We are happy to follow up with our interview series with NKDB’s former interns. This time we would like to introduce you to Katie Sophie Gonser who interned in 2016. She agreed on sharing with us her meaningful experience and inspiring journey on North Korean human rights.
[Full interview]
Please introduce yourself briefly.
My name is Katie Sophie Gonser, I’m a PhD student in International Studies at the University of Washington and I interned at NKDB in 2016.
What did your tasks look like when you worked at NKDB?
I compiled reports on topics related to NKDB’s research, I helped organise NKDB's Monthly Briefing and Discussion on North Korean Human Rights, I worked on expanding NKDB's network of foreign contacts with relevant international organisations and overseas research institutions and I managed NKDB's social media accounts.
Can you share with us what you have been up to since your internship with NKDB? How has your journey evolved professionally and personally?
After interning at NKDB I worked at the UN in Geneva and then at the Freedom Fund (an NGO in London). Right now I’m finishing up my PhD at the University of Washington where I’ve been researching human rights and humanitarianism in North Korea.
Reflecting on your time with NKDB, what were some of the most valuable lessons or experiences you gained during your internship? How do you think you could apply these in your future endeavours?
I really admire all the activists I met working at NKDB, they’re so hard-working and passionate about what they do. Working at NKDB really helped me to understand how multidimensional human rights advocacy is: it’s not just about public campaigning but it’s also about gathering evidence and treating those who have experienced rights violations with dignity and compassion.
How do you believe your involvement with NKDB has influenced your understanding of North Korean human rights issues, and has it shaped your career aspirations or goals in any way?
My time at NKDB was a totally eye-opening experience. I began to learn about the complexity of the geopolitical context surrounding tensions with North Korea and I learned to appreciate the importance of methodical and systematic documentation of rights violations. It was my first experience applying what I’d learned studying human rights, and it left such an impression on me that I’ve continued to work on North Korean human rights ever since!
Looking back, what advice would you give to current or prospective interns interested in working with organisations focused on North Korean human rights or similar causes?
I highly recommend that anyone who’s interested in human rights to just go for it and intern at an NGO like NKDB! You might find your calling, or at the very least you’ll have an unforgettable experience.
We would like to thank Katie Sophie for sharing her experience with us and wish her all the best!
We are happy to follow up with our interview series with NKDB’s former interns. This time we would like to introduce you to Katie Sophie Gonser who interned in 2016. She agreed on sharing with us her meaningful experience and inspiring journey on North Korean human rights.
[Full interview]
Please introduce yourself briefly.
My name is Katie Sophie Gonser, I’m a PhD student in International Studies at the University of Washington and I interned at NKDB in 2016.
What did your tasks look like when you worked at NKDB?
I compiled reports on topics related to NKDB’s research, I helped organise NKDB's Monthly Briefing and Discussion on North Korean Human Rights, I worked on expanding NKDB's network of foreign contacts with relevant international organisations and overseas research institutions and I managed NKDB's social media accounts.
Can you share with us what you have been up to since your internship with NKDB? How has your journey evolved professionally and personally?
After interning at NKDB I worked at the UN in Geneva and then at the Freedom Fund (an NGO in London). Right now I’m finishing up my PhD at the University of Washington where I’ve been researching human rights and humanitarianism in North Korea.
Reflecting on your time with NKDB, what were some of the most valuable lessons or experiences you gained during your internship? How do you think you could apply these in your future endeavours?
I really admire all the activists I met working at NKDB, they’re so hard-working and passionate about what they do. Working at NKDB really helped me to understand how multidimensional human rights advocacy is: it’s not just about public campaigning but it’s also about gathering evidence and treating those who have experienced rights violations with dignity and compassion.
How do you believe your involvement with NKDB has influenced your understanding of North Korean human rights issues, and has it shaped your career aspirations or goals in any way?
My time at NKDB was a totally eye-opening experience. I began to learn about the complexity of the geopolitical context surrounding tensions with North Korea and I learned to appreciate the importance of methodical and systematic documentation of rights violations. It was my first experience applying what I’d learned studying human rights, and it left such an impression on me that I’ve continued to work on North Korean human rights ever since!
Looking back, what advice would you give to current or prospective interns interested in working with organisations focused on North Korean human rights or similar causes?
I highly recommend that anyone who’s interested in human rights to just go for it and intern at an NGO like NKDB! You might find your calling, or at the very least you’ll have an unforgettable experience.
We would like to thank Katie Sophie for sharing her experience with us and wish her all the best!