This Fall, I have had the opportunity to work as an intern with the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) program at the prestigious Clinton Foundation. As a Foreign Policy intern, I have closely worked with the Haiti Action Network (HAN), an initiative of CGI, which provides a collaborative platform for local and international organizations that are working in the post-earthquake Haiti in delivering emergency food, shelter, medical and other necessary services. Thus, I had first-hand experience in the complex works of advancing response, recovery and resiliency in a country riddled with disaster, instability and insecurity. While fostering cooperation is a major focus of the CGI program, it also engages with partners in order to identify pressing challenges and drive resolutions in various parts of the world. To this effort, I was able to utilize my research skills and knowledge on emerging markets to write analytical reports on the political and economic conditions in countries such as Colombia, the Bahamas, Barbados and Tanzania. In addition, I had the opportunity to participate in important conferences such as the “Global Development Forum” organized by Centre for International and Strategic Studies (CSIS). These experiences enriched my knowledge on different sectors of the world economy, how they are transforming in a pandemic era and how global leaders are innovating responses to such changes.
Clinton Foundation has opened the world to policy analysis and diplomacy and has intrigued my interests in this field. This internship has helped in understanding the relevance in the works of government, non-profit, civil society and development sectors. I was able to combine my background in international relations and development with research and critical analysis in generating meaningful information. Besides, being in the final semester of my graduate program, this internship has given me the experience which will be helpful in transitioning into the workforce. Overall, it has given the opportunity to explore my interests and plan my future career goals.