FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is an internship?
An internship is a short-term assignment with an organization that allows a student to gain experience in a field. Students earn professional experience and have the opportunity to network with professionals in their fields.

2. Is an internship required for my degree in Diplomacy & International Relations?
Yes! It is a required course for undergraduates and graduates. Undergraduates must complete two internships for credit or one internship and a study abroad or international study tour. For graduate students one is required, though a second internship can be done for another 3 credits (an additional 150 hrs.) as an elective.

3. When can I do an internship? When should I start looking?
Undergraduate students can do an internship during their junior and/or senior year. They should be applying to internships the semester prior to their targeted session. Graduate students typically do an internship in their second year, but can discuss individual situations and opportunities with the Director for Internships and Career Development.

4. How do I get information on internships?
Familiarize yourself with what's out there by researching organizations that interest you in your field. Read publications that cover your area of expertise. Almost all of the governmental and IR organizations have web sites with information on internships or volunteer opportunities.

5. What if I have identified an organization with which I want to intern, but they do not seem to have an established internship program?
If the organization does not have a formal internship program, it still may be possible for an internship to be arranged. Draft a letter of inquiry or a statement of interest. The faculty and administrators at the John C. Whitehead School of Diplomacy and International Relations have constituents in many organizations - be proactive and ask!

6. Can I apply for an internship on my own?
All internships must be approved by the Director prior to accepting them for academic credit. Students can apply for internships on their own, but also have the option of sending out their applications though the Office of Internships and Career Development.

7. Are internships generally unpaid?
Internships are generally done on a volunteer basis, however some do offer stipends. Overseas assignments require a larger financial commitment on your part. Some, but not all, compensate for travel and living expenses.

8. Can a volunteer position be used as an internship?
Sometimes, “volunteer” and “intern” positions in various organizations have similar responsibilities. If you are unsure about a certain position, ask the Director. Web sites like www.idealist.org list thousands of internship and volunteer positions.

9. I would like to apply for an internship abroad. Are these the same as internships in the US? Do I need to know a foreign language?
Internships abroad need to be planned carefully and well in advance. In addition, the University has certain requirements that need to be fulfilled in order for the internship to be approved. Foreign language skills are not mandatory in all internships. However, mastery of a language may increase the pool of assignments available to you.

10. I know I want a degree in International Relations, but I’m not sure what kind of jobs I can get. How do I find out?
The Director for Internships and Career Development can meet with you individually to discuss your career questions and goals. Some students enter our program knowing they are interested in international relations but not sure exactly what job they want 5 or 10 years down the road. That is okay! Work with the faculty and administration, and do as many internships as possible to narrow down your interests.

11. What percentage of Whitehead School graduates are employed by graduation?
According to our most recent alumni survey, nearly 90% of Whitehead School graduates were employed, had fellowships, or had gone on for further study within 6 months of graduation. Obviously, success in the job market depends in part on market forces and in part on the effectiveness of each graduate’s job search and strategy. Internships can increase employment leads, and a number of Whitehead students have received full-time employment opportunities from their internships.

12. What salaries do Whitehead School graduates typically earn?
Depending on the job, prior experience, and specific sector, Whitehead School graduates earn anywhere from the low-to-mid $20,000s in an entry-level nonprofit position, to over $100,000 in a high-level private sector position. Some organizations allow graduates to count internships toward full-time work experience.

13. Where can I find resources to help me with my job and internship search?
Besides the vast resources on the Internet, make it a habit to keep checking the University’s Career Center on-line resource