Connection of Studies and Political Revolution
Princeton University's International Internship Program (IIP) is a unique opportunity for students to explore international internships that align with their skills, values, and career goals. Mai Kasemsawade, a Politics student from Bangkok, Thailand, recently benefited from this program, conducting research in Malaysia.
The IIP, designed to facilitate access to summer research and internship opportunities, encourages students to engage with Princeton’s Center for Career Development. This resource-rich hub offers workshops, career advising, and networking events to prepare students for successful applications[1][5]. Through these resources, students can explore career fields, develop professional networks, and build related skills such as resume and interview preparation[5].
To apply for the IIP, students typically visit the Center for Career Development to seek guidance from career advisers and Peer Career Advisers[5]. They also utilise internship listings and campus workshops to find and apply for relevant summer positions abroad. Engaging with international student programs or offices, such as the Office of International Programs, may provide additional support and information about international internships[3].
Mai Kasemsawade '26 was one such student who took advantage of this opportunity. She worked as an intern at The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Her research compared the policy implications of political financing regulations from different countries, with a focus on private funding versus public funding[6].
During her internship, Mai gained hands-on experience in extracting budgetary data, writing policy papers, and preparing stakeholder engagements[7]. Her research findings were used to support a bill proposal to the Malaysian parliamentary subcommittee aimed at providing public funding for political parties and establishing an independent commission to oversee political financing[8].
Mai's internship experience was transformative. She built strong relationships with her internship supervisor, co-workers, and fellow interns. She also met with Malaysian government leaders, hosted a political engagement workshop, wrote articles on critical policy, and conducted interdisciplinary research[9].
The IIP hosts numerous research opportunities for current first-years through juniors every summer. It's recommended that interested students register for an information session in October for the summer of 2024[4]. To increase their chances of securing a spot, students are encouraged to apply for multiple internships and connect with an IIP adviser and an IIP ambassador to learn more about the student experience[10].
The IIP offers opportunities in various fields, including but not limited to Mai's interdisciplinary research on political financing and tariffs[11]. For example, students can participate in the Princeton Start-Up Immersion Program or global internships with partner organizations, although these are distinct from the International Internship Program itself[1][4].
Mai's experience is a testament to the value of the IIP. She led research on the effects of tariffs on export capabilities of small and medium-sized enterprises in three Association of Southeast Asian Nations countries[6]. She also wrote an op-ed article on Thailand Electrical Vehicle (EV) policy, published on Malaysia Business Today, discussing the concern that Thailand's EV production primarily involves final-stage assembly, which offers limited benefits to the local economy[12].
In conclusion, the International Internship Program at Princeton University provides a valuable opportunity for students to gain international work experience aligned with their career interests. By working closely with the Center for Career Development, participating in preparatory workshops, and utilising the university's career advising resources, students can identify and secure suitable international placements[1][5]. For those interested, registration for the 2024 summer program information session will open in October.
- To align research skills with educational and self-development goals, students can attend workshops and career advising sessions at Princeton’s Center for Career Development, a rich resource hub that also offers networking opportunities for career development.
- By participating in the International Internship Program (IIP), students like Mai Kasemsawade can engage in summer research and internships abroad, focusing on areas like personal growth and learning that expand their skill sets.
- Through experiences such as Mai’s internship at The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs in Malaysia, students can develop valuable skills such as policy research, stakeholder engagement, and communication.
- Aside from policy and legislation, the IIP offers chances to explore learning opportunities in various fields, ranging from tariffs to entrepreneurship through programs like the Princeton Start-Up Immersion Program and global internships with partner organizations.
