Applications due Sunday, May 7, 2023 by 11:59 PM (PT)

Background

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 research initiatives to student-oriented outreach programs, the Burkle Center offers a variety of avenues for interested and engaged students to get involved. The Program is designed to offer students experience, exposure, and networking opportunities.

Eligibility

Internships are open to current UCLA undergraduate students and last throughout the academic year (fall through spring). Preference is given to juniors and seniors, although the Center has hosted sophomores in the past.

Hours and Expectations

Interns must commit to a minimum of seven hours per week, which includes a one hour weekly meeting with Burkle Center staff and fellow interns. In addition to the meeting, students generally work three hours at the Burkle Center's intern office and three hours at home. Hours are structured in consideration of academic commitments. These work hours also include event staffing and 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.

All interns help staff events, participate in outreach, and assist the Center with short- and long-term projects and its daily needs. Other tasks include, but are not limited to:

• Event production and facilitation
• Graphic design (making event flyers, social media graphics, newsletters, PowerPoint presentations, etc.)
• Social media and outreach, including content creation and coordination
• Website maintenance and listserv management 
• Research assistance
• Photo, video, podcast, and transcript editing

Application Guidelines

To apply, please submit the following information as a single PDF document to the link below. Include your full name in the file title. Applications are due Sunday, May 7, 2023 by 11:59 PM Pacific Time.

Application link: https://ucla.app.box.com/f/2e877936d5af4db19e351a509200d22d

• CV or Resume (1 page) - please include any volunteer or extracurricular activities and your current GPA.
• Cover Letter (1 page) - please tell us a little bit about yourself,  explain what you hope to gain from the internship, and what strengths or skills you hope to contribute.
• Graphics experience is preferred, but not required. If you have graphics experience, please include which programs you can use and send examples of your prior work (event flyers, announcements, anything that demonstrates your sense of design and integration with text).
• A 2-page writing sample (excerpt from a recent academic paper, an article, etc.)
• 2-3 References (i.e. a past employer, professor, TA, volunteer supervisor, etc.) - please include name, contact information and brief affiliation only, i.e., "how do they know you?" This is NOT a request for a letter of recommendation.
• Please share your fall quarter commitments (academic, extracurricular, and jobs) to give us an idea of your general availability. Office hours and events are generally scheduled Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm.
  
  
  

Internship Testimonials

Lily Flick, 4th Year Global Studies & Arabic Major 

"As a UCLA Burkle Intern I was exposed to incredible experiences within the field of International Relations that I wouldn’t encounter anywhere else. Several high points include organizing high level events, interacting with diplomats, politicians, and other experts in the field, and learning from the incredible center leaders: Kal, Alexandra, and Stacey. I had the opportunity to pursue my interests while also diversifying my experiences, learning something new with each office shift, book talk, signature lecture, or career panel. In addition, I felt incredibly supported by my fellow interns, with whom I found a small community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about pursuing a future in international relations."

Jakob Franco, 4th Year International Development Studies Major & Linguistics Minor

"Through my experience with the Burkle Center, I have had the invaluable opportunity to meet a variety of scholarly, political, and business leaders in the field of international relations. I have also grown tremendously in a professional capacity through my work in event planning, speaker outreach, and marketing."

Mischa Gureghian Hall, 2nd Year Global Studies Major

"My experiences as a Burkle Center intern have been a defining part of my academic and professional journey. Through the Center's events and programs, I have enjoyed unparalleled opportunities to meet and engage with experts and leaders in international relations, foreign policy, and human rights. This internship, moreover, offered me the chance to become close to a cohort of other undergraduate students who shared similar passions and work to organize high-quality programming driven by our own areas of interest in international relations. The Burkle Center's leadership has furthermore been incredibly supportive of my—and other interns'—aspirations and goals outside of the internship. This internship program is unique among undergraduate opportunities, both on and off campus, and significantly bolstered my confidence in pursuing a career in international affairs."

Ella Haythorne, 4th Year Political Science Major & Spanish Minor

"I applied to be a Burkle Center Intern in the hope that I would be able to develop my passion for international relations in a professional setting. This year my interest has reached new heights, as through this internship I have had the opportunity to connect with speakers who are leaders and experts in their field and be a part of thought-provoking discussions on some of the most important issues we face today."

Jess Margulies, 4th Year Global Studies Major

"Through my internship with the Burkle Center, I've had the opportunity to gain practical experience in the field of international relations. I've had the chance to meet and learn from some of the brightest minds in the field, expanding my interests and goals. Being part of organizing high-level events and promoting the center's work has been an invaluable experience."

Matthew Orihuela, 3rd Year Political Science Major

"My time at the Burkle Center was, without a doubt, one of the highlights of my college career and an experience that is difficult to find elsewhere as an undergraduate. Through interacting with diplomats, politicians, and some of the leading experts in global issue areas, my interest in the field of international relations has only been broadened. Further, actively engaging in the complexities of event planning and community outreach greatly strengthened my management and organizational skills. I was grateful to grow close with a group of like-minded interns and to feel supported by the Center's leaders, who truly value the student perspective."