Internship Program
2011–12 Interns and Program Manager, Emily Moon, with General James Mattis, Commander of US CENTCOMM

Internship Program

The Burkle Center Internship Program offers UCLA undergraduate and graduate students direct exposure to international relations and related disciplines. From major events and conferences to research initiatives and student-oriented outreach programs, the Burkle Center offers a variety of venues for interested and engaged students to get involved.

Overview:

Launched in September of 2007, the Burkle Center Internship Program offers UCLA students direct exposure to international relations and related disciplines. From major events and conferences to research initiatives and student-oriented outreach programs, the Burkle Center offers a variety of venues for interested and engaged students to get involved. The Program is designed to offer students experience, exposure, and networking opportunities.

Eligibility:

The internships are open to current UCLA undergraduate and graduate students and span the entire academic year. The application deadline has been extended to September 25, 2011.  Preference is given to graduating seniors, but the Center has hosted juniors and sophomores as well. There are no internships offered during the summer session.

Application Process:

Applications for the internship are accepted throughout the summer but will be due by September 25, 2011. To apply, send the following information as a single Word document or PDF to: moon@international.ucla.edu

  • CV or Resume (1 page) - include any volunteer work or extracurricular activities you are currently involved in and any current marketable skills.
  • Letter of Interest (1 page) - indicate your preference for one of the listed internship positions and your own future goals, aspirations or general interests.
  • 2-3 References (name, contact Information and brief affiliation only, i.e., "how do they know you?" This is NOT a request for a letter of recommendation.)
  • If you apply for the position of Student Voices editor or graphic/web designer, please submit a writing sample or example of your design work (online or in print).
  • Your general availability for the fall quarter, if known, between Monday -- Friday, 9AM to 5PM.

Internships are competitive and selections are made after an interview (by invitation only) with Deputy Director Alexandra Lieben.

Hours and Expectations:

Interns must commit to a minimum of 6 work hours per week. Hours are flexible and structured in consideration of academic commitments. Students generally work 3 hours at the Burkle Center's intern office and 3 hours at home. These work hours include event staffing or outreach activities. The Burkle Center places a strong emphasis on initiative and teamwork. Interns are expected to maintain a professional demeanor and appearance at all times.

Projects:

Intern duties and responsibilities, with the exception of Student Voices editors and Graphic/Web Designers rotate throughout the year. The internship is designed to foster team work as well as individual leadership capability. All interns participate in outreach and event production and assist the Center with short-term projects and its daily needs. While individual assignments are made in consultation with the intern, the final determination is made based on the needs of the Center. Interns are encouraged to attend Center events, which present good opportunities to network with experts in the field.

Internship Positions:

Undergraduate Students:

  • Editor for Student Voices, the Burkle Center’s affiliated international relations online student journal (http://uirs.wordpress.com/ ).
  • Event Facilitator
  • Graphic/Web Designer
  • Outreach Coordinator
  • Research Assistant

Graduate Students:

  • Research Assistant (PhD student preferred)
  • Research Assistant (Law or Master’s student preferred)

2010-11 Burkle Center Interns' comments on the Internship Program:

“This internship allowed me to meet people from all different arenas of international relations, individuals like Admiral Mike Mullen and Nobel Prize Laureate Joseph Stiglitz. It encouraged me to attend more events and lectures, and further expanded my interest in the field of international relations. Also, through the tasks we had to carry out, I learned to pay more attention to detail. And it was a great lesson in how to work with a team!”

Anum I.

“The Burkle Center internship has been an invaluable experience for me. The events were excellent and they gave me an opportunity to learn more about the international relations field. The Burkle Center staff and interns were very resourceful and working with them was a great learning experience that highlighted the importance of responsibility, teamwork and leadership.”

Trisha P.

"My internship with the Burkle Center has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my three years at UCLA. The opportunities for professional and personal development are simply unmatched. The environment is friendly and efficient and fosters growth for both the individual and the group dynamic. I was exposed to many different aspects of the field of international relations which helped me discover a career path that I will be pursuing at law school. My work ethic and sense of professionalism were strengthened in such a way that will, without a doubt, aid me throughout my professional career. I highly recommend this internship to anyone who is interested in working in international relations with a group of individuals that will become valuable professional connections and, more importantly, good friends."

Mahmood B.

“My experience as a Burkle Center Intern offered me an unrivaled opportunity to translate my interest and passion for international relations into a real world work experience. I will look back fondly on my year at the Burkle Center and the relationships I made as a period in which I was challenged, nurtured, and greatly rewarded.”

Bret J.
 

Internship Alumni:

To learn more about the Burkle Center internship program and to view a list of our former interns, visit the Internship Alumni page.


About the Undergraduate International Relations Society & The Generation Online Journal:

The Burkle Center Interns started a student group to build bridges between internationally interested student groups and departments on campus called the Undergraduate International Relations Society. Together they also launched the THE GENERATION online journal. To learn more or to become a member, email burkleintern@international.ucla.edu.


 

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