Political science student gains global experience at the United Nations

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — For Ahmed Al Saleh, a fourth-year Penn State student majoring in political science with dual nationality in Morocco and Kuwait, the dream of working in international diplomacy began long before he arrived at Penn State. From the time he was a child, he was captivated by global events.

“Since a very young age, I have been deeply interested in the world of politics and diplomacy,” Al Saleh said. “I remember that instead of wanting to watch cartoons, I preferred watching the news or reading about what was happening in the world that day. Over time, this curiosity turned into a passion for understanding how nations interact and how decisions made in conference rooms can shape people’s lives.”

That lifelong curiosity ultimately brought him to Penn State, he said, where he chose to major in political science because of the University’s strong academic reputation and world-class faculty.

“I chose Penn State for its highly regarded political science department and its distinguished faculty members who are experts in their fields,” he said. “It felt like the right place to learn not only the theories behind politics but also the practical skills needed to work in this field.”

This past summer, Al Saleh had the opportunity to translate his academic studies into real-world experience through an internship with the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Morocco at the United Nations (U.N.) in New York City. There, he assisted senior diplomats in their day-to-day activities, helping to draft reports and summaries for high-ranking officials.

“I also collaborated with various U.N. bodies, including the Security Council and the General Assembly, as well as multiple NGOs on issues of international importance,” Al Saleh said. “Every day was different. Sometimes I was responsible for taking detailed notes during meetings; other times, I had the opportunity to serve as the representative for the Mission.”

A typical day for Al Saleh began at 8:30 a.m. with a meeting alongside his superiors to review the day’s objectives. The rest of the day was filled with committee meetings, negotiations and briefings that often stretched into the evening. The pace was demanding and the expectations were high, but, Al Saleh said, he thrived in the environment.

He said one of the defining moments of his internship came when he was selected to deliver a speech before the Third Committee of the U.N. General Assembly, which deals with social, humanitarian and cultural issues.

“My speech in front of the Third Committee was truly the highlight of my internship,” Al Saleh said with pride. “It was both an honor and a very nerve-racking experience to represent the mission and deliver a statement before delegates from around the world. When I finally stood at the podium, I felt a deep sense of pride and responsibility, knowing that my words reflected my country’s position on an important issue. That moment strengthened my passion for diplomacy and international affairs.”

Despite his enthusiasm, the internship was not without challenges, Al Saleh said. Working at the U.N. meant keeping up with an ever-changing environment, where global discussions could shift rapidly, and new issues emerged every day.

“One of the main challenges I faced was keeping up with such a fast-paced environment,” Al Saleh said. “Each day at the U.N. involved processing a large amount of information and attending multiple meetings on different topics. At first, it was overwhelming, but I learned to stay organized, take clear notes and manage my time effectively. I also made sure to take short breaks and reflect on what I learned each day to avoid burnout and stay focused.”

Through that process, Al Saleh said, he discovered a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of diplomacy.

“There is far more happening behind the scenes than what we see in the news,” he said. “Every speech, vote and statement is the result of long hours of negotiation, preparation and collaboration among diplomats and delegations.”

To make his experience possible, Al Saleh received enrichment funding through the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network, which, he said, helped him cover the cost of a week’s rent in New York, one of the most expensive cities in the world. The funding, combined with his determination, allowed Al Saleh to fully immerse himself in his work without worrying about logistical barriers.

“The enrichment funding given by Liberal Arts alumni is a very useful tool that enables students to take full advantage of their opportunities,” Al Saleh said. “Without that support, experiences like this could be much harder to access for many students. These programs are incredibly important, especially for internships in expensive cities like New York.”

Al Saleh said his coursework in political science provided the intellectual foundation for his experience.

“Writing policy drafts and research papers in class taught me how to analyze complex topics, identify the most relevant information and summarize it clearly,” he said. “Even though the structure of U.N. reports was different, the skills I developed in critical thinking, concise writing and understanding global issues helped me adapt quickly and contribute effectively.”

He emphasized that nearly every political science course he took at Penn State had real-world applications.

“Each course offered something useful whether it was understanding international relations, analyzing policy or improving my writing and research skills,” he said. “I could relate at least one element from every class to what I experienced during my internship, which made the connection between theory and practice much clearer.”

Al Saleh’s time at the U.N. taught him lessons that extended far beyond the technical skills of diplomacy, he said.

“First, I gained a deep respect for people and cultures from all around the world,” he said. “Working in such a diverse environment taught me the importance of listening, understanding and finding common ground even when opinions differ.”

He said he also learned the importance of persistence and professionalism.

“With hard work and dedication, you can earn the trust and respect of those around you, even in high-pressure environments,” he said. “This experience showed me that persistence and professionalism truly open doors in international diplomacy.”

Looking back, Al Saleh said he is most proud of the work ethic and dedication he displayed throughout the internship.

“I made it my mission to complete every task to the best of my ability and consistently tried to go above and beyond what was expected,” he said. “My dedication was recognized by several ambassadors, which was incredibly rewarding. Being able to deliver a speech at the United Nations was something I could have never imagined and remains one of the proudest moments of my life.”

The experience solidified Al Saleh’s desire to continue pursuing a career in diplomacy.

“I’m actively searching for jobs in international relations and government relations,” he said. “This internship made me realize how much I enjoy this line of work and confirmed that this is the path I want to pursue after graduation. I hope to contribute to meaningful policy and diplomatic work in the future.”