International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Internship

This summer I had the fantastic opportunity to work with the State Department Permanent Mission to International Organizations in Vienna, Austria. I was selected to intern within the International Atomic Energy Agency section of the Mission, tapping on the skills and knowledge I’ve gathered as a Nonproliferation and Terrorism Studies master’s student at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey. In my capacity as an intern, I supported the work of the Nuclear Security Attaché in her multilateral consultations ahead of the 62^nd IAEA General Conference.

This has been the internship of a life time. The professional and personal experiences I’ve had in Vienna will no doubt have a significant impact on my future – both as a MIIS alumni and a public servant.

The Permanent Mission, or UNVIE for short, employs some of the most impressive, professional, and kind individuals I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. It is no wonder that those few lucky Foreign Service Officers who do make it to UNVIE never want to leave. From the Charge d’Affaires to the local hires, each and every person working at the mission has been outstanding. Unlike many government internships, I was treated as a colleague and tasked with substantive work that contributed to the mission in a meaningful way.

This internship has also exposed me to the costs and benefits of joining the Foreign Service. Before arriving in Vienna, I hadn’t considered applying to become a Foreign Service Officer. After listening to the incredible experiences shared by so many FSO’s and seeing their lifestyles first hand, I know that a career in the Foreign Service is right for me.

On a personal level – living and working in Vienna has exceeded all expectations. The food, friends, and many weekend trips across Europe made it incredibly difficult to leave. I will no doubt cross paths with many friends I’ve made throughout my time in Vienna. Until then, I can be thankful for the incredible memories I’ve made in the ‘City of Dreams.’

 
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