ARSLA JAWAID
Apt. 6, 96 Mountfort Street, Boston, MA02215
(469) 682 2714
February 12, 2009
To Whom It May Concern
STRATFOR
700 Lavaca Street
Suite 900
Austin, TX78701
Dear Sir/Madam:
I am writing to express my interest in the Intern position available this summer at STRATFOR. I am a junior at BostonUniversity with a strong interest in terrorism development and foreign policy, and am confident that my background and qualifications are a good fit with your organization’s needs.
As my resume indicates, my International Relations focus falls in two major tracks: ‘Africa, the Middle East and South Asia’ and ‘Foreign Policy and Security Studies.’ I have spent my academic career indulging in classes which focus on sensitive and volatile regions such as the Middle East and South Asia. Terrorism and political instability have been recurrent themes throughout my area of study. These classes have pushed me to analyze and re-analyze issues and conflicts as they arise and question their background and repercussions for the entire region.Additionally, as an international student from Pakistan, I have travelled and understand the South Asia region very well.
STRATFOR’s fast paced approach and value placed on in-depth research greatly appeal to me as well. This environment sounds identical to the American Islamic Congress in Boston, where I gained research experience as a Civil Rights Associate. I first researched extensively on the different South Asian communities in the greater Boston area and managed to correspond with key figures in the community in efforts to increase membership of the Inter-faith Council. I then assisted the intern team in researching and identifying families of victims of suicide bombings in Afghanistan and Pakistan. I used my Urdu language skills to browse through leading newspapers, interviews and contacting various spokespersons. Lastly, I aided the team in contacting some families in the region in an effort to publish a report on the issue. Working to meet a tight deadline, evaluating data using extensive electronic and print media andunderstanding the intricacies of the matter helped to hone my communication, analysis and research skills.
As a Pakistani, the issue of intelligence gathering is very personal to me. I have often been interviewed, by on-campus publications, about the political situation in the country. By indulging in an internship, such as this offered by STRATFOR, I feel I can bring some personal awareness and understanding to the research and analysis process.
I welcome the opportunity to talk with you further about my qualifications, experience, and interest in STRATFOR. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you.
Sincerely,
Arsla Jawaid