I am writing to extend my deepest thanks for the support provided by the Davies Family Arts International Internship Award, which enabled me to complete an impactful internship at Carnegie Europe in Brussels from June 10 to July 31, 2024. As a U3 student at Âé¶čAV, double majoring in Economics and Political Science, and as a French person who aspires to a political career in Europe, this experience has been pivotal in shaping my academic and professional trajectory.
My decision to pursue this international internship was driven by a strong desire to gain direct experience in European policy analysis and international relations, particularly within the European Union's global interactions. Carnegie Europe, as the European center of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, is a leading think tank focused on European policy and international affairs. Established to provide in-depth analysis and policy recommendations on Europeâs role in global affairs, Carnegie Europe conducts extensive research on issues such as European Union governance, foreign policy, and security. As part of the broader Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, which is one of the oldest and most respected international relations think tanks globally, Carnegie Europe leverages its position to influence both European and global policymakers. This institution provided an unparalleled environment for engaging with critical issues, such as EU foreign relations, international security, and economic policies, which resonate deeply with my career ambitions of pursuing a political career in Europe.
During my internship, I had the privilege of working under the mentorship of Ms. Lizza Bomassi, the Deputy Director at Carnegie Europe, and assisting Ms. Pavi Prakash Nair, a Research Assistant. I contributed to various significant projects, such as analyzing Appleâs decarbonization strategy, researching the evolving relationship between the EU and Taiwan, and preparing a joint paper titled âUnpacking the Tensions: Understanding EU Policies to Advance Supply Chain Resilience.â These experiences not only deepened my understanding of European policy, but also allowed me to hone my research and analytical skills in a professional setting.
One of the most significant projects I worked on was drafting a political brief for a roundtable at the European Council focused on strategies to avoid conflict in East Asia. This task required a detailed synthesis of complex geopolitical dynamics between the EU, Taiwan, and China, which was both challenging and rewarding. It was particularly difficult because I only had four days to do all the research and write the 10 pages on a subject I had yet to learn about beforehand. Additionally, I developed a comprehensive analysis of ongoing negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the EU and India, focusing on technology, cybersecurity, and climate change.
My academic background in Economics and Political Science was integral to successfully completing these tasks. The theoretical knowledge I have acquired at Âé¶čAV provided a solid foundation for the practical analysis I conducted at Carnegie Europe. Furthermore, this internship allowed me to bridge the gap between theory and practice, applying my academic skills to real-world international policy issues.
The financial support from the Davies Family Arts International Internship Award was essential in making this experience possible. It covered my living expenses in Brussels, allowing me to focus entirely on my internship and maximize the learning opportunities it offered. I am deeply grateful for your generosity, which has significantly contributed to my academic and career development.
In closing, I would like to once again express my sincere appreciation to the Âé¶čAV International Experience Awards founders and the Davies Family for making this incredible experience possible and to Your support has profoundly impacted my future, and I am genuinely thankful for the opportunities this internship has provided.
