The International Institute for Strategic Studies

The idea behind a think tank is to provide research in advocacy areas such as social policy, politics, conflict, and technology issues. As a research an operations intern for the International Institute for Strategic Policy (IISS), it is my job to help the directors and researchers perform such tasks. IISS is a UK based think tank that claims to be the world’s leading research institute on geo-political conflict. Their members are represented throughout the globe, ranging from students like myself to internationally recognized experts and figures like Fareed Zakaria and Christiane Amanpour.

A typical day revolves around doing administrative and research tasks, particularly researching well-known academics and philanthropists. Given that we are a non-profit organization, we rely heavily on the donations of our members and the marketing of the events we host to create more publicity for IISS. Through these events, funding is also obtained in addition to boosting IISS’s prestige, hence the importance of the interns researching new members.

On other days, an intern for IISS can be assigned to all sorts of administrative delivery tasks. One such example was when I delivered a book to a Nobel Prize Winner and another one of IISS’s publications to the Italian Embassy. Despite IISS being my third internship, I’ve never had the opportunity to work full time like I am now. As a result, I’ve begun to learn the value of the little things. An intern’s job, particularly one in a non-profit organization, is replaceable and tedious. We are just a number among the many interns that go through Washington, wishing to expand our resume and gain valuable work experience. Hence, we don’t exactly get the most influential tasks. That is why it is important to truly appreciate the small things about interning and living here. Take heed to the advice a boss gives, because how often will your employer be willing to spend time talking to you when there are more pressing matters at hand? Pay attention to who you meet and then learn how they got there. Savor the minutes you have with your friends and family, who knows when life will take them away whether it be work or death. None of us are coming to DC and changing the world, but if we let them small things add up, we can make a difference. 

Adam K