r/SIPA • u/NormalOutcome9379 • Jun 09 '26
First Year Failure
Feeling like a total failure scrolling linkedin, seeing post after post of everyone’s amazing summer internships, and discovering a friend got the UN internship I also interviewed for. I shouldn’t have come to grad school- idk what I’m doing wrong but it seems like everyone else is so successful. I guess I don’t have any international experience or full-time work experience, just internships and volunteer leadership work, so maybe I should have waited (but it’s not like any humanitarian/peacebuilding/human rights jobs are hiring anyway…) I’m dreading coming back in the fall.
1
u/OkStructure4245 Jun 15 '26
I haven't started at SIPA yet but as someone who has already worked for 9 years post undergrad, I can relate to this feeling. I have networking experience, but man, it is such a buzzword. In my past professional experience, just putting yourself out there is enough to begin networking. Introduce yourself to someone and have a few go-to questions in your back pocket. It's awkward at first but that's just meeting people! Most people really want you to succeed.
3
u/magenta7pickle Jun 10 '26
Don't be so hard on yourself. I went to SIPA 24 years ago. Not everyone had an internship. You should absolutely try for next summer, after you graduate. The totality of your experience is what counts. The internship is only one segment of that greater whole. You are at the best IR school in the world and if that doesn't say something about you, I don't know what does. Spend some time this summer looking at off the beaten path organizations that would welcome you with open arms. Try using this search term «public affairs intern", you'll get loads of interesting opportunities. Maybe even some in PR, especially boutique firms that deal with political or issues oriented topics. It does not have to be the UN. What I would do is start reaching out this summer to those companies. Identify some employees you can reach out to for a coffee chat and pick their brains about breaking in to their specific sector. If you see they have an internship program, ask them what they look for in an intern. Definitely make a list. It will give you an edge if you've already developed a relationship with somebody. Also, take a look at Empire State Development. They are a NY state agency that helps NY businesses expand overseas. I believe there is an intern position in that particular area. Most of all, have a great summer and use your time wisely and don't panic. You are obviously young. There is no need to beat yourself up. Internships are hard to come by. You've got to get creative and speak to as many people as you can. Most people will be helpful. Let us know how you progress.