Foreign Policy & International Development

There are a wide range of opportunities in foreign policy – in the US and abroad, in government, the private sector and in multinational and international organizations. Many students approach foreign policy with a regional lens – leveraging their Arabic language skills or understanding of Latin America. But you can also approach it from a transnational lens and think about migration, climate or nonproliferation. Explore the resources below to understand the wide range of opportunities you can consider.

US Department of State

The State Department has historically been a great place to target if you’re interested in diplomacy, language and international travel. In the past, they offered a number of internships – virtual, paid and unpaid – as well as entry-level opportunities, fellowships and language training. They are currently downsizing and their entire recruiting effort has been halted. Once it resumes, it will hopefully be a less cumbersome hiring process. But it will still likely hinge on getting a security clearance.

The info on internships and foreign service noted below remains here to provide context once hiring resumes. In the meantime, check out the UN and NGO info below!

State offers paid internships during the summer, fall and spring. The summer session is the most competitive. They place students in embassies around the world as well as within the many offices in their DC HQ at Foggy Bottom. The best applicants are able to demonstrate an understanding of State’s work and make a compelling argument for the placement they request. They are not looking for experts, fluent in a language or any one country – they are looking for generalists with a curiosity about the world and a penchant for learning languages.

They also offer virtual internships through the Virtual Student Federal Service program. These are really interesting project-based opportunities that students have loved! (Update: these don’t seem to be happening this year.)

The U.S. Foreign Service Internship Program (USFSIP) is merit and need-based for students with financial need or who have faced adversity with a cumulative 3.2 GPA or higher. The program is highly competitive and provides two paid internships over two consecutive summers (one in DC and one overseas). Sophomores and rising juniors may apply for programs during their junior and senior years. (Stay tuned to see if this program is also on hold.)

The State Department also recruits soon-to-be-graduates and beyond to the Foreign Service, which is a career track that places you in embassies all over the world over the span of your career. It’s a long-term, competitive process. There are five tracks into which FSOs are recruited. They are:

  • consular (crisis response, citizen services, visas) – this is where most entry level FSOs begin their careers
  • economic (support U.S. business, trade, STEM diplomacy, entrepreneurship, economic trends and analysis)
  • management (internal management of people, resources, and systems)
  • political (internal/external political relations, human rights, democracy, socio-political trends and analysis)
  • public diplomacy (press, social media, education and cultural affairs, public outreach, exchanges)

If you’re interested in becoming a career foreign service officer, there is a wealth of info on the State Department’s website to help you determine if it’s a good fit and prepare you for the test. Take the quizzes and surveys and read it all closely! They make their selection criteria and the process very clear. Learn more here: Foreign Service Officer application process

United Nations & NGOs

There are a plethora of US-based and international organizations doing development and diplomacy outside of the US government. While USAID and many of its US-based subcontractors are no longer in operation, there are many other foundations and international organizations who remain committed to international development.

The United Nations is a great option for non-US students. It’s also feasible for Americans since the US is under-represented at the UN! The best way in according to our alumni is through internships and consultant roles listed on UN Careers and the Young Professionals Programme.

There are SO many UN Funds, Programmes and entitities as well. Here are just a few:

  • The World Bank
  • UNICEF
  • World Food Programme
  • World Health Organization
  • UN High Commissioner on Refugees
  • International Atomic Energy Agency
  • World Trade Organization

Beyond the UN, the field of international development is still struggling to find its footing in the wake of USAID’s sudden dismantlement. But follow where the foundation and NGO money goes as the work remains. Places to watch include:

  • Foundations, e.g. Gates, Ford, MacArhur, Open Society
  • Global nonprofits like CARE International, International Rescue Committee, Mercy Corps, Save the Children
  • Worldwide NGO Directory

The field is likely to shift toward locally-led development, privately funded climate finance efforts, tech-solutions backed by private foundations and increased involvement by leaders in the Global South.