Daniel Nikoula recently completed a transformative internship with NATO overseas, which provided valuable insights into international affairs and global security. Inspired by a sense of adventure and a desire to explore the world, he eagerly applied for the NATO internship program, recognizing it as an opportunity to live abroad and delve deeper into subjects he was interested in.
As an intern at the Political Advisor’s Office (POLAD) at Headquarters Allied Joint Force Command in Brunssum, in the Netherlands, Daniel worked closely with the Political Advisor, bridging the gap between the HQ’s military-focused work and the political context in which NATO operates. His responsibilities included delivering country briefings to NATO teams heading to partner countries, writing reports on political topics, and representing the Political Advisor during meetings.
This opportunity gave Daniel the chance to observe first-hand NATO’s strength in consensus decision-making, where consultations between member nations lead to decisions accepted by all. As well, the opportunity to work alongside colleagues from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds at NATO enriched his professional and personal growth.
Looking ahead, Daniel envisions applying the knowledge and skills acquired during this internship to his future career goals and aspirations. This experience emphasized the value of taking initiative and building relationships across teams and divisions. As he reflects on his time abroad, he’d like to thank the NPSIA professors who provided support and guidance throughout the internship process. With newly acquired confidence, skills and knowledge, Daniel is eager to embark on future endeavors.