Fletcher students reflect upon experiences in global internships
Every summer, Fletcher students find meaningful opportunities to explore their career interests through internships in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
Fletcher caught up with six students—from Athens to Honolulu, and Jakarta to Dilijan—about how their summer internships are shaping their understanding of careers in global affairs.
Shaurya Kumar, F27
Intern, United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (U.N. DESA), Division for Inclusive Social Development
“At Fletcher, I am interested in the intersection of international business, finance, and sustainable development. Through my work at U.N. DESA, I have had the opportunity to see how cooperative enterprises, inclusive economic policies, and multi-stakeholder partnerships can drive social impact at scale. This experience complemented my studies by providing practical insight into how financial and policy mechanisms can be used to advance development outcomes and create more inclusive economies. In the long term, I hope to build a career in impact investing and finance, helping to direct capital toward organizations and initiatives that generate both financial returns and measurable social impact. Working at the U.N. has given me a deeper understanding of the challenges facing underserved communities and the role that innovative financing, partnerships, and mission-driven institutions can play in addressing them.”
Sophia Wittemyer, F27
Strategic Communications Intern, Africa Center for Strategic Studies
“At Fletcher I pursue security studies with a regional focus on the African continent. This position has given me the opportunity to connect with security sector leaders from the continent, explore my own interest in African security studies, and speak French at a high level. Strategic communications and video creation allow me to combine my interest in security studies with creativity, a unique intersection that I’m passionate about continuing after I graduate.”
Pablo Zaburlin, F26
Executive Intern, European Public Law Organization (EPLO)
“My work at EPLO aligns closely with my studies in global governance, international organizations, and public policy. It has also given me the opportunity to engage with European institutions and policy discussions while living and working in Greece. Before Fletcher, I spent more than a decade working in public service in Argentina. I also have experience in the private and nonprofit sectors. This internship allowed me to connect that background with an international perspective and strengthen my understanding of governance, public policy, and international cooperation, which are areas I hope to continue working in throughout my career.”
Siddhartha Warwade, F27
Regional Security Studies Intern, Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies
“I was always interested in understanding the Indo-Pacific region from an international security lens and how multiple ripples—like the rise of China, an evolving geopolitical landscape, the rise of frontier tech capabilities, and the old conflicts—are metastasizing into new challenges. APCSS allowed me to hear from the leaders of the change—from senior military officials, to leading diplomats and civil society advocates—and helped me build a very practical understanding of the emerging challenges, the role of technology, and the need for a whole-of-society approach to securitize the region.”
Jennifer Ecklund, F27
Research Intern, Central Bank of Armenia
“My work at the bank directly connects to my studies at Fletcher through two primary research projects: analyzing inflation expectations and firms’ price-setting behavior, as well as conducting a study of Armenia’s green bond market. This experience has strengthened my interest in the intersection of energy infrastructure systems and economic development, while also providing me with firsthand exposure to how macroeconomic policy is designed and implemented. Through my internship, I have gained valuable insight into how economic research informs real-time policy decisions, further preparing me for a career at the intersection of energy, finance, and development policy.”
Richa Liz Mathew, F27
Intern, ASEAN Secretariat, Digital Economy Division
“My internship at the ASEAN Secretariat’s Digital Economy Division has provided a valuable practical extension of my studies at Fletcher. At ASEC, I have observed and contributed to the complex process of finding consensus between 11 nations with different cultures, national priorities, and capabilities. Much of the work has been in reconciling competing interests, navigating legal and political considerations, and finding language that allows countries to move forward together. Through this internship, I’ve been able to take a closer look at how the dynamics between different countries shape policy discussions. This experience has made my studies feel more tangible and has given me a clearer sense of the kind of work I hope to pursue after Fletcher, contributing to international and multilateral policy processes where research, diplomacy, and practical problem-solving come together.”
Read more about Fletcher’s Office of Professional Development.