DC internship clarifies career path
October 17, 2023
Toluwa Aduloju, a political science major with minors in French and gender and diversity studies, spent the summer in Washington D.C. as an intern through The Washington Center (TWC). TWC provides internship programs and seminars in the heart of Washington D.C, and for Toluwa, the experience solidified her career plans and sharpened important professional and life skills.
What prompted you to apply for the program?
Washington D.C. is one of the cities I've considered living in after graduation, so I thought having the opportunity to work and live there for the summer would give me a taste of what that might be like. I was also eager to immerse myself in the city at the heart of U.S. politics and diplomacy, where decisions of global significance are made. Additionally, as a member of the Nigerian diaspora, I sought to connect with the vibrant Nigerian community in the city, establishing cultural bonds and gaining valuable insights into the intersection of international law and diaspora issues, ultimately contributing to a more enriching and holistic experience. Finally, The Washington Center provided some financial aid, which made an unpaid internship more financially feasible for me. I was also able to get nine credits taking an evening class on international humanitarian law and international organizations.
Where did you do your internship?
I interned as an international law research specialist with the Behavioral International Economic Development (BIED) Society, a think tank based in D.C. focusing on international affairs. Although my experience was entirely remote (except for a conference at the end of the summer), I stayed in the D.C. metro area for the summer.
What did you learn from the experience that helped you discern future career plans?
As the title of my position suggests, most of my work entailed research. This experience made me realize how much I enjoy research and analysis, and it reaffirmed my decision to study political science. Participating in independent research work also prompted me to think more about law school, research fellowships, or eventually, a PhD program. I am currently looking for positions that will allow me to put my research and analysis skills to the best use. Furthermore, the opportunity to have my research paper published in the July 2023 issue of the BIED Society Review increased my desire to generate work that can be retrieved from a larger platform and used by other professionals in the social sciences field.
Were there other professional skills you felt you developed?
This experience further sharpened my LinkedIn curation skills, which has resulted in more connections, more messages from recruiters, and a current externship with PricewaterhouseCooper (PwC) in collaboration with ParagonOne as a non-profit consulting intern. As we were required to post five to seven LinkedIn posts per day in our respective areas of concentration, I learned a lot more about associations, graduate school opportunities, current affairs, job postings, conferences, calls for papers, and journal articles in the field of international law. By staying up-to-date in my field, I was able to remain informed about emerging trends and bolster my expertise in the field. Furthermore, I was able to hone my public speaking skills and eventually present my research paper at the end of the summer conference to guest speakers, supervisors, and fellow interns.
What were the most valuable lessons from the summer?
Working in a setting that strongly encouraged open dialogue, valued my input, and allowed me to showcase my creative side while also working on very important global issues has solidified my commitment to finding a workplace that values diversity and inclusion and respects individual authenticity. Also, one specific skill I identified as needing improvement is decision-making. As many of my academic and professional tasks last summer involved a lot of independent work, I sometimes struggled with deciding what tasks to begin with, how to begin them, and when I should be asking for feedback or moving along. This resulted in occasional stress and sometimes hindered my productivity, even when I eventually completed the task at hand. To address this, I started familiarizing myself with different decision-making frameworks, like the SWOT analysis and setting clear milestones for each task.
How did being an international student affect your experiences?
As an international student from Nigeria interning in D.C. as an international law research specialist, my identity had a significant impact on my experiences. It allowed me to bring a unique perspective to the workplace. With my background in Nigerian culture, politics, and international relations, I was able to contribute insights and viewpoints that my colleagues from different backgrounds may not have been familiar with, enriching the diversity of thought within our team. I also appreciated the opportunity to build relationships with colleagues and classmates from diverse backgrounds, learn from their experiences, and foster a deeper understanding of global issues.
How is your study abroad program going this fall?
I am currently studying abroad in Grenoble, France. My experience has been great! As an international student in the U.S., France is my second time studying abroad, and I am absolutely grateful for the opportunity. I’ve formed friendships with people from Afghanistan, Ukraine, China, Vietnam, South Korea, Poland, etc., and we’ve swapped stories, laughed at language mix-ups, explored French cuisine together (my favorite being French tacos!) and practiced speaking French together. Of course, there have been moments of homesickness, frustration with language barriers, and not understanding all the social cues, but I am embracing the whole experience!
What advice do you have for students here on campus who might be thinking about applying to a TWC program or study abroad?
Start your preparations well in advance. Research the programs, scholarships, and opportunities available to you. Consult with academic advisors to ensure that the experience aligns with your educational and career goals.
Also, explore a wide range of programs, internships, or study abroad destinations to find the one that suits your interests and objectives best. I am really huge on planning so I have had a college binder and vision board since freshman year highlighting all the things I want to try and do before graduating in categories of scholarships and awards, careers, internships, academics, study abroad, job search, etc. This not only helps me keep track of what I want to achieve but also helps me document what I have already achieved, whether through notes or pictures. With regards to interning in D.C., try to network with professionals in your field. Attend events and utilize social media platforms like LinkedIn to connect with potential mentors and future colleagues.
Finally, make sure to ask for support when you need it! Good luck!
