Summer

Abigail Reese (JD/IR ’15) – UN Counter Terrorism Executive Directorate

The following entry was drafted by Ms. Abigail Reese a dual-degree JD and MAIR student.

The United Nations Counterterrorism Committee was established by the UN Security Council
United Nations Security Council Chamber. Photo Source: Wikipedia

“I spent my summer working in NYC for the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED). CTED was established by Security Council Resolution 1535 (2004), and its purpose is to assist the work of the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) and coordinate the process of monitoring the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001). Resolution 1373 requested countries to implement a number of measures intended to enhance their legal and institutional ability to counter terrorist activities.” Continue Reading

Julia Schulteis (MAIR ’14) – UNICEF Corporate Social Responsibility Unit

Ms. Julia Schulteis is a graduate student in International Relations.  During the fall semester she is serving as a consultant for UNICEF’s Corporate Social Responsibility office.

I was uneasy about accepting an internship in Geneva, Switzerland. Prior to Maxwell, I had spent two years living in rural Thailand working in community development as a Peace Corps Volunteer. I loved my time working outside of an office, living with people of different cultures and learning about development from the very people whose lives are impacted. However, in returning to school for a Masters in International Relations, I knew it would be important to see the other side, the work that happens from headquarters. I am grateful now that my hesitations did not stop me from spending the summer in Geneva, along with seven other Maxwell students, as it proved an invaluable learning opportunity. Continue Reading

Nitika Sethi – Grassroots Research and Advocacy Movement (GRAAM)

GRAAM workers in the field
Preparing the District Human Development Report
Source: Graam.org.in

Ms. Nitika Sethi is a dual-degree student studying International Relations and Public Administration.

I spent 11 weeks in Mysore, India working for the Grassroots Research and Advocacy Movement (GRAAM). GRAAM is a policy initiative of the Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement (SVYM) nonprofit organization. The GRAAM team works to develop research and advocacy agendas to influence all levels of policy in response to the widespread grassroots efforts of SVYM in public health, education, governance, and rural development. Continue Reading

Matt Podolak – Converse Trading Company, Singapore

Just a pair of Chuck's
Converse’s most famous product
Source: Wikipedia

In the summer of 2013 I was hired by the Converse Trading Company to work in their finance section as an intern. I was assigned was to develop a database that would organize, track, manage, and provide data for projections/analysis in regard to their retail business return operations. Continue Reading

Staying in the U.S. after graduation

Many international students inquire about advice on how best to find work opportunities in the U.S. upon completion of their degree program.  In October 2006, the Career and Alumni Services office hosted an alumni panel that provided advice to students seeking to work in the U.S. Below is some of their advice. Continue Reading

Diplomacy and Development Organization

As parts of the United States government, the Department of State and the US Agency for International Development (USAID) have complicated organizational systems. Given the interlocking tasks and multiple hierarchical layers, it is important for those interested in working in the system to have a working knowledge of these organization structures as they consider their potential career path. Thus, we’ve prepared a quick guide to all of the major offices in both organizations for your use. Continue Reading

Veronique Lee – A Summer in Kampala

Kampala's Taxi Park
Kampala’s Main Taxi Park
Source: V. Lee

Over the course of this summer, I had the opportunity to travel to Kampala to intern with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission in Uganda.  My internship placed me within the Office of Economic Growth, where I served as the climate change intern. The experience provided invaluable insight into the field of international development from the perspective of U.S. Government and other bilateral and multilateral donors. Continue Reading