Brandeis University Admissions

Tyler J. ’26

(he/him)

“Until I started my internship, much of the knowledge I had learned in the classroom remained theoretical. But when dealing with real-world events, all of the theory underlines current events.”

Exploring a passion for politics and Middle Eastern affairs

Tyler J. ’26, a politics and Near Eastern and Judaic Studies (NEJS) major, came to Brandeis to turn his passion for policy and international affairs into a career. Through coursework, faculty mentorship and hands-on learning opportunities, he’s gaining the real-world experience that will help him succeed in public service.

“Brandeis’ focus on academic excellence, its engaged student body and its commitment to social values drew me in,” he said.

Tyler’s studies in politics, policy and Middle Eastern affairs have shaped his career goals. He hopes to work as a security or intelligence analyst in government, specializing in Middle East affairs. With Brandeis’ faculty expertise and career support, he’s already taking steps toward that goal.

Gaining real-world experience: Internship at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies

Tyler recently interned at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, where he worked as a research intern in the Middle East Department. His role involved compiling data, drafting internal memos and assisting research fellows on critical policy projects.

This internship was a pivotal moment in his academic and professional journey.

“This experience confirmed to me that Middle East affairs isn’t just my area of study — it’s what I want to pursue as a career,” Tyler said. “I want to become an expert in this field through hands-on experience, whether in government or think tanks.”

The internship also sharpened his professional skills, giving him the chance to apply his Brandeis coursework to real-world policy research.

Bridging the gap between theory and practice

Tyler’s classroom experience at Brandeis prepared him for the internship in ways he didn’t expect.

“To even get accepted, I had to demonstrate proficiency in Middle East affairs and international relations — something I gained through coursework in international relations in my first year at Brandeis,” he explained.

His studies provided the knowledge base needed to contribute meaningfully, but the internship allowed him to see how academic concepts translate into real-world policy analysis.

“Before my internship, what I learned in classes remained theoretical. But once I was applying it to world events, I saw how everything fit together.”

Leveraging Brandeis’ resources and support

Tyler credits Brandeis’ small class sizes, dedicated faculty and strong career support for helping him land this opportunity.

“The personal relationships you build with professors have a profound impact — not just on your academic development, but also professionally when you need letters of recommendation or career guidance,” he says.

He also encourages students to take advantage of Brandeis’ Hiatt Career Center, which provides resources, networking opportunities and guidance to help students secure meaningful internships.