Leadership on MSU’s debate team helped a 2002 graduate become the first person from the university - and only the sixth ever - to land a prestigious Washington, D.C., internship at a nonprofit think tank.
Austin Carson, who graduated with a degree in international relations, begins the yearlong William J. Taylor Jr. Internship from the Center for Strategic & International Studies in September.
The center researches and writes about national issues for government leaders and publishes The Washington Quarterly.
Carson, who is working as a debate instructor in Washington, said he came to MSU because of the debate program.
“Debate gives you a wide variety of research skills and exposes you to a great many subject areas across a great many disciplines, from government to academia,” he said in a written statement.
Mike Eber, MSU debate team interim director, said Carson’s experience in James Madison College helped his chances.
“You could be a great student and not get this, or you could be a great debater and not get this,” Eber said.
Carson was both, and that’s why he was chosen for the internship, Eber said.
Alex Lennon, The Washington Quarterly’s editor in chief, chose Carson from five finalists. Those finalists, he said, were selected from the top 16 debate teams in the country - which include MSU.
Carson helped lead the debate team to several prominent victories this past year.
He will perform research and administrative duties for the group’s international security program, Lennon said.
Stephanie Kaplan, director of the international security program, said she is looking forward to being Carson’s boss in September.
“We’re excited to have him on board the international security team,” she said.
Kaplan said Carson will assist other researchers by investigating topics such as defense strategy and American leadership in the 21st century.
Eber said Carson’s debate experience was a big part of why he was selected.
“Austin was kind of our team captain,” Eber said. “He didn’t come into the debate team being the most talented or successful debater in the country, but he worked hard.”
