You too can Intern at U.S. Embassy Seoul

[성김 대사]

Almost everyone will agree that an internship is a valuable opportunity for career development.  Starting with the term “apprentice” in 12^th-century Europe for those who wanted to learn from a master in a particular field, it has gradually evolved to today’s term of “internship.”  The terms may have changed, but the concept is the same: Learn from someone more experienced.

Since 2005, U.S. Embassy Seoul has been providing Korean students with wonderful internship opportunities.  The Embassy hires interns twice a year during students’ winter and summer breaks.  On average, more than 100 students apply for each season and the competition can be fierce.  Applicants need to pass a document screening and an oral interview with Embassy staffers.  After you pass this two-step process and a standard security clearance, you may gain the valuable experience of interning at the U.S. Embassy! 

With our bright winter student interns

Last week I had the opportunity to sit down with this winter’s Korean student interns.  To my surprise, right now we have 35 Korean interns working in the Embassy.  Our interns are smart, hard-working, full of great ideas, and do not take their responsibilities lightly.  In fact, being around them made me feel just a little old, but you can’t help but thrive off of their energy.  I did, however, give them a little advice.  I told them to always remember that participating in an internship program is a significant chance to learn and gain experience outside of textbooks. 

Sharing ideas with the interns

An Embassy internship can be an exciting experience.  We can satisfy just about anyone’s interests with internships in our various departments: political, economic, consular, public affairs, and more.  We even have regional internships at the Yeosu Expo and at our American Presence Post Busan. 

Each intern works as part of the team on exciting projects.  For example, our interns have participated in such recent events as “Ask the Ambassador” recordings, Real People Talking and English teaching programs.  I was quite amazed to find out that we have interns representing various majors from throughout Korea, and even a few from abroad!   

Reading the thoughtful card from the interns

At the end of our lunch, I received a priceless gift from our interns.  The interns prepared a special card for me with a personal message from each of them.  I told them that I was deeply touched by their words of encouragement and appreciation, and that I could easily spend a whole weekend reading it.    

If you are interested in becoming an intern at the U.S. Embassy, I encourage you to apply.  We have officially announced the details of our 2012 summer internship program.  You can apply until March 16 through the Embassy website at http://seoul.usembassy.gov/134_fnsip.html.  I hope that sometime this summer, I will be having lunch with you, too.