June 25, 2014

Intern Profile: Neil Rutherford ’16

Meet Neil Rutherford ’16, an international affairs major and intern at the Institute for the Study of War.

Neil Rutherford ’16
Major: International affairs
Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Can you tell us what you’re doing this summer? What are your basic duties as an intern?

This summer I will be interning at the Institute for the Study of War. I will be conducting research from open source material to support analysts and using Palantir, an advanced analytical software program, to conduct analysis. In addition, I will be assisting with editing, documenting, and supporting materials for products published by the Institute for the Study of War, as well as providing event support.

How has Lewis & Clark supported you in the process of finding, securing, and funding your internship?

I received the Stephanie Fowler and Irving Levin Summer Internship Award through the Career Development Center. Because I am participating in an unpaid internship, this money will go a long way toward helping me cover my living expenses over the summer. Living in the eighth most expensive city in the United States isn’t cheap! My professors and the registrar were also very helpful in getting me college credit for my hard work over the summer. Finally, the Career Development Center gave me very helpful tips on how to interview successfully.

How do you see this internship leading to a career in your chosen field and aiding in your overall career development?

This will be a great opportunity for me to pursue my goals in the U.S. Department of State, as I am learning how to use useful software and analyze data. In addition, the knowledge that I will gain and the connections I will make by talking to others in the office will most likely prove invaluable to my future. Finally, this hands-on experience is giving me a great introduction into the professional world.

The Stephanie Fowler and Irving Levin Summer Internship Award was established by Stephanie Fowler MA ’97 and Irving Levin, generous donors committed to ensuring that Lewis & Clark students are able to have meaningful and enriching summer internship experiences. 

Career Development International Affairs