6 answers
Elissa
Student
Orlando, Florida
2
Questions
Asked
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How do I find good internships to get into politics such as an internship in the UN? What are some good opportunities and options for such?
I am currently in all honors classes as a freshmen and I am a part of my schools medium sized delegation secretariat for MUN, and I have won multiple awards in rigorous committees. I know I am doing everything right in that department and my courses/education, but I want to take it a step further as of internships so as to stand out in my college applications. What would be the best path?
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6 answers
Michael L.
Senior Consultant
14
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Michael’s Answer
*Not an AI generated answer!
Hey there! These are all great things- I too was a member of NMUN back in the day. Remember that the UN is a huge transnational organization- much of what Model UN touches upon are country to country diplomatic relations which lie's within your own country's government. In the US, that's the State Department; as of writing this in May of 2025, State Department career opportunities are decreasing due to the current administration. But to brainstorm a career in diplomacy, I recommend reading the book America's Other Army by Nicholas Kralev which gives a great overview of State's work and career options.
Now back to the UN... we already briefly touched upon diplomacy at the highest level. It's crucial to remember the UN provides services worldwide aside from policy. When targeting a specific area of international work, think of the UN as the macrocosm but your internships will be the microcosm. For example, if your interests mostly lie within food instability and you're interested in working with the World Food Program, then you should volunteer at a local shelter, soup kitchen etc. If your interests are more akin to peacekeeping, then perhaps something such as JROTC/ROTC and a career in the military will suit you. Understand that not everyone is a political scientist, economist, nor diplomat. This is a small piece of advice that will take you very far in the International Relations sphere. Remember that the UN also employs engineers, social workers, doctors, etc.
If your interests do lie within policy/diplomacy a career in the State Department is not the only way! There are plenty of routes via law, academia, think tanks, and other smaller international organizations/NGOs. Where you choose to go to college can matter here, while I don't work with the UN, I have been able to have an international career just by going to a no-name state school. But perhaps one of the best and fastest routes is by getting an education with good brand recognition; this includes the likes of Harvard Kennedy School, Georgetown School of Foreign Service, and so on. Overall, brand recognition in this space usually can be but is not limited to DC-based schools, the Ivy League, and other top-tier universities. If there is a region of the world that you are most interested in, it may be cheaper and easier for you to go to school in that region, for example my relative goes to the American University of Cairo as he is most interested Middle Eastern affairs and refugee resettlement. The UN actively recruits from some of these schools and my brother has become friends with UN personnel because of their presence.
Overall, think internationally. Start language learning now with "target languages". French will always be a pertinent language and is one of the UN's six official languages, but learning a language that most don't know with the target of working in a specific region of the world can take you very far (i.e. Somali, Pashto, Dari). Seek international experience. There are high school international exchange programs for you to live overseas for long (year) or short (1 week to a month) time periods. There are few things colleges and universities love more than a leader/founder. So why not start your own NGO say helping give access to clean water in sub-Saharan Africa via raising money for water filtration systems? Network. Find someone on LinkedIn who has a job you're interested in and reach out! They may give you great advice and may even share their network. Lastly, read lots of books- the State Department suggested reading list is a great resource to start with but also look for books on particular issues/regions you're concerned with.
Good luck and make sure to go the extra mile!
Hey there! These are all great things- I too was a member of NMUN back in the day. Remember that the UN is a huge transnational organization- much of what Model UN touches upon are country to country diplomatic relations which lie's within your own country's government. In the US, that's the State Department; as of writing this in May of 2025, State Department career opportunities are decreasing due to the current administration. But to brainstorm a career in diplomacy, I recommend reading the book America's Other Army by Nicholas Kralev which gives a great overview of State's work and career options.
Now back to the UN... we already briefly touched upon diplomacy at the highest level. It's crucial to remember the UN provides services worldwide aside from policy. When targeting a specific area of international work, think of the UN as the macrocosm but your internships will be the microcosm. For example, if your interests mostly lie within food instability and you're interested in working with the World Food Program, then you should volunteer at a local shelter, soup kitchen etc. If your interests are more akin to peacekeeping, then perhaps something such as JROTC/ROTC and a career in the military will suit you. Understand that not everyone is a political scientist, economist, nor diplomat. This is a small piece of advice that will take you very far in the International Relations sphere. Remember that the UN also employs engineers, social workers, doctors, etc.
