Application FAQ

First and foremost, we look for an interest in foreign policy and a desire to learn. Our meetings, research, and discussion focus on events around the world and how they impact the United States’ foreign policy objectives. We look for members who will be present in our meetings, engaged in their research, and active in these discussions in MFPC and around campus. 

MFPC is a great space for prospective members looking to engage in a foreign policy/writing community. The majority of work in MFPC is done in groups, so great communication skills are essential. As we produce a research journal each semester, successful applicants display their ability to adhere to deadlines and work in tighter timelines. 

Prior writing/research experience is not required, but those with experience are recommended to apply to the editing committee or policy proposal roles. Our goals to learn about foreign policy and exercise research skills work in tandem, so any interested applicant regardless of experience is encouraged to apply!

Freshmen are eligible to apply to be researchers and editors. For those without prior research experience, it is recommended that you apply to a research position for your first semester. Freshmen with prior research experience and displayed writing skills are encouraged to apply for editor as well.

Our application includes a short foreign policy-related writing sample, requiring 250-400 words describing a foreign policy issue you are passionate about and what its implications for U.S. foreign policy may be. The FP part of the application is your chance to show us your writing skills and your policy interests abroad. This is not a prescriptive piece, there is no need to recommend a final policy outcome, nor to predict the outcome of the foreign policy issue as a whole. We want to see a little of your own analysis on the event and its wider impact on U.S. foreign policy goals. 
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To get started, read the news! There is always something happening in the world across all regions and topics. Look at events that aren’t discussed as widely in the media. (We know Russia is invading Ukraine, and likely what this means for U.S. foreign policy). For analysis, think about the research topics MFPC focuses on: how will this conflict affect policy decisions in each of those sectors? You don’t need to talk about each of them in your response, but it’s a good way to get the thoughts flowing. Your writing focus should be as much on analysis as possible: we recommend you reserve about 150 words for context, and the rest be dedicated to analysis.

This is a short piece: focus on clear and concise writing to drive your point home, and varying on one’s prior knowledge of their topic of choice, this may take one to two hours to complete. We love seeing our applicants’ foreign policy interests!

‍**No need to include citations**

Practice your elevator pitch! This is a one to two minute description of who you are and how (in this case) MPFC fits into your interests. U of M provides many educational resources for elevator pitches, some of which can be found here. Practice with a friend, in a mirror, or in a solo zoom room!

Think about how MFPC and the research topics you prefer fit into your college experience. We look for members to be invested in their research projects, and it’s much more enjoyable to read and write when one has a passion for their topic! 

Have one to two professional stories in the back of your head ready to apply to questions. Academic group projects, previous part-time/full-time jobs, and volunteer experience are good examples to consider.