A World of Career Experience: Fletcher Internships

Every summer, Fletcher students travel around the globe to gain practical experience in meaningful internships.

Ahead of their return to campus, Fletcher caught up with six Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy (MALD) students about what they have learned through their work experience this summer. 

Kate Hibbert F25

Management and Programme Analysis Intern, United Nations Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen

“The final project for my first class at Fletcher was a group assignment applying theories of conflict and conflict resolution to the case in Yemen. Given that focus, I decided to work smarter, not harder, by choosing to work on Yemen in other courses where I had the choice for my case study. After spending a bonus year as a MALD Boren Fellow studying in Jordan, I was able to secure this internship to deepen my experience in the region and on the issues in Yemen, which have had their own evolutions in the three years I have been studying them. Beyond that, I am bridging my pre-Fletcher experience in data management and visualization with my Fletcher studies. This role sets me up with a range of opportunities for my next step, from conflict data and analysis to diplomatic support of peace processes, to regional studies or programmatic work. I'm looking forward to it!”

Edward Okyere-Darko F25

Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions (OOROLSI) Intern, U.N.

“Being exposed to the internal functioning of the international system has provided me with a foundational understanding of how global institutions, diplomacy and international law operate. This knowledge is essential for my intended career in diplomacy and global business as it equips me with the analytical tools and contextual awareness needed to navigate complex global issues. It has also sharpened my interest in cross-cultural collaboration and policy-making, which are central to many roles in the international arena.”

Raffael Hüberli F26

Advisor to the Permanent Mission of Costa Rica to the U.N.

“Through my current position at the heart of multilateral diplomacy, I get practical insights to the theoretical background gained in my courses at Fletcher. Working as an advisor to a U.N. member state allows me to translate my learnings from the classroom into tangible documents, be it policy briefs, speeches or background research into focus topics. My current job directly relates to my studies at Fletcher, as it is the spot ‘where the rubber meets the road’ in diplomacy and where the interconnected nature of Fletcher’s courses (Security Studies, International Law and Environmental Policy) all come together in a highly international setting. It also sets me up for my career as it allows me to gain firsthand insights into how multilateral diplomacy works and what the role of a representative entails on a day-to-day basis.”

Shabnam Waheed F26

Executive Intern, European Public Law Organization (EPLO)

“As a MALD student specializing in Human Security and Humanitarian Affairs, discussions pertaining to migration are critical in ensuring the safety and dignity of migrants. By way of pertinent lectures, engagement in conversations with key political figures, and everyday experiences within Greek society, this internship has deepened my understanding of the European Union's approaches to migration, building upon my prior learnings at Fletcher. These experiences and interactions have proven especially important considering deepening political tensions worldwide and, therefore, have undoubtedly provided me with tools indispensable to a successful future career in humanitarian work. Additionally, I've gained an extensive understanding of the inner workings of an international organization and how international presence can drive an organization's influence within a particular sphere.”

Katherine Walsh F26

International Policy Intern, American Chamber of Commerce, Kazakhstan 

“As an international policy intern, I have conducted interviews with company executives to learn about the issues they are facing locally in Kazakhstan and in the wider Central Asian market. I then synthesized these notes into concise issue briefs that will be the foundation for AmCham's advocacy positions going forward, including at a Prime Minister Council meeting this September. I also had the wonderful opportunity to coordinate the Fourth of July celebration for the expat community in Almaty. It was a fantastic way to celebrate my country and foster connection beyond the boardroom. My summer with AmCham has solidified my interest in the intersection of public and private sector and fascination with geographically delicate, mid-sized economies such as Kazakhstan. Going forward I plan to apply skills from this summer to my capstone research and future jobs supporting the values of free enterprise, fair competition and rule of law.”

Eshani Chakrabarti F25

Youth Ambassador, United States Pavilion at the World Expo, Osaka, Japan

“I am writing my capstone on soft power and cultural diplomacy. I was working in radio when I arrived at Fletcher and Edward Murrow’s legacy meant so much to me. My scholarship in international communications and public diplomacy with Professor Carolyn Gideon and diplomatic tradecraft with Ambassador Donald Heflin helped me understand the imperative of building bridges through culture. Expo hosts pavilions from over 100 countries, which directly relates to my time at Fletcher on the Greece trek, the Oman trek, leading the Arctic conference and the imperative of cultural diplomacy. Concentrating on culture and soft power and serving as a youth ambassador has encapsulated my time at Fletcher.” 

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