How did you find the information? What did you prepare for the application process?
I attended the OECD Internship Info Session on April 19, 2023, and learned about fruitful pieces of information, including application procedure, requirements, the organization’s expectations on interns, and more. I also learned that GraSPP has a partnership with OECD on the partner institution selection process, and learned it could increase the chances of acceptance compared to general admission. With that information, when the school office delivered notice of the application for the OECD internship opportunity, I was ready to apply. I reviewed and reinforced my resume/CV and wrote a cover letter, focusing on the environmental field. Nishizawa sensei kindly consulted my documents before submission and gave feedback on my cover letter, which I was able to revise and submit to the OECD.
Which division were you assigned to? What were your tasks?
I worked at the Environment Directorate, Environment and Economy Integration (EEI) Division. My main task was to conduct literature reviews and background research on assigned projects, such as renewable energy permits and environmental impact valuation. It included collecting data, drafting reports and summary notes based on my research, and conducting basic data analysis and visualization. It also included preparing for regular meetings with delegates of member countries, such as making presentation slides and materials and writing meeting summary notes.
In addition, I was specifically asked to collect Korea’s data on certain projects, translate them into English, and proofread materials to be distributed in Korean. Other than these tasks, when the team needed help on different projects, I would be involved in supporting their research.
Please share your findings through the internship
Among the various lessons I learned, I was able to learn how to conduct systematic policy research. Based on what I learned during GraSPP, I had the opportunity to apply it to real cases and present an in-depth analysis on it. It was interesting to delve into member countries’ environmental policies and evaluate their impact and support in providing analytical implications for improvements to policymakers of member countries.
During the process, I learned to design and organize the report, the language of international organizations’ reports, and to write in the specific style of the OECD. I also had the chance to communicate with delegates from member states during meetings and events, and I was able to learn formal communication skills.
Not only with delegates, but I also communicated with other talented colleagues in different divisions and projects. They were very helpful when I faced difficulties and provided me with good advice on my future career paths, through which I was able to decide my next step more constructively.
How was your life in Paris?
I enjoyed my life in Paris. My internship was in perfect timing to enjoy the 2024 Paris Olympics, and it was fantastic to be in the city and get to watch some games, definitely a life-time experience. My colleagues were very nice and welcoming that they became more than just colleagues, but my great friends. I enjoyed most of my after-work events and holidays with my colleagues to go to nice places in the city and even for a short trip to other cities in France. I can say for sure, the people I met in Paris made my life so much more colorful and enjoyable.
Any advice for the students applying for the OECD internship?
When I was applying for the internship, I heard it is difficult to get into the OECD due to high competition and applications. Still, I thought ‘Let’s give it a shot! Who knows?’, and succeeded in getting a position. So, don’t give up and trust in your potential! It is true that OECD values data-based policy analysis; therefore, look for data skills, but it depends on the field and division of the organization.
Some interns are not required to have any data-related assets and are given tasks unrelated to data, while others do data-related work. Certainly, having data skills will be a plus, and in my case, the team and division had direct connection with economics, so having analytical skills was a great plus to me. Still, I was not given tasks of complex data analysis but simple ones, and if I ran into questions or difficulties, they were very willing to help me out and teach me.
So please don’t be too overwhelmed by evidence-based analysis, and be discouraged if you don’t have strong data analytical skills. Rather, try to convince with your skills and story based on your experience and strengths.
Hope more students from GraSPP make it to the OECD! Good luck😊