Antonia Zito, an international relations major at University of Washington, recently served as a research intern at the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Studies (WJPC) under the esteemed National Defense University (NDU) in Fort McNair. While getting experience in managing administrative tasks she also delved into comprehensive research on current global topics concerning security and defense in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Describe a project from your internship that stood out to you?
During my time interning at the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Studies (WJPC), I had the great opportunity to work under a professor who was conducting quantitative research on women in Colombia living under the FARC conditions. I used the coding software MAXQDA to analyze personal journals of these women, highlighting various themes which helped the professor develop analysis on the overlapping themes and issues these women face. It was an incredibly eye-opening experience.
Not only did I get to read the first-hand experiences of these women, but I was also able to become proficient using MAXQDA, a software that I had never used prior to this experience.
Working for the WJPC, as well as being a student of TWC, has greatly expanded my professional network in many ways. I was able to connect with various high ranking military officers and ambassadors, as well as the well-known staff of the WJPC and National Defense University (NDU).
Antonia Zito, an international relations major at University of Washington, recently served as a research intern at the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Studies (WJPC).
In what ways have you expanded your professional network during your time with TWC?
Working for the WJPC, as well as being a student of TWC, has greatly expanded my professional network in many ways. I was able to connect with various high ranking military officers and ambassadors, as well as the well-known staff of the WJPC and National Defense University (NDU). Moreover, I was taught how to use LinkedIn, a tool which has already provided me with new opportunities.
Further, I was able to take the U.S. Foreign Policy course through TWC, which was taught by a professor with years of experience in the intelligence sector. My professor spoke a lot about the intelligence sector and how to take the correct steps to begin a career with them.
How has the TWC experience influenced your career goals?
I learned a lot about working, behaving and networking in a professional office as this was the first position I’d had that’s related to my future career goal. As a research intern, I was assigned to various professors who work at NDU, and I would assist them with a variety of research projects for their military official students with subjects ranging anywhere from cybersecurity to climate change. As a result of this experience, I will focus my future career on U.S. relations with a foreign country.
What advice do you have for students contemplating an internship with TWC?
- Take advantage of this great opportunity. If aid is an issue, there are a variety of both public and private scholarships that are offered through the TWC website. If you are worried about college credit, don’t be! Your university will count this for either credit or hours. Not only does TWC expose you to great internships, but their career readiness courses are made to help you in the long run.
- Apply for an in-person or hybrid internship, as living and moving around in D.C. is an experience like no other. The city is beautiful, and easy to move around by bus or metro. Going into an office every day is great practice for the future and provides you with the opportunity to meet and network with a variety of people.
- Be present and engaged every day in your internship. Seize every opportunity you are offered and find a way to stand out from previous interns. Network not only with other interns but also with your co-workers and employers. I said yes to various projects offered to me; and will be acknowledged in various upcoming published books written by the professors I worked with. With a TWC internship, you realize that your future career is in your own hands!
How did your scholarship help enhance your opportunities through TWC and your career exploration?
I was extremely grateful for the $2,500 scholarship I received as it allowed me to participate in TWC, giving me the opportunity of a lifetime. I truly believe in the value of this program as gaining experience working for the federal government in D.C. is something that will be recognized on my resume for the rest of my future career.
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