P OS S IB IL I T IES | A M A N D A L O U D I N
AT THE INTERNATIONAL TABLE
A unique internship opportunity gave this student firsthand experience in diplomacy — and insight into the Holy See Mission at the United Nations.
J
uggling a full load of classes while holding down
the applicant wants the position. “We then send the
a nine-to-five job is never easy, but when that job
applicants a report on an issue from the U.N., and
is being an intern at the United Nations, it can be
ask them to write a summary of it,” Father Knestout
particularly challenging. Maria Smutelovicova ’23
explains. “Then we interview the applicants and whittle
managed the juggling act like a pro.
the list down to 12.”
“Maria has a very strong work ethic and skill
set,” says Father Mark Knestout, attaché of the
The interview process generally involves a diplomat, a negotiator, a lawyer and Father Knestout,
Holy See Mission at the United Nations and director of
and dives into the applicants’ school life, faith
its internship program. “She’s bright and capable and
life, and knowledge of the U.N. At the end of the
was tasked with a good deal of responsibility.”
interviews, the Holy See selects eight students
Smutelovicova’s résumé shows why she was a good
for the internships.
fit for the internship: A double major in diplomacy and
10
international relations as well as modern languages,
Writing briefs on intense global affairs
she minored in Catholic studies. But she still had to
As an intern for the Holy See, Smutelovicova was
pass through a rigorous application process.
immersed in the daily operations of the U.N. Security
According to Father Knestout, the Holy See considers
Council. “We began every day with prayer and a staff
about 25 applications each semester from Seton Hall and
meeting at the mission,” she says, “where we decided
other universities internationally. Just getting to that
who would be covering what.”
step requires letters of recommendation from a professor
Her focus was covering Security Council meetings,
and a clergy member, along with a letter explaining why
which often involved talks of wars and peace building.
