Hi Giulio, could you introduce yourself? Tell me where you are from, what your educational background is, if you had any prior work experience before your internship at HCSS?
Hey, my name is Giulio! I originally come from Rome, Italy, but I have been living in the Netherlands for the past four years. I first moved here to pursue my bachelor’s degree at University College Maastricht (UCM), an interdisciplinary, research-based program where I delved into subjects as diverse as Sociology, War Studies, Chinese Foreign Policy, and Latin American History. At UCM, I began to realize my great passion for academic research and my deep investment in international relations, specifically the dynamics of conflict and great power competition. While in Maastricht, I contributed as author and editor for my university’s independent magazine, building on previous journalistic experience I had in Italy. During my bachelor’s, I also had the incredible opportunity to spend a semester abroad in the United States, at the University of Maryland (UMD). This unique experience cemented my fascination for global politics. I had the chance to visit Washington D.C.’s world-renowned institutions, expand my knowledge of American History and US-China competition, and actively participate as a member of the UMD College Democrats, a student organization that set up workshops, debates, and seminars on US foreign and domestic policy. Currently, I am pursuing a master’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from Leiden University, furthering my interest in global security and geopolitics. Before coming to HCSS, I felt that my limited journalistic experience and predominantly academic background might have been an obstacle to obtaining the internship. The only other job I had was as a food runner at a restaurant here in The Hague. However, during the interview process, I realized how HCSS truly values the passion and interest you can demonstrate. I explained how my brief experience in the service industry attuned me to important aspects of any professional work environment and how my journalistic and event-organization experience testified to my lifelong interest in politics and security. And I guess it worked!
Can you describe your time as a general intern? What specific projects/tasks were you involved in?
The first thing I say to my friends and family when they ask me this question is that I learn more at HCSS in a single day than I do outside of work in an entire month. This is because the diverse data gathering, data analysis and writing tasks that you are assigned with are extremely valuable in both expanding your general knowledge of international politics, as well as honing more practical skills that may be useful for the future. At the beginning of every week, you are allocated to one or more Strategic Analysts and assist them with the projects that they are currently working on. Tasks may include background research, methodology construction, data visualization, proof-reading, editing and sometimes even writing. Personally, I have worked on a vast array of fascinating topics, ranging from the influence of topography on military success and failure in the Ukrainian War, to the geostrategic significance of the Caribbean Netherlands. Coming from an interdisciplinary academic background, I really appreciated being able to delve into such a wide breadth of topics, but most importantly I felt as if the analysts genuinely cared about my interests and assigned me to projects accordingly. Many of the things I worked on were also completely unknown to me, but this aspect just made them all the more exciting to delve into! For example, at the beginning of my internship, I had to categorize Soviet-era and US weapons, learning about different models of ammunition, artillery, and missiles. I thought I would not particularly excel at this project given my limited knowledge around the subject, but it turned out to be one of the most interesting things I worked on during my time at HCSS! This experience taught me how much there is to learn within the field, and how working at this company allows you to tread outside of your comfort zone in the best way possible. As general interns, we also helped organize two fascinating events, one on the future of NATO and the other on the economy of Taiwan, in which we had the chance to hear from distinguished guests, network with professionals from the field, and take on significant organizational responsibilities. I think that shows how many opportunities for dynamic learning there are here at HCSS.
That’s great to hear! What did you enjoy the most about your internship?
What I enjoyed most about the internship was being able to personally connect with and professionally learn from some of the smartest and kindest people I have ever met. I think this was possible only because of the horizontal hierarchy that exists at HCSS: roles are well-defined, but everyone truly respects and values everyone else, and an intern with a question or interest can always set up a meeting or politely go up to a Senior Analyst and ask for some advice. This aspect really struck me as something innovative and beneficial, which stimulated collaboration, open dialogue and mutual respect. Indeed, my drive to learn and give the best I had depended in large part on the exceptional people that surrounded me. Firstly, my fellow interns: each with their own unique interests but also infinitely curious to learn more. Having such a big cohort of peers was truly a privilege: everyone constantly helped each other out by providing fresh ideas and constant support. Plus, the after-work borrels didn’t hurt. Secondly, the analysts I had the fortune of working with, were individually very different from one another but all equally professional and extremely well-prepared. It was truly a wonderful opportunity to be able to understand how people with so much experience structure their research and organize their work. I always found myself struck by their sharpness and depth of character but also admired their approachability and humor. This was important to me not only because I could absorb the extensive knowledge they shared, but also because I felt like I could genuinely connect with them on a human level. Finally, I am very grateful to my mentors Paul and Benedetta. From the very first day, they guided me personally and professionally throughout my whole journey at HCSS, providing me with an immense amount of help and support not only academically, but also personally. In general, I really admire how much interns are cared for within the internship. Being able to go out to lunch with your mentor every month is a really lighthearted and clever way to reflect on your internship experience, with the added bonus of great company and a free lunch!
Given that you’ve gone through this process yourself, what advice would you have for future interns that are thinking of applying?
First and foremost, I would say work hard on your application. It is the very first impression you will make, so research the company thoroughly, understand its philosophy, its projects, and its people, and make sure that the writing sample you send is a high-quality product which fairly reflects your academic interests as well as the effort you are willing to put into them. If you manage to get an interview, my advice is to be relaxed and authentic: HCSS is full of unique personalities; what makes you stand out is also what will make you more interesting. During the internship, I would say really make use of all the opportunities that are given to you. Attend the workshops that HCSS organizes (we had several on coding and academic writing, which were extremely useful); make use of the opportunity that HCSS offers to write your own personal research that can be published on their website (the so-called ‘Snapshot’); and talk to people who you share interests with, because they probably have an amazing book, movie, documentary or idea to share with you! I would also say that HCSS is the perfect place to explore skills you think you may lack. Given its interdisciplinary blend of qualitative and quantitative research methods, HCSS is both a place where you can get more creative by using graphic design websites such as Canva, but also a data-driven think tank where you can improve your analytical skills through the use of programs such as Excel. Finally, ask a lot of questions, because your colleagues will always be willing to answer them with a smile, and share your ideas, because as researchers, the people around you are never tired of learning something new.
How would you say has joining HCSS shaped your future career aspirations?
Joining HCSS has made me realize that my passion truly is the field of international security. Adding onto that, it has enriched my knowledge with a vast array of technical details and taught me how to be a more nuanced, critical and informed researcher. Joining the company has definitely made me excited about a career in academia, policymaking, or even journalism! I absolutely love the intellectual buzz that comes along with a job like this. Most of all, HCSS has given me the opportunity to deepen those areas of interest that were still ill-defined in my mind, allowing me to meet renowned professionals (from university scholars to data scientists to army generals) and access a treasure trove of information that can better help me ponder my professional ambitions.
And finally, how would you describe your internship experience in three words?
Exciting. Gregarious. Insightful.
Exciting because of all the wonderful and brilliant people I had the chance to meet, listen to, and talk with, as well as because of the incredible amount of opportunities for personal and professional development that HCSS offers. Gregarious because of the open, respectful, fun but easygoing environment which characterized the office and that made going to work everyday something I genuinely looked forward to. Insightful because I have learned so much more about the world and about myself. I feel very fortunate to have been surrounded by such lovely people, as well has having had the chance to deepen my own interests in an intellectually stimulating environment.
This interview was conducted by HCSS Communications & Events Assistant, Stephanie Govaerts
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