn of Africa, West Africa, and Asia with the aim of objectively evaluating IOM’s programs and identifying potential best practices. Aside from my main task, I also regularly assisted the team in drafting both internal and external documents and reports, highlighted with my production of the AVRR Quarterly Bulletins.

IOM AVRR Training of Trainers
the IOM AVRR Reintegration Training of Trainers for Regional Thematic Specialists (RTSs) and Chief of Missions from the different countries. The PowerPoint in the background (and the contents of the other slides not in photo) is one of the outputs Mark assisted with the production of.

While the daily tasks increased my knowledge and provided me added marketable skills, I found my stint at the headquarters extremely worthwhile as I directly interacted and worked with our colleagues in the regional and country offices. In many ways, my appreciation for the headquarters increased after seeing its importance in ensuring stability for operations and addressing concerns on the field. Not only that, but with my responsibilities, I also gained a better understanding of how development is provided and the nuances of dealing with different stakeholders in different contexts.

Aside from my internship with IOM, the city also provided numerous avenues for personal growth through meeting experienced individuals from other UN agencies, open talks at various universities, and SU’s Geneva program itself. Clearly, there seems to be no better place to get my feet wet in the world of international development than in Geneva.

IOM Building Geneva
IOM Building Geneva
MAIR Program at the Maxwell School
All Global Programs

Mark Aludino Delves Into Supply Chains in Singapore

Adam Sawyer’s Internship Culminates in World Migration Report

As a UN-related agency, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is charged with coordinating with States, NGOs, and international organizations to ensure that migration occurs in a safe, orderly, regular, and humane fashion. I have received an internship in IOM’s Migration Policy Research Division, the office that guides and informs the international migration policy arena based on the expertise collected from all over the world.

IOM does an excellent job at ensuring that interns receive a professional experience as a trusted partner in the world. A primary responsibility includes organizing and marketing the IOM Migration Research Lunchtime Seminars, a monthly event in which a visiting scholar gives a presentation, a Q&A session, and an interview on a topic related to migration. All have been fascinating ‘deep dives’ into a topic relevant to human mobility. To be a part of coordinating this kind of educational event is a gratifying experience.

As I write this, the culmination of much of my work here at IOM is about to come to fruition. IOM released the World Migration Report 2020, the organization’s flagship publication.  Activity related to the Report has taken up a majority of my time while interning here, with tasks including the (double) verification of references against primary sources, data-checking, and data visualization. Since many academic institutions trust IOM outputs as the backstop for their own publications, IOM must ensure that the reporting of all empirical findings passes the highest level of scrutiny, which in turn, gives the Report a global reach. To provide but one statistical example, I found that the previous edition of the World Migration Report had been cited in over 550 research articles and in more than 25 languages. Based on my work on the Report, I am listed as a main contributor on one chapter and a part-project researcher for the entirety of the publication. It truly is a privilege to be a part of the team that has become one of the primary conveners of migration research globally.

Work and home life share common themes. In Geneva, since nearly everyone comes from a different part of the world, the topic of migration is never far from discussion. More than anything, I have had a glimpse into the European response to migration compared with the policy responses to immigration seen in the United States. My time here in Geneva has been a success.  I hope to put the things I learn here to the service of migrants and their communities as I return stateside.

Adam Sawyer was an MAIR student who completed two semesters interning at IOM in Geneva.

Adam Sawyer above Geneva
Adam Sawyer above Geneva
MAIR Program at the Maxwell School
All Global Programs

Adam Sawyer Works on World Migration Report for IOM

Alejandro Turino, Using USA Development in Latin America

The Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) is a leading research and advocacy organization advancing human rights in the Americas. WOLA envisions a future where public policies protect human rights and recognize human dignity, and where justice overcomes violence. WOLA tackles problems that transcend borders and demand cross-border solutions. The organization creates strategic partnerships with courageous people making social change—advocacy organizations, academics, religious and business leaders, artists, and government officials. Together, they advocate for more just societies in the Americas.

This fall I interned with the Washington Office on Latin America, carrying out research for the Central America Monitor. The monitor is a new initiative led by WOLA and local partner organizations to track U.S. assistance to Central America and evaluate the progress that Central America is making to reduce violence, safeguard human rights, strengthen law enforcement and the rule of law, combat corruption, and increase accountability and transparency.

Since starting my work, I have been offered networking opportunities I could have never imagined receiving in places other than DC. For example, I interacted with multiple diplomats and private sector personnel from across Latin America. My work has allowed me to meet numerous practitioners of international development and human rights advocates, including top officials from some of the world’s best-known NGOs.

WOLA also raised my awareness towards the impact of development. My role as a research fellow allowed me to gain insight on how international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) operate both internally and externally in the quest to address global societal problems. I investigated how the Guatemalan government was professionalizing their police force, to avoid human rights abuses on the part of law enforcement, and to create a force that would no longer require help from the nation’s military. I constantly sent Freedom of Information Requests (FOIAs) to the Ministerio de Gobernacion (Interior Ministry) in Guatemala to obtain data we needed on issues such as police budgets and numbers of officers. My work at WOLA has allowed me to both understand the Central America region more in depth, and to see how human rights and their preservation are key to successful human and societal development.

Alejandro Turino was a MAIR student who graduated in December 2020. He also interned at Oxfam and the Pan American Development Foundation.

MAIR Program at the Maxwell School
Maxwell-in-Washington Program

Alejandro Turino, Learning International Development through Theory and Practice