NATO launches call for interns for 2018 – NATO HQ (press release)

As an international organisation, NATO is characterised by diversity. People from different backgrounds and cultures, work styles and ways of thinking work here. This is reflected in the Alliances internship programme, which offers opportunities in a variety of fields, including communications, finance, human resources, international relations, IT, law and political science. The 15th cycle of the programme opened on 13 March 2017 and applications will be accepted until 18 April 2017.

What are the benefits of a NATO internship? We asked some recent interns for their thoughts.

Michaela had completed a Masters in International Security and in European Union External Relations and Diplomacy Studies, when she took up her NATO internship with the Protection of Civilians Section in the Operations Division.

Working at NATO Headquarters has been enriching for a young professional in terms of understanding the internal functioning of the Alliance, she says. Building on previous skills and expertise, there is a possibility to be well integrated into policy processes, participation in external events and missions as well as in terms of interaction with other relevant actors in specific fields such as the EU, the UN, the ICRC and relevant NGOs.

The experience also allowed Michaela to make new contacts.

Working at NATO has been an excellent opportunity to expand my network of professional contacts and friends, she tells us.

Describing his internship as the best experience I ever had, Giuseppe tells us, I had the opportunity to apply my professional skills and engineering background to [working on] the new NATO Headquarters, working with a qualified team, with tasks that were getting me directly inside the action of the project a real and professional internship.

As an intern in the Public Diplomacy Division, Lea was able to put her background in journalism to good use.

During the internship I could experience public diplomacy in all its facets, whether it was a press conference, the production of media content or face-to-face engagement with important stakeholders, Lea explains.

The internship provided me with a deeper understanding of the complex political challenges and possible communication measures to face them, she adds.

Dilara worked in the Emerging Security Challenges Division. It was the most unique and rewarding professional experience I have ever had. As a cyber defence policy intern, I had the distinct pleasure of having worked with team members who made me realise, every single day, that my efforts contributed directly to the Alliances enhanced cyber defence policy initiatives that will lead NATO to engage in implementing the cyber-related decisions taken in Warsaw.

The range of possible thematic orientations is broad: graduate students of aeronautics, engineering, graphic design, journalism, law enforcement, library science, or translation, might also find a unique opportunity to gain international experience in the field of peace and security. Knowledge of Russian or Arabic is especially welcome.

Although some interns stay on at NATO after the internship to complete ongoing assignments or to take up full-time employment, many move on to other international organisations. Whatever their long-term ambitions, NATO interns gain invaluable experience as they strive to achieve them.

To apply or learn more, visit the NATO Internship Programme page.

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NATO launches call for interns for 2018 - NATO HQ (press release)