If your interests do lie within policy/diplomacy a career in the State Department is not the only way! There are plenty of routes via law, academia, think tanks, and other smaller international organizations/NGOs. Where you choose to go to college can matter here, while I don't work with the UN, I have been able to have an international career just by going to a no-name state school. But perhaps one of the best and fastest routes is by getting an education with good brand recognition; this includes the likes of Harvard Kennedy School, Georgetown School of Foreign Service, and so on. Overall, brand recognition in this space usually can be but is not limited to DC-based schools, the Ivy League, and other top-tier universities. If there is a region of the world that you are most interested in, it may be cheaper and easier for you to go to school in that region, for example my relative goes to the American University of Cairo as he is most interested Middle Eastern affairs and refugee resettlement. The UN actively recruits from some of these schools and my brother has become friends with UN personnel because of their presence.
Overall, think internationally. Start language learning now with "target languages". French will always be a pertinent language and is one of the UN's six official languages, but learning a language that most don't know with the target of working in a specific region of the world can take you very far (i.e. Somali, Pashto, Dari). Seek international experience. There are high school international exchange programs for you to live overseas for long (year) or short (1 week to a month) time periods. There are few things colleges and universities love more than a leader/founder. So why not start your own NGO say helping give access to clean water in sub-Saharan Africa via raising money for water filtration systems? Network. Find someone on LinkedIn who has a job you're interested in and reach out! They may give you great advice and may even share their network. Lastly, read lots of books- the State Department suggested reading list is a great resource to start with but also look for books on particular issues/regions you're concerned with.
Good luck and make sure to go the extra mile!
Thank you, Michael!
Elissa
Jerry Tingstad
Professor/middle school teacher/48 years
140
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
Michael's answer is quite comprehensive. I would keep taking a look at it, as well as Chiquria's response.
There is so much there that I find that I can only offer one more item.
I would explore the possibilities of a career choice of working for a non-political research organization, such as the RAND CORPORATION headquartered in Santa Monica California. They do research in several fields, with what they call "the domestic side" and then the other, where the people who work on the second side must have a seriously high security clearance. And again, they don't get into politics. They are contracted to do quality research.
There is so much there that I find that I can only offer one more item.
I would explore the possibilities of a career choice of working for a non-political research organization, such as the RAND CORPORATION headquartered in Santa Monica California. They do research in several fields, with what they call "the domestic side" and then the other, where the people who work on the second side must have a seriously high security clearance. And again, they don't get into politics. They are contracted to do quality research.
Chiquria Willis
Loan Processor - Rocket Mortgage
94
Answers
Dearborn Heights, Michigan
Updated
Chiquria’s Answer
You're already doing an amazing job with your honors classes, Model UN experience, and awards—they're a great start for a future in international relations or politics!
Here's how you can make your profile even stronger with internships and related opportunities, even while you're still in high school:
1. Explore Youth/Student Programs with International Organizations
- United Nations Youth Programs: While internships at the UN are usually for college students, there are many youth outreach initiatives, volunteer opportunities, and online programs like the UN Youth Delegate Program or UNA-USA’s Global Leadership Summits that you can join.
- U.S. State Department Programs: The State Department has youth programs, student internships, and the Virtual Student Federal Service (VSFS) where high schoolers can work on research and policy projects remotely.
2. Pursue Government & Nonprofit Internships
- Many local, state, and federal legislators offer internships or volunteer opportunities for driven high school students.
- Nonprofits focused on diplomacy, human rights, and public policy welcome passionate students. Look into organizations in your city like World Affairs Councils, UNA groups, or youth programs by Amnesty International.
3. Participate in Summer Programs and Conferences
- Join the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) for International Diplomacy.
- Check out pre-college programs at universities like Georgetown, American, or Yale that focus on politics and global affairs.
- Attend more advanced Model UN conferences for networking and exposure.
4. Leverage Your MUN Network
- Keep participating, take on leadership roles, and mentor younger MUN students.
- Connect with your delegation’s alumni network—they often have links to political internships and are eager to help. Ask your MUN advisor or school counselor for contacts.
5. Get Involved Locally
- Volunteer on political campaigns, with your city council, or join youth advisory boards—this shows your engagement with policy at every level, which is a strong point for your applications.
