Because the organization takes their internship program seriously, becoming a TIMEP intern means the institute and staff trust your work and value your opinion. My mentor and other members of the team expected me to conduct research at their level and would come to me with substantive questions about the project I was assigned to, instead of expecting me to make coffee or copies. In the saturated internship market in DC, I can’t stress enough how great being encouraged and empowered to do real work has been. The specialized research opportunities, large web of institutional contacts, fun work environment, and investment of my mentor in my professional development made my internship with TIMEP exceptional.

I am Middle East studies Major at George Washington University hoping to work with community groups in the region that focus on empowering marginalized communities. Looking specifically at events and trends in the region alongside experts who provide context and analysis has given me insight into the effects these events have on a country in transition. Having had the opportunity to be a TIMEP team member and benefit from my mentors here, I feel confidently that I will be able to understand and analyze in depth events on the ground in my future work.

TIMEP reinvented my entire understanding of effective research. My research consisted of reading and writing of course, but also of conducting interviews, asking many questions, and attending numerous external events … During this experience, I became a better writer, team player, and communicator. TIMEP transformed and broadened my scope and understanding of Egyptian politics, international politics, and Egypt’s involvement in global affairs. Most importantly, it reminded me that valuing the complexity of politics, culture, and history is one of the most crucial aspects to a researcher’s work.

My internship at the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy was an invaluable experience in many ways. Working for TIMEP helped me solidify my understanding of Middle Eastern politics and issues by allowing me to do first-hand research and create thoughtful analyses on hot-button issues. It also complemented my studies in International Relations by allowing me to take the big-picture concepts I’ve learned in my classes and directly apply them to my work at TIMEP.