Miguel Eusse | Internship Spotlight

Miguel Eusse, Class of 2016

1. Where and with whom did you do your internship?
   My internship was in Washington, DC, at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) under the Project on Prosperity and Development (PPD) in collaboration with the Project on US Leadership in Development (USLD).
2. What were your primary responsibilities?
   My primary responsibility was as a research assistant. My background research and policy briefs were used in the development of articles, conferences, and later publications. I covered multiple topics including the economic involvement of China in Africa and Latin America; bilateral investment treaties between the U.S. and potential countries; development policies for the Northern Triangle; US infrastructure investment abroad; and various topics regarding institutional investors, private equity, and trade with and within Africa. In addition, I was also able to work on research of personal interest for later publication in the office’s blog. Every week in the research meeting I was in charge of delivering research proposals that linked international trade and trade capacity building with development. I also helped put together various events including a round table to discuss the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
3. Which of your previous classes or learning experiences were most useful to you during the internship?
   Without a doubt, International Development in Theory and Practice was helpful, as well as Quantitative Methods for Policy Analysis, Field Research Methods, and Global Economy. But the discipline and robustness of the research skills provided by the Bush School were of the most help.
4. What were the highlights or most important learning opportunities from your internship experience?
   The work we did was definitely influential. Besides publications, the diffusion stage of the projects included round tables, and work groups with key actors in public policy and the private sector. The opportunity to improve my research skills and writing was immensely valuable as well as the liberty to propose my own ideas and help shape the direction of projects and always put my touch to the different outputs. It was interesting that by not having any regional focus I was able to cover countries and topics to a greater extent. Networking opportunities were tremendous since there was a direct report between bosses, supervisors, and interns. We were considered and appreciated as valuable assets to the program.
5. Do you have any advice for first year Bush School students who may be applying for an internship for this summer?
   The Mosbacher scholarship gives an opportunity that is hard to find elsewhere. I advise incoming students to use the resources of the Bush School and the proximity we have with faculty members. Also build a bridge between your personal goals and the Mosbacher Institute’s. Use the scholarship for personal advancement and contact making, but also to spread the values, research, and purposes of the Institute.