Human Rights Watch

Digital Division Intern

June - July 2019 • New York City, NY

What I liked

Human Rights Watch is very intentional about providing interns a range of interesting learning opportunities. Every week, interns can take advantage of speaker series events where they learn about researchers and staff within the organization. Additionally, there are skill building workshops, intern bonding events, and occasional field trips, such as visiting local criminal court hearings to understand the importance of contemporary bond reform. The staff are extremely supportive and genuinely care about providing interns a rich learning experience.

What I wish was different

Advice

This internship is really what you make of it. It is incumbent on the intern to take initiative to develop their own projects and make the most of their time there. This is a great opportunity for self starters because it is easy to have free time. When designing new projects, the staff are encouraging and a great resource throughout.

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Research Intern

August - September 2018 • New York City, NY

What I liked

The nature of the work that I was involved in was very inspiring and overwhelming at the same time. Documenting human rights violations in various areas is certainly pressuring but also makes you more responsible and motivated to do your work. I learned so much from my experience -- from my research and the staff, to an extent that I am now considering a career in law.

What I wish was different

I wish there were more interns at the office during the time I was there. Since I started late, many of the interns were gone or almost finished. Other than that, though, I had the most fantastic experience I could dream of.

Advice

Remember that what you are doing in front of your screen is important to someone that is living the hardest of lives somewhere far away.

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Children's Rights Division Intern

May - July 2018 • New York City, NY

What I liked

The ability to work on projects independently and to have the opportunity to research and assist in projects that were of interests to me and aligned with my professional goals.

What I wish was different

I wished that the office climate was more vibrant and collaborative; I felt at many times that I didn't have as many opportunities to work with others as I would have liked.

Advice

I think everyone should try to experience living in a large city if they have the ability. I had never lived in a city prior to my experience this summer and it was a great learning experience inside and outside of the office.

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West Africa Division Intern

January - August 2019 • Washington, DC

What I liked

The work environment was very positive, and I could always rely on my associate to give positive feedback on my work. At a big organization such as Human Rights Watch it's easy to feel like your work has no impact, but I got to see first-hand the results of the research I conducted and some of the drafts that I prepared. Even with the smaller tasks I performed I knew that it would make some sort of a difference in the grand scheme of things.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Children's Rights Division Intern

June - July 2017 • New York City, NY

What I liked

We were allowed to pursue projects of interest in addition to the assignments we were given over the course of the summer. The office was very welcoming and people were always willing to talk and share their experiences if they had the time.

What I wish was different

I wish the internship was longer so I could have engaged in more work, especially work that supplemented my main project of the summer.

Advice

Make sure to connect with as many people in the office as early as possible. They all have really great, diverse backgrounds and helpful insight into the industry. It was also amazing to learn from them!

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