Name: Peyton Davis
Class Year: 2026
Major: International Studies, Minor: Spanish
Hometown: Catonsville, MD
Internship Organization: Baltimore Council on Foreign Affairs
Internship Title: Research & Outreach Intern
Location: Baltimore, MD
What's happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!
I'm working at the Baltimore Council on Foreign Affairs, which is essentially an organization that aims to provide people with knowledge on international relations, access to experts on pressing issues, and opportunities to enter critical discussion. We host monthly speaker events, where ambassadors, public service officials, and the like address our audience. Last month, we hosted five Belarusian dissidents who spoke on their experiences of political persecution. My tasks vary and include anything the council needs assistance with, but I have primarily conducted research on areas dealing with humanitarian crises and forced displacement, participated in event planning and execution, and outreach to increase our visibility. I'm also engaged in marketing and strategic communications in order to engage our members and the wider community. It's really amazing because there are so many opportunities to propose and lead new initiatives - I think that can be rare as an intern, so I'm very grateful.
Why did you apply for this internship?
I applied for this internship because I intend on working in foreign affairs in the future, and this internship seemed like the perfect opportunity to add a new dimension to my academic learning. I'm fascinated by the ways that the world's political gears spin, and I wanted to place myself in rooms where I could get a glimpse. I was aiming to work at some sort of council, so when I discovered the opportunity to engage with the world in my hometown, I was excited to get to work.
Was there anything special about how you found this internship?
I applied to lots of internships on Handshake and other sites, but this internship didn't actually have an active posting. Since I knew the type of organization I wanted to work for, I researched and came upon the Baltimore Council. I couldn't find much information on their internship offerings, so I called and spoke with the person who later became my supervisor. After inquiring and pitching myself, the application process started per usual. I'm so glad I didn't limit my options to active listings - this opportunity was right there, I just had to dig a little deeper to find it.
What is most rewarding about your internship?
The most rewarding part of my internship is a two-part answer. Firstly, the people that I work with. It has been such an honor to work closely with my supervisors and the council president; I learn so much from every conversation with them. I deeply value their advice and mentorship. I'm also appreciative of working on a small team where everyone is dedicated and hands-on. Everyone comes to every meeting with ideas and passion, and I've learned that I can make my voice heard without feeling as though I am silencing others. Secondly, the people I have met through speaker events. By walking around the room afterwards, I have met so many intelligent experts and attendees I likely never would have otherwise. Earlier this month, I spoke to a young woman, barely older than me, who spent two years in jail in Belarus. We're now friends on Instagram. I feel so privileged to be in spaces with such resilient and thoughtful people.