But an important segment of it took place at the first decentralized water utility in Venezuela, where Wulff worked on a summer internship after graduating from SAIS in May 1998. While primary emphasis is, of course, on academic excellence, SAIS also encourages students to consider whether an internship might significantly complement their coursework, and position them strategically for their ultimate job search.
Some students search out their own internships, while others are placed through internship programs.
As many students have found, internships can provide opportunities to hone technical skills, apply knowledge in a workplace setting, gain exposure to different fields and organizations, and develop strong professional networks for immediate and long-term goals. In short, internships can be key contributors to career development. For example, second-year SAIS student Denise Lofman was awarded a Vivi and Milton Jay Davidson Fellowship to support her internship with Oxfam Hong Kong's program in Vietnam. It gave me the practical skills that complement my education. Although SAIS students may undertake internships during both semesters in Washington, many find summer internships to be the most challenging and rewarding.