Working the Singapore Summit
By: Dakota Jones, CAS ’19
U.S. Embassy – Singapore
When I initially accepted my internship offer from the U.S. Embassy in Singapore, I had absolutely no idea that a summit between the U.S. and North Korea would be taking place. Needless to say, I was absolutely thrilled when the event was announced because it meant that I would have an opportunity to witness a historic moment in American diplomatic history – the summit served as the first meeting between a sitting U.S. president and a North Korean leader. The weeks leading up to the start of my internship were tumultuous because the status of the summit was uncertain because President Trump cancelled the meeting with Kim Jong-Un before subsequently announcing that it was scheduled to happen again. Despite the uncertainty, I was ultimately eager to begin work and play a role in a high-level diplomatic event.
During the summit itself, my main duties included handling and delivering baggage as well as assisting Embassy team members with various odd jobs. These duties were essential to ensuring that the summit ran smoothly. I was also lucky enough to engage in other incredibly exciting experiences as well; I got the chance to take multiple pictures with Air Force One as well as the presidential limo. The President and the Secretary of State also held a “Meet and Greet” event for all embassy employees (including interns) as well! Finally, after the conclusion of the summit, we also got the chance to pose for pictures at the venue where the talks were held. Overall, working on the Singapore Summit reinforced my desire to work on high-level international diplomacy. I truly enjoyed the work in spite of the long hours because I knew that I was contributing to an event that could potentially serve as a catalyst for peace in East Asia.
Now that the talks between the U.S. and North Korea have concluded, my focus has already started to shift towards the embassy’s next major event: the annual Fourth of July celebration at Gardens by the Bay. I am incredibly excited to begin working on processing invitations and playing a role in the organization of the event. The projects and events never stop at this embassy and I am excited to provide updates in a future blog post.
The Global Research and Internship Program (GRIP) provides outstanding undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to intern or conduct research abroad for 8 to 12 weeks over the summer. Participants gain career-enhancing experience and global exposure that is essential in a global workforce. Placements and funding awards are available.