Notes from the Field: Rocio Cara Labrador ’15

Rocio Cara Labrador ’15 is the Class of 1971 Named Intern for the 2015-2016 academic year. She interned at the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations during the 2016 winter term.

The delegation, which speaks for and facilitates cooperation among the national delegations of the 28 countries of the European Union, is part of the foreign service of the European Union and works to maintain bilateral and multilateral relations with the other Member States of the UN, as well as tackles pertinent global issues.

As an intern, Cara was given huge responsibilities that she earned from her high experience levels. She primarily wrote speeches and statements, but also composed briefings on topics such as peacekeeping operations--giving her the opportunity to work alongside the chief of staff and head of public diplomacy efforts.

Cara’s internship was filled with both rewarding and challenging times, which all proved to be a learning experience for her. One of her most gratifying moments was having one of her speeches delivered by her Ambassador almost verbatim to the UN General Assembly, which outlined the priorities of the European Union at the United Nations.

“It was rewarding to vicariously speak to Member States who can have an impact on the conflicts that afflict the world,” said Cara.

Throughout her time in the office, Cara learned to write and relay information in succinct and effective ways, and she learned to be aware of the nationalities and partisanship of the people she works with--both of which are undoubtedly skills she can use in future internships and jobs.  

Adapted from Cara Labrador's Internship Report by Niamé Daffé ’18, Student Program Assistant for Communications