Major: Government
Minor: African & African American Studies (AAAS)
Term of Internship: Summer 2025
Position Title: Diplomatic Analyst
Institution Name: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic
Internship Location: Pretoria, South Africa
Career Community: Government, Law & Policy

What did you do during your internship, (projects, duties, responsibilities, etc.)?

• Researched Kenya and Angola’s political context to generate the 2025 Commercial Section brief for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, synthesizing scholarly literature and think‑tank analysis to strengthen accuracy
• Coordinated education‑cooperation planning by researching university programs to support a South African – Dominican government scholarship partnership
• Supported the Ambassador and Minister‑Counselor with verbal and written briefings; translated and drafted notes for bilateral meetings, including follow-up meeting of the 1st UN Tourism Africa & Americas Summit, ensuring clear communication between delegations
• Planned with the administration full visit protocol for the Dominican Republic’s Minister of Industry, Trade and SMEs, first ministerial visit to the Embassy in 20 years—and drafted aide‑mémoire for the 2025 G20 Summit

How did you find this opportunity?

In 2023, I was an intern at the Dominican Republic’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations. I met a lot of diplomats and other interns whose parents work for the Dominican Republic’s Foreign Service. One of my best friends from the internship in 2023 [to] 2024 was assigned as an ambassador to the Embassy in South Africa, so I contacted the ambassador, and we developed an internship program based on her previous experience with interns in the Organization of American States and what I saw in New York during my internship. In 2025, we finalized the entire process; following interviews and a study of my credentials, they decided to offer me the [position] in the Mission as the first intern.

What skills did you employ and develop the most at your internship?

Time management, as well as my trilingual skills for translating in meetings or interacting with other diplomats inside or outside the embassy. Writing skills and research. Most African government websites lack an adequate base, making it more difficult to find information. It was fascinating because [it] was like a challenge but super worth [it] and rewarding. When working at an embassy, everything is based on protocols; if I were to compare a country’s foreign service to something, it would have to be the military.  Because everyone has a rank, and one must respect it.

Did this internship change or reaffirm your plans for the future? If so, how?

Yes, this internship [reaffirmed] my minor, AAAS.

What academic, extracurricular, and/or professional experiences at and outside of Dartmouth prepared you for this experience?

I participated in Dickey Center programs such as Great Issues Scholar during my freshman year and as a student programming assistant at the Rockefeller Center. In high school, I participated in many debates in the British Parliament format and Model United Nations.

What was your biggest takeaway from this internship?

I started studying African history classes in my freshman year without realizing I was laying the groundwork for this job. I believe that even if you don’t know what you’re doing now, you’ll find it out later; just be passionate and perform well in everything you set for yourself, and the rest will fall into place.

What advice do you have for other students looking for internships in this field?

Start networking with your lecturers and peers by sending emails. The most essential thing is to be willing to try things that attract you. Additionally, use your coursework as a strategic starting point for whatever opportunity you are seeking.