The U.S. Department of State Internship

Nebraska Wesleyan University was selected by the U.S. Department of State to participate in its Internship program. The Department of State program is one of the most competitive internships in the nation. Only fifteen universities were selected; and Nebraska Wesleyan University was one.

The goal of this internship is to provide opportunities for highly motivated and talented students with a hands-on experience with U.S. foreign policy.

Selected students will be doing professional level work, attending meetings or conducting research.

Unlike other internships, this one is particularly attractive because it is a paid program. Students will receive $6,500 for a ten week period.

However, the selection process is highly competitive. Some basic requirements for students are a minimum GPA of 3.2, junior or senior standing, completion of at least 60 credit hours, have successfully taken U.S. Government & Politics and be willing to accept a background check.

The length of the internship is ten weeks and students will be working 40 hours per week. There are three deadlines each year. Interested students should plan on applying early since the deadline comes several months before the actual internship starts.

Four NWU students were selected last year to participate in this new program. They are CJ Koozer, Derek Carson, Deseree Johnston and Chase McGrath. All four of them will be doing this internship this summer.

CJ Koozer is a junior Biology major. She is involved in Global Service Learning, Student Affairs Senate and the Pre-health Club.

Koozer will be working in the Bureau of Oceans and International Environment Scientific Affairs this summer. She wants to be a doctor; and is particularly interested in women and children's health.

Koozer wants to get a master's degree in public health then work in less developed parts of the world. She suggests future applicants have an awareness of what's happening in the world, and do things that you are truly passionate about.

Derek Carson is a senior and a History major. He is a sprinter and mid-distance runner on the track team, president of the History Club, an active member of St. John's Catholic Church and a member of the Nebraska Army National Guard.

Carson will probably be working in the Bureau of Intelligence and Research. His career goal is to work for the FBI or a similar organization that protects the U.S. from foreign threats.

Carson believes interning in the State Department will be an exceptional opportunity to obtain a more tangible understanding of the intelligence agencies and how they operate.

He hopes to make contacts in D.C. that will help him pursue other possible jobs. Carson is grateful for the opportunity and believes that his military background and his dedication to school and athletics were the biggest factors in qualifying him for this internship.

He recommends future applicants pay more attention to international news, especially in regard to U.S. foreign policy and that not only should Political Science majors apply, but all majors should value this opportunity.

Carson stated that, "The Department of State wants well rounded individuals with various backgrounds, so don't be discouraged if you aren't the typical Political Science major."