Cheyenne Hall
Internship Signature Project

1. This summer, I completed my Internship Signature Project by interning with the U.S. Department of Defense in Missouri. I worked as an analysis intern, placed in an office amongst experienced professionals in the field to help me learn the analytic tradecraft and ultimately produce my own finalized analyses on matters of national security.

2. This internship was my first experience living far from home, and relocating to a new state. Not knowing anyone in the area, it was a little intimidating to make a big move by myself. However, this experience ultimately helped me to gain more confidence and personal independence. This summer being my first time ever in Missouri, I was able to experience a new state and gain a more cohesive view of the different parts and history of the U.S.

Another transformation I experienced during the summer was gaining new perspectives on the world and international affairs, as I learned how to approach issues from a Defense point of view. I was also able to gain a better understanding how the United States operates both at home and abroad. Prior to this internship, I didn’t have any experience with the Department of Defense or any other government agency’s operations, so it was an important learning experience for me to see this firsthand.

3. My interactions and friendships formed with fellow interns were a great help in acclimating to living somewhere new. The interns from the area were able to suggest places to go visit and figure out practical things like the best place to go shopping for groceries or clothes. There were also interns from out of town like me, and social events organized by our employer helped us to get to know one another. My friendships helped me to have a great experience this summer. My coworkers in the office were also a great resource for recommending activities, sightseeing opportunities, and the best restaurants.

Watching the Cleveland Indians play the Saint Louis Cardinals.

The multinational focus of Defense operations allowed me to broaden my worldview significantly, through learning how to apply a Defense perspective in my analysis as well learning new things about international affairs. Throughout my coursework in International Studies and Arabic, much of my focus has been in the humanities and social sciences, with a particular focus on the Middle East. Through visits, shadowings, and working collaboration during my internship this summer, I was able to broaden my regional and functional knowledge thanks to the many different focuses of the Defense Department. This includes regions such as Asia and Africa, as well as learning more about technology and business operations. I feel this experience has made me more knowledgeable in my field of study, and helped me find additional areas of interest.

I also had the opportunity to make work trips to the Washington, D.C. area throughout the course of my internship. Here I was able to visit additional offices I was interested in that weren’t based in Missouri, as well as go on a trip to the Pentagon. These visits and meetings allowed me to see firsthand how the different aspects of the U.S. government work together to accomplish their goals in support of U.S. interests.

4. The changes and transformations I experienced as a result of this experience will be instrumental for me following graduation. The confidence and increased independence I found by moving to a new place on my own will be very helpful after graduation in May, when I’ll likely need to make a big move again. Additionally, my widened worldview and understanding of the professional workplace will allow me to have an easier transition and increased confidence in pursuing full-time employment. The connections I made and experience gained through this internship experience will surely benefit me in my professional career path in International Affairs.