6. Prepare for College-Level UN or Government Internships
- For now, build your resume with leadership, advocacy, and community engagement. When you reach college, apply for:
- UN Secretariat Internships
- Congressional internships
- State Department or Foreign Service internships
Final Tips:
- Keep an achievements journal—track your awards, leadership roles, and extracurricular activities; update your resume regularly.
- Seek mentors—teachers, MUN advisors, or local leaders who can recommend opportunities and write reference letters later.
Learn More:
- UN Youth Envoy: Get Involved [UN Youth Affairs](https://www.un.org/youthaffairs/en)
- UN Internships Portal [UN Careers](https://careers.un.org/home?language=en)
- UNA-USA Youth Programs [UNA-USA](https://unausa.org/join/youth/)
You're well on your way—keep building your path to success!
Here's how you can make your profile even stronger with internships and related opportunities, even while you're still in high school:
1. Explore Youth/Student Programs with International Organizations
- United Nations Youth Programs: While internships at the UN are usually for college students, there are many youth outreach initiatives, volunteer opportunities, and online programs like the UN Youth Delegate Program or UNA-USA’s Global Leadership Summits that you can join.
- U.S. State Department Programs: The State Department has youth programs, student internships, and the Virtual Student Federal Service (VSFS) where high schoolers can work on research and policy projects remotely.
2. Pursue Government & Nonprofit Internships
- Many local, state, and federal legislators offer internships or volunteer opportunities for driven high school students.
- Nonprofits focused on diplomacy, human rights, and public policy welcome passionate students. Look into organizations in your city like World Affairs Councils, UNA groups, or youth programs by Amnesty International.
3. Participate in Summer Programs and Conferences
- Join the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) for International Diplomacy.
- Check out pre-college programs at universities like Georgetown, American, or Yale that focus on politics and global affairs.
- Attend more advanced Model UN conferences for networking and exposure.
4. Leverage Your MUN Network
- Keep participating, take on leadership roles, and mentor younger MUN students.
- Connect with your delegation’s alumni network—they often have links to political internships and are eager to help. Ask your MUN advisor or school counselor for contacts.
5. Get Involved Locally
- Volunteer on political campaigns, with your city council, or join youth advisory boards—this shows your engagement with policy at every level, which is a strong point for your applications.
6. Prepare for College-Level UN or Government Internships
- For now, build your resume with leadership, advocacy, and community engagement. When you reach college, apply for:
- UN Secretariat Internships
- Congressional internships
- State Department or Foreign Service internships
Final Tips:
- Keep an achievements journal—track your awards, leadership roles, and extracurricular activities; update your resume regularly.
- Seek mentors—teachers, MUN advisors, or local leaders who can recommend opportunities and write reference letters later.
Learn More:
- UN Youth Envoy: Get Involved [UN Youth Affairs](https://www.un.org/youthaffairs/en)
- UN Internships Portal [UN Careers](https://careers.un.org/home?language=en)
- UNA-USA Youth Programs [UNA-USA](https://unausa.org/join/youth/)
You're well on your way—keep building your path to success!
Thank you, Chiquria for the advice.
Elissa
Lirio Delgado
11
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Lirio’s Answer
Hi Elissa, to find internships in politics, especially with places like the UN, start by checking their official websites for opportunities. The UN offers competitive internships, and even though most require you to be in college, your MUN experience will help you stand out. You can also look for internships with local government, political organizations, or groups. Since you're involved in MUN, ask your teachers or classmates about any opportunities they know of. Virtual internships are another great option to get experience in research and global issues. As you get closer to college, your school’s career center can help you find more internship opportunities in politics to help you stand out when applying.
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Elissa
Laila McQuade
Consulting
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Laila’s Answer
It's important to decide if you want to pursue policy or political positions. While they overlap, they are different. Policy roles involve implementing government policies, while political roles involve creating them. For policy roles, explore internships at places like the UN or State Department. For political roles, consider campaign or congressional internships at various government levels.
Christian Gregorich
Management Consultant
37
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Christian’s Answer
For someone still in high school, I'd recommend focusing on local options. With your city council, Mayor's office, DA's office, or state legislature, reach out to key people and ask if they'd be interesting in taking on an intern or at least letting you shadow for a week. Once you're closer to college age, there will be better opportunities for you to intern with US Representatives and Senators