Meet Abigail Smart, a Junior at the University of New Hampshire, double majoring in International Affairs and Political Science with a concentration in International Security.
During the spring 2025 semester, Abigail immersed herself in a high-impact internship at the Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies (NESA), a key Department of Defense institution dedicated to fostering security cooperation across the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia.
From facilitating diplomatic engagements with foreign military officials to developing a critical Maritime Domain Awareness database, Abigail’s internship was anything but ordinary. Her work not only sharpened her cross-cultural communication and research skills but also illuminated new career pathways in international security.
How did this experience shape her professional trajectory? What lessons did she take away from engaging with top defense experts? Read on to discover Abigail’s insights in her full interview below!
What are some of the specific skills and networking opportunities you've gained?
I found myself networking constantly during my semester in D.C. with TWC. Not just at the career readiness events that are included in the program, but at random events at my internship site, think tanks around the city, and while simply out and about. The confidence I have gained through this internship has pushed me to expand my network, which has led me to find mentors in my field and even to land another internship in D.C. for the summer.
In one of the career readiness sessions, we discussed developing a personal brand or finding ways to stand out. I joked with the instructor that I could talk about playing rugby for my university and use that as my “brand,” little did I know that discussing rugby would allow me to stand out with a retiring USAID Foreign Service Officer at a work event, which led to an excellent discussion both about his love for the sport and career advice. I always considered myself outgoing, but I’ve utilized my time in D.C. to work on my interpersonal skills and use them to further my career.
What were things that you were concerned about when applying for the program?
My biggest concern when starting my application for TWC was finding the right internship. As a student who focuses on international affairs over domestic issues, I was concerned I wouldn’t find something that made me feel excited to go to work every day. I was warned that there were fewer options for students studying foreign affairs compared to domestic politics. To overcome this, I met with my on-campus liaison and my TWC advisor before the internship applications opened to discuss what previous UNH students in my situation had pursued. I looked through the entirety of TWC’s internship database, favorited all the internships I found interesting and sat down with a trusted professor at home. This helped me narrow down the ten I would initially apply for and my top choices. NESA was my top selection, and with her advice, I could tailor my cover letter and resume to suit better the internship sites I was applying to. This helped me ensure I was making the best pick for myself.
What was your most exciting experience while at TWC?
Outside of all of the fun that my other TWC interns and I got up to when we weren’t working, my most exciting experience has got to be getting to assist with a Senior Executive Seminar on Maritime Security in the Indo-Pacific. After a semester's worth of working on creating the Maritime Domain Awareness database, I got to sit in on the weeklong seminar in which military and government officials from all different areas of the world asked questions on behalf of their countries. I was tasked with taking notes on what regions asked specific questions and had the chance to see where specific global priorities lay.
I also witnessed these officials partake in tabletop exercises, had the opportunity discuss this experience with them at lunch and even received gifts from one delegation. Not only was it exciting to meet with foreign nationals, but it was fascinating to listen to the guest speakers, many of whom I had researched for my database. Afterward, I had the chance to speak with them directly about their work and had the opportunity to mention my database. This was the last big event at my internship, and I think it wrapped up the entire experience well, highlighting how far I had come professionally and in my confidence.
What are some of your favorite spots to spend time in D.C.?
It’s hard to go wrong with any museum in D.C. I made it a hobby of mine to go on my post-work run to a museum and walk around for an hour before running home. My favorite is the National Portrait Gallery. It is an excellent museum with a lovely atrium and cafe from which to do remote work or homework. I also love the Smithsonian Botanical Gardens and the Natural History Museum.
As for restaurants, Indigo was a go-to for me. Not only is it right across the street from the RAF, but the food is excellent. H Street has a lot of great spots to eat as well, my favorite is Little Grand, which serves sourdough pizza. I frequented the FDR Memorial, the Wharf, the Senate Reflection Pool, and Eastern Market throughout the semester.
There are so many cool neighborhoods to explore in D.C.; you never know what you will stumble upon. But by far my favorite activity was texting all of my TWC friends and heading to the small hill by the Washington Monument, looking out at the Lincoln Memorial, and picnicking. We’d stop at Trader Joe's to grab snacks and bring a speaker. Usually, I’d bring my rugby ball, and we’d sit out there for hours. The sun sets behind Lincoln and it never gets old.
Did your scholarship support your TWC and D.C. experience?
I received a scholarship from my home university, which helped me cover the generally higher cost of living in D.C. I put it towards buying a monthly unlimited metro pass, helping pay for groceries, and helping me buy more business formal clothes, so I had more than an outfit or two.
Anything else you'd like to share with us?
The scariest part of an internship might be advocating for yourself, but it’s necessary. If I hadn’t reached out to faculty at work or stepped out of my comfort zone, I wouldn’t have had even half the opportunities I had throughout the semester. Taking the extra step to reach out to find new tasks at your internship can be the difference between a boring day and an exciting one, but also the difference between that staff member trusting you for new tasks or not. Reach out to anyone and everyone; it’s better to have put yourself out there than not at all. My most valuable experiences came from taking a shot in the dark and emailing faculty at my internship site and other professionals in the D.C. area.
My experience in D.C. has opened my eyes to all types of new career paths, and has allowed me to explore both career paths, master's programs, and alternative options for my post-graduate life. I’ve loved my time in D.C. so much that I’ve chosen to stick around for the summer and complete a separate internship with my senator. If it weren’t for TWC, I wouldn’t have explored this option at all. Now, I’m taking the time during my undergrad to explore different opportunities.
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